How to Become a PCT in New Hampshire

If you are interested in having a new career in a field you like, you could easily become a PCT.

But, what does this job entail and what education do you need to have?

Check out the article below for more info and tips on how to start your new career.

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in New Hampshire

As a PCT, you don’t require supervision.

CNA jobs are similar, but that job needs supervision.

If you decided to become a PCT, you need to have a number of skills.

For instance, you will assist patients, their loved ones, and the staff.

The daily 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 New Hampshire, you need to register with the New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry.

PCTs are generally required to complete extra duties.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in New Hampshire

To become a PCT, you need to:

• 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

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

Patient Care Technician Education in New Hampshire

According to The New Hampshire Nurse Registry, you are required to attend a training program.

Some of the facilities that have PCT programs in New Hampshire are listed next.

PCT programs have a duration of a few months to a year.

If you choose an Associates’ degree, you should know such a program lasts longer, for 2 years or more.

But, you will be able to get a better job after you get hired.

The PCT training programs feature theory hours and lab hours.

In order to attend a PCT 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

The classes include the following topics:

• 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 New Hampshire

If you opt for certification, there are some steps you should take before.

First, you should complete the program, after which you will take the exam.

The NHA exam needs future patient care techs to:

• 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

As per the NHA, you need to have 1 year of experience.

Keep in mind that you only need the experience if you haven’t attended a training program.

Joining a program is suggested because your tuition fees can be covered by the facility.

The certification exam lasts for 2 hours and entails 100 questions.

Remember you also have to answer the 20 pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, you can apply for a job in one of the many healthcare facilities.

Such facilities include:

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

In New Hampshire, the median salary for a PCT is about $34,000 yearly.

But, your annual income will vary based on your location and credentials.

Regional Salary in New Hampshire

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in New Hampshire

If you want to have extra additional resources, visit the following:

• New Hampshire Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association