How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Delaware

Are you interested in a career in healthcare that involves caring for patients and providing hands-on support? If you live in Delaware, becoming a certified nursing assistant or patient care technician (PCT) may be the perfect fit for you. PCTs play a vital role in the healthcare industry by assisting patients with daily living activities, ensuring their comfort and safety, and providing critical support to medical staff. In this article, we’ll explore how to become a certified patient care technician in Delaware, including eligibility requirements, the certification exam overview, registering for the certification exam, patient care technician programs in the state, salaries, job outlook, and career opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements for Certification Exam in Delaware

Before you can take the certification exam to become a patient care technician in Delaware, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

Having a high school diploma or GED
Completing a patient care technician training program or equivalent work experience
Possessing a valid government-issued identification

Certification Exam Overview

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) administers the certification exam for patient care technicians in Delaware. The exam covers various topics related to patient care, including medical procedures, vital signs, and infection control. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that you must complete within two hours. The passing score for the exam is at least 70%.

Registering for the Certification Exam in Delaware

To register for the certification exam, you need to follow these steps:

Visit the NHA website and create an account
Fill out the application form and submit it
Pay the exam fee, which is typically around $160

Patient Care Technician Programs in Delaware

Several patient care technician schools and programs are available in Delaware, including those offered by Delaware Technical Community College and other vocational schools in the state. These programs typically take 4-6 weeks to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

In addition to formal training programs, some hospitals and healthcare facilities in Delaware offer on-the-job training programs for patient care technicians. These programs provide valuable real-world experience and may lead to job offers upon completion.

Career Opportunities for Patient Care Technicians in Delaware

Certified patient care technicians in Delaware have various career opportunities available to them. With additional training and education, PCTs can advance to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Additionally, PCTs can choose to specialize in areas such as oncology, pediatrics, or geriatrics.

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Delaware

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for patient care technicians in Delaware is $32,000 per year. However, salaries may vary depending on factors such as the employer, location, and experience of the PCT.

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Delaware

The job outlook for patient care technicians in Delaware is positive, with an expected 15% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. PCTs can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.