How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Hawaii
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry in Hawaii, becoming a certified nursing assistant patient or care technician (PCT) is a great option. As a PCT, you will play a critical role in providing direct patient care and support in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
In this article, we’ll explore the requirements for patient care technician certification in Hawaii, available programs in the state, salaries, and job outlook.
Exam Eligibility Requirements for Patient Care Technician Certification in Hawaii
To be eligible to take the PCT certification exam in Hawaii, you must meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of a patient care technician training program or equivalent work experience
- Possession of a valid government-issued identification
Certification Exam Overview
The PCT certification exam in Hawaii is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and covers various topics related to patient care, including medical procedures, vital signs, and infection control. Here’s what you need to know about the exam:
- Consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed within two hours
- Passing score is at least 70%
Registering for the Certification Exam in Hawaii
To register for the PCT certification exam in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii
There are various patient care technician schools and community colleges in Hawaii. Consider one of the following options if you are interest in a patient care technician course
- Kapi’olani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii has an excellent Medical Assisting program. The curriculum includes classes like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and laboratory procedures. It also offers practical experience through clinical practicums in local medical facilities.
- Hawaii Community College: The ASN-RN program provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to begin their careers as Registered Nurses. Those who graduate from this program may take the NCLEX-RN exam. Registered Nurses can work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other community-based settings. The ASN-RN program is approved by the Hawai’i State Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN.
- Leeward Community College: offers a Medical Assisting program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue entry-level positions in the healthcare field. The curriculum includes core medical classes such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, patient care techniques, medical record keeping and legal aspects of healthcare. Additionally, there is a clinical practicum that gives hands-on experience in local hospitals and medical facilities. The program is accredited by the CAAHEP.
PCT Training courses may cover some of the following topics:
- Patient safety
- Wound care
- Medical terminology
- Phlebotomy
- Physiology
Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Hawaii
The average salary for patient care techs in Hawaii is $36,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on the employer, location, and experience of the PCT.
Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Hawaii
The job prospects for nursing assistants, including patient care technicians, are expected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 in Hawaii. PCTs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities in Hawaii.
All Patient Care Technician Schools in Hawaii
Caregiver Training School Corporation
1320 Kalani St, Suite 288
Honolulu, HI 96817
Healthcare Training & Career Consultants, Inc.
2130 North King Street, Suite 16
Honolulu, HI 96819
Leeward Community College – Office of Continuing Education & Workforce Development
96-045 Ala Ike, Room CE 101
Pearl City, HI 96782