How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Florida

Patient care technicians play a critical role in the healthcare industry by providing essential care to patients. If you’re interested in becoming a patient care technician in Florida, you’ll need to complete a certification program and pass a certification exam. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the process of becoming a certified patient care technician in Florida.

Exam Eligibility Requirements for Patient Care Technician Certification in Florida

To be eligible to take the certification exam to become a nursing assistant or patient care technician in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Complete a patient care technician training program that includes at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of clinical experience or have equivalent work experience
Possess a valid government-issued identification

Certification Exam Overview

The certification exam for patient care technicians in Florida is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The exam covers topics related to patient care, including medical procedures, vital signs, and infection control. Here are some important details to keep in mind:

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within two hours
The passing score is at least 70%
The exam fee is typically around $160

Registering for the Certification Exam in Florida

To register for the patient care technician certification exam in Florida, follow these steps:

Visit the NHA website and create an account
Fill out the application form and submit it
Pay the exam fee

Tips for Preparing for the Certification Exam

Preparing for the certification exam is crucial to your success as a patient care technician in Florida. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Review the exam content outline provided by the NHA
Use study materials, such as practice exams and study guides, which are available on the NHA website
Practice time management to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions
Get enough rest before the exam day
Arrive early on the exam day to avoid stress and anxiety

Patient Care Technician Programs in Florida

Many community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools in Florida offer patient care technician training programs that can take around 6-12 weeks to complete. Some hospitals and healthcare facilities in Florida also offer on-the-job training programs for patient care technicians.

A patient care technician program focuses on some of the following topics:

Basic patient care
Patient hygiene
Phlebotomy procedures
Measuring vital signs
CPR
Body systems

Florida has various educational opportunities for those seeking a career in the health and care industry. Those interested should consider one of the following options:

Eastern Florida State College located in Brevard County, Florida offers a Medical Assisting program that prepares students for careers in the medical field. The courses cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, legal and ethical issues as well as administrative duties. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program also provides practical experience through laboratory studies and internships.
Florida Southern Academy Offers a program for Medical Assistants that includes courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, pharmacology and legal aspects of healthcare. The curriculum also provides hands-on training through clinical internships in nearby hospitals.

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Florida

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for patient care technicians in Florida is around $26,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on the employer, location, and experience of the PCT.

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Florida

The job outlook for nursing assistants, including patient care technicians, is expected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030 in Florida. PCTs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities in Florida. PCTs may also work in specialty areas, such as oncology or pediatrics, or in-home health or hospice care, providing direct patient care in the patient’s home.