Variations in Work Requirements within the Patient Care Technician Profession

The patient care technician profession is one of the most diverse and fastest growing allied health fields in the healthcare sector today. As demand for medical care continues to increase in the United States, it is expected that the number of technician employment opportunities will rise by 20 – 22% over the next ten years. This trend can be attributed to important changes in society including the growing population, the widespread adoption of poor dietary and exercise behaviors, the number of Baby Boomers entering retirement, and the recent expansion of medical coverage to uninsured Americans. Those considering a career as a technician are encouraged to become familiar with common variations in work requirements before they begin the job search process.

In general, a technician is an unlicensed medical provider who serves a supportive role in the ongoing management of many different types of patients. The tasks that a technician will perform are dependent on the department in which they work and the unique needs of the facility. In addition, various job titles might be assigned to an individual that more accurately reflect their role in the organization. Those who work in a general area of practice might be known as a medical assistant, nurse aide, orderly, attendant, or patient care assistant. The exact job title that is assigned is rarely of importance unless an individual is employed in a specialty that requires specialized training or certification. Titles such as EKG technician, dialysis technician, psychiatric technician, ophthalmic technician, and home health aide are just a few of the common specialties that an unlicensed individual may choose to pursue.

Nearly all specialty technicians in the healthcare sector begin their career as an employee in a general area of practice. This is true because initial employment as a medical assistant or nurse aide allows new employees to master the basic skills required to provide high quality care in all branches of medicine. A few of the most common responsibilities assigned to a generalist technician include things like changing linens; answering patient calls; cleaning and sanitizing patient areas; transporting equipment; position, bathe, dress, and feed patients; monitor food and fluid intake and output; document observations on charts; communicate with advanced medical providers such as nurses and physicians; and much more. While these responsibilities may not seem important compared to the services that nurses and doctors provide, they are an essential part of the patient care process and are critical to ongoing operations.

Individuals who have spent a reasonable period of time working as a generalist technician and who are confident that they have the knowledge and skills required to work in a specialty department may take advantage of advancement opportunities available to unlicensed personnel. The responsibilities that a specialized technician will have are dependent on the department in which they work and may require the successful completion of additional training and certification. Although most branches do not expect a technician to be licensed, there are a few that do require licensure with the state. The most notable areas that may require licensure include radiology, surgery, and anesthesiology. These fields have more stringent requirements because they deliver high risk products and services.

The patient care technician profession is one of the most diverse and rewarding career options available to those who want to work in the medical field without needing a college degree or state licensing. An understanding of common technician responsibilities is an important first step in career advancement and can help individuals make a more informed decision about the branch of healthcare that they want to pursue. Although many people choose to remain employed in a general area of practice, others may feel that they will experience higher levels of career satisfaction from working in a more specialized department.

More Information:

Those who have an interest in working as a patient care technician are encouraged to learn as much about the profession as possible before seeking employment. Careful review of the information found at www.patientcaretechniciansalary.net will better prepare individuals for the application and interview process by helping them develop a more informed perspective of their employment options. An aspiring technician who can demonstrate that they have taken the initiative to learn about the profession will be viewed favorably by employers who are looking to hire someone who is excited about providing high quality patient care and who is willing to take action to advance their career.