How to Become a PCT in Kentucky

If your ideal job is in healthcare, you can easily become a patient care technician in Kentucky.

But, before that, you have to learn more about this job and what it entails.

So, read on for more info.

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in Kentucky

There is not much difference between patient care technicians and CNAs, which is short for certified nurse assistants.

However, as a patient care tech supervision is not required and you will mostly complete tasks on your own.

Patient care techs help patients in the medical facility, as well as their families and the staff.

Your daily job duties are:

• Bathing and feeding the patients
• Catheter care
• Maintaining patient rooms clean
• Vital sign monitoring
• Performing phlebotomy procedures
• Talking to the patients’ families
• Escorting patients to various places for further investigations

In Kentucky, you are required to appear in the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry.

Patient care technicians could also be required to perform additional job duties.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in Kentucky

The job criteria for patient care techs is:

• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Having good communication skills
• Being detail-oriented
• Being compassionate
• Having a clean criminal background
• Being certified
• Having physical stamina

Furthermore, you may need to have some additional skills.

You also need have to take an exam in order to appear in the Registry.

Patient Care Technician Education in Kentucky

The Kentucky Nurse Registry requires future patient care techs to first complete a training program.

As many of the tasks are performed unsupervised, you need a certain skill set.

The schools with available patient care tech programs in Kentucky are seen here.

The patient care tech programs have a duration that varies from a few months and up to a full year.

Once the training is completed, you will get your certification.

However, if you decide to get an Associates’ degree, you should know that this program lasts for over 2 years.

If you finish higher education, you will get increased job opportunities.

The program will combine hours of theory with hours of clinical practice.

To join a PCT program in this state, you need to:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Passed a drug screening test
• Passed a TB skin test
• Have the following health immunizations done:
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Flu
  • Tetanus

As a PCT, some of your skills should include:

• Providing patient safety
• Providing basic care
• Medical terminology and abbreviations
• Basic infection control procedures and techniques
• The structure and function of body systems
• Identifying and reporting changes in the patient’s condition
• Monitoring and recording bodily functions
• CPR
• First aide techniques
• Drawing blood
• Inserting catheters

Patient Care Technician Certification in Kentucky

It is quite easy to get a PCT license in Kentucky.

You need to finish training, but also take the certification exam.

To be eligible for the NHA test, you are required to:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Graduate from a specialized training program
• Pay the exam fee – $149
• Show proof of citizenship or nationality
• Submit a set of fingerprints

NHA needs 1 year of experience in the industry if you didn’t finish a training program.

Keep in mind that programs cover the exam costs, so joining one could be a better choice.

This PCT certification exam lasts for 2 hours, during which you will answer 100 questions.

You also need to pass the 20 pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in Kentucky

In Kentucky, having a PCT certification allows you to work in any medical facility, such as:

• Hospitals,
• Clinics,
• Rehabilitation centers,
• Long term care and assisted living facilities,
• Hospices
• Home care

In this state, the median salary for PCTs is around $ per year.

However, salaries can increase if you live in a big city and have enough experience.

Regional Salary in Kentucky

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in Kentucky

Maybe you need some extra resources for your new job.

In that case, have a look at the following:

• Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association