Reasons to Become Patient Care Technician

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A career in the medical field is less than a year away when you train to become a Patient Care Technician. This career calls for an empathetic heart and a passion for caregiving. The reward is forming meaningful relationships and gaining useful medical knowledge.

 

If you have always been the natural caretaker for others and are interested in making a career out of that enthusiasm, then becoming a patient care technician is a great first step. With just a few months of training you could be on your way to a career that is fulfilling, stable, and full of opportunities.

 

If you need a few more reasons to consider becoming a patient care tech, continue reading!

 

If you want to become a Patient Care Technician, consider enrolling in Florida Career College's Patient Care Technician Program!

10 Reasons to Become a Patient Care Technician

1. Availability of Short-Term Career Training.

You can train to become a patient care technician in less than a year. There are many training programs available online and in person. The quick pace of the program still allows for plenty of hands-on practice but doesn’t leave any time to get bored.

 

2. No College Degree is Required.

Patient care technicians play a vital role in the medical field but surprisingly, this career does not require a college degree. With just a high school diploma or equivalent, you can enroll in a training program, which provides you with the skills and information you need to excel in the field.

 

3. Rewarding Career Choice.

Patient Care Technicians provide for the basic needs of those who are unable to care for themselves. These patients may have a disability, or a terminal illness, be recovering from a devastating situation, or be near the end of their life. Helping each of these patients is incredibly rewarding. It would be difficult to find a career more fulfilling than this for someone who enjoys helping others.

 

4. Plenty of Opportunities.

Like most careers in the medical field, there is always room for growth. There is always something new to learn, whether it’s about a certain procedure or new technology that is benefitting patients. If you have a love for learning, you can earn certificates that may help you better serve in your role, help more patients, and find promotion opportunities.

 

5. Challenging.

The role of a patient care technician is not for the faint of heart. Patient care technicians are working directly with patients and provide a service they could not live without. It is challenging both mentally and physically, but it is also incredibly gratifying to have the opportunity to play such a vital role in a person’s life.

 

6. Provides Quick Access to a Career in the Medical Field.

If your goal is to build a lasting career in the medical field, becoming a patient care technician is an excellent stepping stone. Many people choose to become patient care technicians to begin building connections in the medical field and even begin working as they continue their education and apply for nursing programs. This path provides you with quick access to those working in the field and an excellent perspective as you move forward with your next steps.

 

7. Each Day is Different.

There are times when the tasks a patient care technician performs may be perceived as mundane, but no two days are the same and no two patients are the same. You never know what challenges the day may bring and what opportunities there may be for growth.

 

8. You Can Work in Various Settings.

Patient care technicians work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and in home healthcare settings. Each operates a little differently and caters to a different type of patient. This means there are opportunities to work in a more fast-paced and exciting environment or one that is more intimate and personal. There are also opportunities for qualified patient care technicians to work anywhere in the United States.

 

9. Hands-on Work.

There is no time to sit behind a desk or take a nap as a patient care technician. They are on their feet, helping people and solving problems all day long. This helps the work hours go by quicker and can also provide instant gratification when your hands are put to good use.

 

10. Predictable Work Hours.

Patient care technicians have the opportunity to work at all hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. For some, this isn’t good news but careers like this in the medical field do allow for some flexibility and stability once you have your schedule set.

What Are Some of the Disadvantages of Pursuing a Career as a Patient Care Technician?

Odd hours.

Patient care technicians, just like nurses, may work odd hours at times. Depending on the company you work for and the environment you are in, you may be able to have a set, dependable schedule but in the beginning, it may not be the hours you desire.

 

Physically demanding.

Patient care technicians spend a lot of time physically moving patients who are unable to move or who have difficulty moving. They may help them walk to the restroom, turn over in their bed to prevent bed sores, or even transport them from one part of the building to another for x-rays or other testing. Training to become a patient care technician includes techniques to help with all this lifting and moving but it is important for people in this role to maintain healthy habits to take care of their own physical well-being.

 

Emotionally demanding.

This role can be very difficult for someone who has a great deal of empathy, but it is also that empathy that will help propel you forward to provide the care the patient deserves. Watching another human struggle to feed, groom or dress themselves can be difficult but you can rest easy knowing you have done all you can to help them find comfort and peace. Sometimes the needs are physical but patient care technicians may also be the ones to help patients through emotional challenges as well. A sympathetic ear is incredibly important to this role, as is self-care.

 

Potential to be seen as a beginner.

The training to become a patient care technician is quick which allows you to get a foot in the door of the medical field quickly but even though the training is extensive and teaches valuable skills, a patient care technician is still an entry-level position in the medical field. This is good news if your goal is to move up within the medical field. There are plenty of opportunities to do so. Don’t let fear of starting at square one keep you from even starting. It’s OK to be a beginner but with experience, you will continue to improve your skills and prove your worth.

How to Become a Patient Care Technician

Becoming a patient care technician is quick. All you need is a high school diploma and training through an accredited program. With the right training, you will have all the resources you need to begin a new career as a patient care technician.

 

Here is a step-by-step guide on How to Become a Patient Care Tech!

Become a Patient Care Technician With Florida Career College

Florida Career College offers flexible, hybrid courses to help you build a career you can be proud of in less than a year.

 

Students in the patient care technician program are taught all the skills they need to provide excellent care to patients and find a stable career in the medical field that they can grow in for years to come.

 

Give us a call today to visit the campus nearest you and take a tour of the Patient Care Technician Program!