How to Become a PCT in Minnesota

If you plan on being a patient care technician in Minnesota, you should first have some info on it.

So, check out the article below to learn more about training and certification.

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in Minnesota

PCTs have almost the same job duties as CNAs, except that PCTs do not need supervision.

Patient care techs’ most common job duties are to help patients, their families, and the facility staff.

Some of the daily duties you will have 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 Minnesota, you need to be registered in the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

PCTs are often required to take on extra job tasks in addition to the ones above.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in Minnesota

After you decided to become a PCT, you have to prove you:

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

Remember that some employers might request some extra skills to hire you.

You will need to take and pass a test to enlist in the Registry.

Patient Care Technician Education in Minnesota

Once you choose to be listed in The Michigan Nurse Registry, you have to enroll in a training program.

Such a program will help you get the needed skills necessary to perform your job tasks.

Minnesota doesn’t have schools offering training for future patient care techs.

However, those interested can search for a program in other states.

For instance, if you choose to train for an Associates’ degree, you have to study for over 2 years.

Additionally, you might also be hired for a better position once you are applying to jobs.

Usually, the PCT programs provide theory hours and clinical practice.

To join a patient care tech program, you have 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

Some of the classes you will attend are listed below:

• 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 Minnesota

Getting a certification in this state is not challenging.

You first need have to finish a program, and then take the required exam.

To enlist for the NHA exam, you should:

• 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

According to the NHA, you are required to have 1 year of experience in the industry.

This criterion applies if you did not attend a training course.

Joining a program is generally advisable as your school costs will be covered by the facility you study at.

This patient care technician certification test has a duration of 2 hours, during which you have to answer 100 questions.

You might also need to answer 20 pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in Minnesota

In Minnesota, you can easily get a job in any medical facility.

These healthcare facilities include:

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

In this state, the median salary for PCTs is $34,500 per year.

However, your salary will also depend on where you live and how much experience you have.

Regional Salary in Minnesota

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in Minnesota

Perhaps you need more resources, so remember to check out the following:

• Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association