How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Idaho

Becoming a patient care technician in Idaho is a great career choice for those interested in healthcare. As a patient care technician (PCT), you will play a vital role in providing direct patient care and support to those in need. However, obtaining certification is a critical step to achieve your goal of becoming a PCT in Idaho. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for patient care technician certification in Idaho, available programs, salaries, and job outlook.

Certification Requirements for Patient Care Technicians in Idaho

To become a certified patient care technician(PCT or Certified nursing assistant) in Idaho, you must meet the following requirements:

Possess a high school diploma or GED
Complete a patient care technician training program or have equivalent work experience
Possess a valid government-issued identification

Additionally, you will need to take and pass the certification exam to become a certified PCT in Idaho. The certification exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Patient Care Technician Programs in Idaho

There are several patient care technician programs available for aspiring PCTs in Idaho, including:

College of Western Idaho: The College of Western Idaho offers a patient care technician program that covers topics such as infection control, patient care procedures, and communication. The program can be completed in two semesters.
North Idaho College: North Idaho College offers a patient care technician program that can be completed in one semester. The program covers topics such as medical terminology, patient care skills, and anatomy and physiology.
College of Southern Idaho: The College of Southern Idaho offers a patient care technician program that can be completed in one semester. The program covers topics such as patient care skills, communication, and medical terminology.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Contact the financial office at the institution you are interested in for more information.

Aspiring health care professionals such as PCT’s may be required to learn about some of the following topics:

Wound care
Vital signs
Medical coding
Medical terminology
Patient safety and basic care
Basic emergency care

Registering for the Certification Exam in Idaho

To register for the certification exam, 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.

Tips for Preparing for the Certification Exam

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the certification exam:

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.

Salaries for Patient Care Technicians in Idaho

The average salary for a patient care technician in Idaho is $31,000 per year. However, salaries may vary depending on factors such as employer, location, and experience.

Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Idaho

The job prospects for nursing assistants, including patient care technicians, are expected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030 in Idaho. PCTs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities in Idaho.