Unleash Your Potential as a Certified Patient Care Technician in Montana

Embark on an exhilarating journey towards a gratifying career by obtaining your patient care technician certification in Montana. This all-inclusive guide will walk you through the benefits, requirements, accredited training programs, job outlook, and more for PCTs in Big Sky Country.

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Reap the Rewards: Advantages of PCT Certification

Professional Growth

A PCT certification not only enhances your skillset but also increases your job opportunities and marketability. Employers are more likely to hire certified PCTs who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and patient care.

Job Security

Certified Patient Care Technicians enjoy a strong job outlook due to the growing demand for healthcare professionals. As the population ages and requires more medical care, the need for qualified PCTs continues to rise, offering job security and stability.

Personal Fulfillment

Achieving PCT certification brings personal fulfillment by enhancing your professional skills and allowing you to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Your certification reflects your dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

Pave Your Path: Montana PCT Certification Requirements

Education

To become a certified PCT in Montana, you must first complete high school or obtain a GED. Next, enroll in a state-approved PCT training program that combines classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical externship.

Patient care technician programs typically cover some of the following topics:

  • Medical terminology
  • Patient safety and patient needs
  • Phlebotomy procedures
  • Drawing blood
  • Working EKG machines

Certification Exam

After completing your training, you’ll need to pass the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or another recognized certification body.

Background Check and Immunizations

Before starting your career as a PCT, you’ll need to undergo a criminal background check and ensure you’re up-to-date on required immunizations, such as Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella.

Accredited Patient Care Technician Schools in Montana

Program Overview

Patient care technician training programs in Montana cover essential skills, such as basic patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control, and communication skills. These programs prepare you for a successful career by providing classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical externship.

Accredited PCT Training Programs in Montana

Here are some of the accredited PCT training programs available in Montana:

  • Montana State University – Offers a program that focuses on education theory for healthcare professionals and is entirely online. It covers various topics like curriculum development and teaching in a clinical environment. There is an optional teaching practicum, and the certificate is open to graduate nursing students and nurses with at least a B.S.N. Completion of the program allows students to take the national Nurse Educator certification (CNE) exam.
  • Flathead Valley Community College – Kalispell The Registered Nursing program prepares graduates to function as members and leaders of health care teams in various health care environments.
  • Helena College University of Montana – The Nursing Programs at Helena College equip graduates with the skills needed to provide quality care in different health care settings. The programs have exceptional coursework, committed faculty, and good job placement rates. The competition to get into these programs is high, with 20 new students admitted every semester in the Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program and 16 new students accepted each year in the Practical Nursing Certificate of Applied Science program.

Montana PCT Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

PCT Job Responsibilities and Work Settings

Job Responsibilities

As a PCT, you’ll be responsible for various tasks, including:

  • Providing basic patient care (e.g., bathing, dressing, and feeding)
  • Monitoring vital signs
  • Performing blood draws and basic lab tests
  • Conducting EKG and other diagnostic tests

Work Settings

Patient care technicians work in diverse healthcare environments, such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Home health agencies
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Dialysis centers

Job Outlook

Montana’s healthcare industry is experiencing steady growth, resulting in a high demand for certified PCTs. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies are continuously seeking skilled professionals to provide quality patient care.

Salary Expectations

The average annual salary for PCTs in Montana ranges from $26,000 to $38,000, depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and employer.