A patient care technician (PCT) is a healthcare technician who works under the supervision of a nurse, doctor, or other health professional to administer basic care to patients. They are responsible for helping patients in hospitals, healthcare offices, and long-term care facilities with daily tasks such as mobility, exercise, and personal hygiene. Some of the essential duties that may be expected of a PCT include:

• Helping patients with mobility issues get into wheelchairs
• Helping patients in and out of bed
• Assisting patients during exercise
• Tracking a patients progress during care, including physical therapy
• Helping patients eat, drink, bathe, dress, use the bathroom, and get around

PCTs work behind the scenes to take care of the technical details that make a huge difference in patients lives. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or nursing team, and their ultimate goal is to make sure the patient feels comfortable and nurtured in a healthcare setting. PCTs can work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, doctors offices, clinics, nursing homes, and home health care services. While many are generalists, there are some possible specializations if you follow this career path. Some people choose to work as a PCT while completing their education for another healthcare career, such as becoming a registered nurse or a doctor.

The job outlook for PCTs and other types of nursing assistants is promising, with a growth rate of 8 percent between 2020 and 2030, as fast as average for other occupations. To become a PCT, an individual must first complete an approved educational course, pass the NCLEX exam, and a certification exam before the National Healthcare Association, and obtain certification from the state in which they live and work. Individual employers and states may also require candidates for PCT positions to pass a background check, obtain professional certification, and complete continuing education credits or training.