Schools Offering Patient Care Technician Degrees

Career Specializations

Most training programs do not offer specialized certifications, but once in the workforce, a patient care technician may select to work with one of the following populations:

• Elderly Patient Care: Patient care technicians may choose to specialize in working with elderly patients. They are typically employed in facilities that work with elderly patients, such as nursing homes or hospitals.
• Infant Patient Care: These patient care technicians work in specialized hospital units or clinic settings where infants are cared for. These may include specialized spaces such as an infant intensive care unit.
• Stroke/Accident Rehabilitation: Patient care technicians may choose to work in therapy centers or hospitals that specialize in offering rehabilitation for victims of strokes or accidents who have limited physical mobility.

Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

Patient care technicians must complete a minimum of a GED, but most complete high school in addition to their program training. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, programs for patient care technicians are considered postsecondary vocational training programs. This means that once candidates have completed their secondary schooling, they may apply to a program and be trained. Some patient care technicians choose to complete an associate degree with their training programs, but it is not required for employment.

Patient care technicians study all aspects of patient care, including basic medical topics, such as CPR and first aid. Training includes working with patients to serve their needs, such as helping patients move safely and without injury. Students also learn basics are medical procedures, such as taking blood samples, providing medication, and assessing patients' vital signs. While patient care technicians are not directly responsible for completing these tasks, they need to understand the procedures in order to effectively support nurses.

The required certifications for patient care technicians may vary from state to state, and in some cases certifications can be shared between states, allowing a worker to seek employment in a different region. Candidates seeking job placement should consult the certification requirements for their given state or region.

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Salary Information

Salaries for patient care technicians are typically based on training and experience. It is rare for an individual to remain in a patient care position if he or she completes a bachelor's degree or higher because they would typically seek a higher level position. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employees can expect to earn between $19,500 and $37,500. Individuals with an associate degree can expect to earn higher within that range, as can individuals with more direct work experience. Salary ranges can vary depending on geographic location and also between medical facilities, so job seekers should research and compare a variety of locations before deciding on employment (U.S. Department of Labor).

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Job Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor notes that job opportunities within the field of patient care technicians are expanding throughout the United States, and jobs are expected to increase by an average 20 percent over the next eight years. Some regions may have more job opportunities depending on their size, population, and the number of medical facilities, so candidates should research their perspective place of residence and the specific job market in the area (U.S. Department of Labor). 

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Related Careers

Occupational therapy assistants work to directly support an occupational therapist. Assistants work directly with patients to complete physical or verbal exercises intended to treat disabilities or deficits. An assistant will typically follow the therapy plan as provided by the lead therapist and does not have direct responsibility to diagnose disabilities or design treatment plans.

Pharmacy technician assists in a pharmacy setting, offering support to the head pharmacist. Roles include stocking medications, conducting inventory, and organizing orders. A pharmacy technician will also have direct client contact, often answering questions or receiving phone calls for the pharmacy.

Gerontology professionals work in medical and counseling settings with elderly patients. A gerontology professional may work with a patient on physical therapy, social-emotional support, or in a medical setting, such as a clinic or hospital. Workers are trained to understand and respond effectively to the emotional and physical needs of elderly patients.

Nutrition professionals work with clients of all ages to support their diet and health needs. A nutritionist can work in a medical setting or in a public health or education setting. Some professionals work directly with patients on diet, weight, and disease management, while others work in an educational capacity in public schools or medical centers. Nutritionists can also specialize in weight management and treatment of obese individuals.

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