Soaring to New Heights: Patient Care Technician Certification in Maryland

Introduction

Elevate your career in healthcare by becoming a certified nursing assistant or Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Maryland! This all-encompassing guide will walk you through the certification process, top PCT programs in the state, salaries, job outlook, and career advancement opportunities, empowering you to take your career to new heights in this vital healthcare field.

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Get information on Patient Care Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Requirements for Patient Care Technician Certification in Maryland

High School Diploma or GED

Acquiring a high school diploma or GED is the fundamental requirement for enrolling in any PCT training program in Maryland.

Completion of a State-Approved Training Program

Prospective PCTs in Maryland must attend a state-approved training program to ensure they receive the highest quality education. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals.

A patient care technician program may cover some of the following topics:

  • Perform delegated nursing functions
  • Phlebotomy procedures
  • Vital signs
  • Anatomy
  • Medical terminology

Certification Exams

After completing an approved training program, candidates are required to pass a certification exam to become a certified PCT. Two nationally recognized certification exams are available for PCTs in Maryland:

  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA): The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam.
  • American Medical Certification Association (AMCA): The Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) exam.

Top Patient Care Technician Programs in Maryland

Hagerstown Community College

  • Program Overview:
    • 15-week program
    • Coursework includes medical terminology, phlebotomy, EKG, and CPR
    • Clinical experience provided
  • Admission Requirements:
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Criminal background check
    • Drug screening
  • Contact Information:

Montgomery College

  • Program Overview:
    • 12-week program
    • Coursework covers anatomy, physiology, patient care skills, and infection control
    • Clinical experience included
  • Admission Requirements:
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Admissions interview
    • Entrance exam
  • Contact Information:

Anne Arundel Community College

  • Program Overview:
    • 14-week program
    • Coursework focuses on vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, and emergency care
    • Clinical experience provided
  • Admission Requirements:
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Background check
    • Immunizations
  • Contact Information:

Salaries and Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians in Maryland

Salaries

PCTs in Maryland earn an average salary of approximately $33,000 per year. Factors that can influence the salary include experience, location, and the type of employer.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for PCTs in Maryland is positive, with a projected growth rate of 18% over the next decade. The growth is primarily driven by an aging population and an increased demand for healthcare services.

Steps to Advance Your Career as a Patient Care Technician in Maryland

Continuing Education

To stay competitive and up-to-date in this rapidly evolving field, PCTs must engage in continuing education. Participating in workshops, conferences, and online courses ensures that PCTs stay current with industry developments.

Specializations

PCTs can enhance their career prospects by specializing in areas such as dialysis, phlebotomy, or EKG. These specializations not only increase their marketability but also open doors to higher-paying positions.

Advancement Opportunities

Experienced PCTs in Maryland can explore various career paths, including nursing, medical assisting, and healthcare administration. By pursuing further education and training, PCTs can unlock new opportunities and expand their horizons within the healthcare field.

All Patient Care Technician Schools in Maryland

Anne Arundel Community College

101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute

11 E. Mount Royal Avenue, Suite 001
Baltimore, MD 21202

Community College of Baltimore County

800 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228

Stein Academy

3610 Milford Mill Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21244

Health Focus, Inc

4900 Belair Road
Baltimore, MD 21206

American Association of Phlebotomy Technicians

6615 Reisterstown Road, Suite LL2
Baltimore, MD 21215

The Soul of Medicine Training Center

5910 York Rd, 2nd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212

Howard Community College

10901 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044

Frederick Community College

7932 Opossumtown Pike
Frederick, MD 21701

Prince George’s Community College

301 Largo Road
Largo, MD 20774

University of Maryland – Charles Regional Medical Center

5 Garrett Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646

Baltimore Allied Health Training Center

90 Painters Mill Road, Suite 134
Owings Mills, MD 21117

Vision Allied Health Institute

1045 Taylor Avenue, Suite 113
Towson, MD 21286