How to Become a PCT in Missouri

There are many jobs available in the healthcare field in Missouri.

If you feel you have a talent for this kind of job, consider becoming a patient care technician.

First, you should know what this position entails, so read the below article for more info.

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in Missouri

Once you become a PCT, your job duties will be close to the ones of a CNA.

The main difference is that you will not work supervised, which means you need additional skills.

You will help the patients of the facility, their families, and the personnel if needed.

The daily job tasks of a PCT 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 Missouri, you should register with the Missouri Nurse Aid Registry.

PCTs are sometimes required to perform extra duties.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in Missouri

To be accepted as a future PCT, you have to show 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

Keep in mind that some facilities may require some extra skills.

You will also have to pass a test to appear in the Registry.

Patient Care Technician Education in Missouri

The Missouri Nurse Registry requires candidates to join a training program.

This will help you develop the skills needed for the job.

The schools that provide PCT programs in Missouri are seen here.

How long the program is varies based on the school.

Generally, you will be attending classes for a few months and up to a year.

You can also pursue higher education, such as an Associates’ degree that lasts for 2 years or more.

Having better credentials will also increase your chances of finding a good job.

Usually, the PCT courses include theory as well as practice.

To attend a PCT program, 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

The classes generally include topics as:

• 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 Missouri

If you want to get a certification, there are a few steps to follow.

You should first finish a program and then pass a test.

The NHA exam has the following requirements:

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

According to the NHA, you must have 1 year of experience in the industry if you didn’t finish a program.

Enrolling in a program is recommended because your school will cover the tuition fees.

The exam you need to take lasts for close to 2 hours and features 100 questions.

First, candidates have to answer 20 pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in Missouri

In Missouri, many healthcare facilities hire certified PCTs.

A few of these are:

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

In Missouri, the median salary for this position is around $32,496 per year.

But, your salary will vary according to your area of residence and your experience.

Regional Salary in Missouri

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in Missouri

Remember to check out the following resources as well:

• Missouri Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association