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.
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:
- Website: www.hagerstowncc.edu
- Phone: (240) 500-2000
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:
- Website: www.montgomerycollege.edu
- Phone: (240) 567-5000
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:
- Website: www.aacc.edu
- Phone: (410) 777-2222
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