How to Become a PCT in Massachusetts

If you’re one of those people who are made to care for others, perhaps a  career as a patient care technician is for you.

This guide talks about the path a person must follow to become a PCT in Massachusetts, so read on!

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, patient care techs and nurse assistants have very similar jobs.

This is especially true when it comes to the tasks these professionals must complete.

What sets them apart is the possibility of working unsupervised which only applies to PCTs.

These are the most common tasks these medical professionals complete daily:

• 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

Other tasks may be added, but it depends on a case-by-case scenario.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in Massachusetts

Who is fit to become a patient care tech?

Basically, anyone who:

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

Keep in mind that without being listed on the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry, you cannot get hired.

Patient Care Technician Education in Massachusetts

If you want to be listed in the Registry, you’ll need to first complete a training program and obtain at least a certificate.

In this state, you can only find three schools that have courses for PCTs.

The schools are listed below.

Of course, you can search for more programs in other states if these don’t offer the course you want.

You’ll spend at least one year studying for a certificate credential and at least 2 years for a degree like an Associates’.

The higher degree you obtain, the better career opportunities will open for you.

The occupation of a PCT is a hands-on job, and thus you’ll need to attend all the clinical practice hours included in the course you choose.

When applying for a spot in these classes you’ll 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

Here are just some of the classes you’ll attend to develop the needed skills:

• 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 Massachusetts

What you should know is that you will have to pass an exam before actually be accepted in the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry.

The test for PCTs is offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and held at the Prometric testing centers.

The NHA asks for the following when you sign up for the exam:

• 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

It’s possible to accumulate at least 1 year of experience in the field instead of attending the course.

Not everyone knows that the test fee is sometimes covered by the school’s tuition, so ask about this in advance.

You’ll have to answer 100 questions in 1 hour and 50 minutes, with 20 additional pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in Massachusetts

You won’t regret choosing this career because the demand is strong in the healthcare industry.

Additionally, you also have many chances to advance.

You can find employment at:

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

How much you’ll earn will depend on many different factors, such as your schedule, location, the facility employing you, and your experience.

In Massachusetts, the median salary of a patient care tech is $37,000 per year, with higher wages in cities like Boston, Quincy, and Lynn.

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in Massachusetts

Certified PCTs still need help at times, and they usually check out these resources:

• Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association