The state of Arizona, also called the ‘Valley of the Sun,’ is known for its stunning array of red stone formations, beautiful mountain ranges, spectacular views, hot desert climate, monuments and plenty of national parks. The Grand Canyon state is also home to many private, technical and trade schools. Domestic and international students can find plenty of educational opportunities in this state.
If you want to work as a caregiver and join a network of hardworking healthcare professionals, then you should consider getting yourself admitted into one of the Patient Care Technician Programs in Arizona.
This guide will answer all your queries related to such programs. It will provide an outline of the course content, course structure, admission requirements and program requirements. Moreover, the article will also discuss the salary prospects and employment outlook in this field.
Patient Care Technician Programs in Arizona
Many schools in Arizona are offering Patient Care Technician programs. The following section will provide details of some of the programs being taught at these institutes.
Providence Training Institute
The Patient Care Technician program offered at the Providence Training Institute covers extensive instructions on a range of topics such as Respiratory Care, Wound Care, Bladder Catheterization, Electrocardiograms (EKGs) and Blood Collection (Phlebotomy). The coursework prepares students to work in a range of medical settings such as urgent care centers, emergency rooms and hospitals. Moreover, students have to complete 80 hours of classes and 160 hours of externship in order to graduate from the program.
PIMA Medical Institute
This school is offering an eight months long Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certificate program. The curriculum incorporates a range of topics such as Renal Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Documentation and General Systems Pathology. The course content introduces students to procedures used in phlebotomy, electrocardiography and hemodialysis. The program teaches students how to insert intravenous catheters, draw blood, provide wound care, operate dialysis equipment and perform emergency room tasks, such as oxygen therapy, throat cultures and splint and cast immobilizations.
Eastern Arizona College
The college is currently offering a Patient Care Technician Certificate program. This program equips students with the skills and knowledge required to pass the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Patient Care Technician exam. As part of the program, students have to study many courses such as Basic Life Support, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Medical Dosage Calculations, and Medical Terminology.
What Can You Do after completing a Patient Care Technician Program in Arizona?
After graduating from a Patient Care Technician program, individuals can pursue their careers in a variety of settings, such as rehabilitation centers, healthcare agencies, and hospitals as Patient Advocates, ECG Monitor Technicians, Hospital Caregivers, Personal Care Aides and Home Health Aides.
The table below shows the employment statistics for Personal Care Aides. These estimates have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The table not only mentions the national averages, but also shows the state-level estimates for Home Health and Personal Care Aides.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$25,280
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$26,440
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Employment Level in Arizona, 2019
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66,890
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Annual Mean Wage in Arizona, 2019
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$26,050
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BLS has not provided separate growth figures for Personal Care Aides, instead it has published job outlook estimates for the broad category of Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides. BLS has predicted that the employment opportunities for these professionals will increase by 36% from 2018 to 2028, which will lead to a creation of 1,185,800 jobs in the field.
How to Choose a Patient Care Technician Program in Arizona?
When choosing a Patient Care Technician Program, individuals should take into account multiple factors such as the program curriculum, length of the program, fee structure, accreditation status, funding opportunities and job placements.
What to Expect in a Patient Care Technician Program in Arizona?
Patient Care Technician programs consist of lab sessions and lecture sessions. After successful completion of these components, program participants are expected to complete clinical externships at urgent care centers or accredited hospitals. This practical training helps them gain real world experience, as they get a chance to deal with actual patients in a real-world setting.
Admission Requirements for Patient Care Technician Programs in Arizona
The admission requirements depend on the program level. For instance, in order to gain admission into the Patient Care Technician Certificate program, the applicant must be a Certified Medical Assistant or a Certified Nursing Assistant. If you are looking for program-specific admission criteria, then we would recommend that you visit the website of the school that you wish to apply to.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:How to become a PCT in Arizona?
A:Becoming a PCT in Arizona is as easy as anywhere else in the country. Students need to have completed their high school education and they can get enrolled in the certificate or the associate's degree to becoming a Patient Care Technician. PCT programs can take from a year to two to complete.
Q:Reading on how to become a patient care tech in Arizona mentioned distance learning programs. What are the advantages?
A:Searching about how to become a patient care tech in Arizona would mention distance learning programs. One of the biggest advantages of opting for an online education is that students have the freedom to study at their own pace. This helps students understand the subject thoroughly without having to worry about deadlines. Online education is relatively inexpensive as students save money on travel and accommodation. Prospective students are advised to search our website for a list of institutions offering this qualification.
Q:While I was looking for PCT degree in Arizona, I came across the course Legal Aspects of Health Care, what does it address?
A:In Patient Care Technician studies, students are introduced with all aspects related to healthcare organizations. Legal Aspects of Health Care is an important part of Patient Care Technician program because it deals with the legal responsibilities bestowed upon healthcare providing institutes by the state. This includes the study of malpractice and licensure.
Q:Reading about how do I become a patient care technician in Arizona got me thinking about the responsibilities. What is the job description for this profession?
A:Responsibilities would come up when searching on how do I become a patient care technician in Arizona. Patient care technicians are required to work in hospitals, clinics and care homes. These professionals assist licensed health care professionals in recording health information, sample collection, and assisting patients with their everyday activities. PCT's as they commonly referred to, also take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure and pulse. They form an integral part of the health care industry.
Q:While searching for PCT training programs in Arizona, I came across Rehabilitative & Geriatric Care course. Can you brief me about it?
A:PCT training programs in Arizona can offer you a number of certifications and degree programs in Patient Care Technician studies. in Rehabilitative & Geriatric Care course the students are taught how to take special care of patients in rehabilitation centers and older population. The student's are familiarized with various psychological aspects.
Q:My search for how do you become a patient care tech in Arizona, got me thinking about the program outline. What courses are included in this program?
A:Searching for how do you become a patient care tech in Arizona would get anyone thinking about the courses included in the program. Some of the courses in this discipline are Communication Skills, Anatomy and Physiology, Home Health Care Services, EKG Modalities, Principals of Infection Control and Emergency Care. The health care industry is expected to grown all over the United States and holds great potential for students interested in this field.
Q:I am planning to enroll in the Top Patient Care Technician Programs in Arizona and become a professional. Will I need a license?
A:Yes, licensing is mandatory for all patient care technicians. Students will first have to complete a training course in this area and acquire accredited qualifications. Once the education is complete, the next step is to take the certification/licensing exam conducted by the relevant board. Without passing this exam, one cannot receive a valid license.
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