{"id":5752,"date":"2024-02-19T21:15:39","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T21:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/?p=5752"},"modified":"2026-03-04T17:05:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T17:05:11","slug":"patient-care-technicians-building-trust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/","title":{"rendered":"Patient Care Technicians: Building Trust, One Patient at a Time"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Essential to the achievement of positive treatment outcomes, a patient care technician (PCT) executes the fundamental details. They make huge differences in the lives of patients, as well as the nurses and physicians they support.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/jobs\/rn\/\">patient care technician<\/a> position is perfect for anyone who\u2019d like a hands-on role in the medical profession but isn\u2019t necessarily interested in becoming a nurse or a doctor. Through the medium of this blog, let\u2019s examine their role and responsibilities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#The_Role_of_Patient_Care_Technicians\" title=\"The Role of Patient Care Technicians\">The Role of Patient Care Technicians<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#Responsibilities_of_PCTs\" title=\"Responsibilities of PCTs\">Responsibilities of PCTs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#Comparison_With_Other_Healthcare_Professionals\" title=\"Comparison With Other Healthcare Professionals\">Comparison With Other Healthcare Professionals<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#How_Patient_Care_Technicians_Build_Trust\" title=\"How Patient Care Technicians Build Trust\">How Patient Care Technicians Build Trust<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#Training_and_Education_for_Patient_Care_Technicians\" title=\"Training and Education for Patient Care Technicians\">Training and Education for Patient Care Technicians<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#Land_on_Your_Dream_PCT_Job_Today\" title=\"Land on Your Dream PCT Job Today\">Land on Your Dream PCT Job Today<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_patient_care_technician_PCT_and_a_CNA\" title=\"What is the difference between a patient care technician (PCT) and a CNA?\">What is the difference between a patient care technician (PCT) and a CNA?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#Is_a_patient_care_tech_the_same_as_a_nurse\" title=\"Is a patient care tech the same as a nurse?\">Is a patient care tech the same as a nurse?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/patient-care-technicians-building-trust\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_PCT_and_a_medical_tech\" title=\"What is the difference between a PCT and a medical tech?\">What is the difference between a PCT and a medical tech?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_Patient_Care_Technicians\"><\/span><strong>The Role of Patient Care Technicians<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Working under the supervision of the members of a nursing team, the primary role of a patient care technician is ensuring the comfort of patients. It also informs the nurses regarding changes they observe in a patient\u2019s condition in order to head off potentially developing issues.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Responsibilities_of_PCTs\"><\/span><strong>Responsibilities of PCTs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The provision of emotional support for patients and their families is one of the primary responsibilities of PCTs. Additional duties include the collection of blood, urine, and stool samples\u2014as well as delivering them for lab analysis.<\/p>\n<p>Monitoring a patient\u2019s temperature, pulse, and blood pressure is also number among a PCT\u2019s accountabilities. They also execute and document the results of medical tests, serve patient meals and log their intake of food. Moreover, PCTs assist with exercise and mobility, along with escorting patients around the facility and to their modes of transportation when discharged.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_With_Other_Healthcare_Professionals\"><\/span><strong>Comparison With Other Healthcare Professionals<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By and large, a PCT serves as support staff for the registered and vocational nurse positions. While it\u2019s true that a vocational nurse can (and does) perform many of the same functions, they also administer injections, set up IVs, and provide wound care. Meanwhile, RNs are also authorized to diagnose patients, as well as provide advanced IV treatments.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Patient_Care_Technicians_Build_Trust\"><\/span><strong>How Patient Care Technicians Build Trust<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Earning a patient\u2019s trust enables a PCT to be a far more effective caregiver. In most cases, a degree of trust is automatically inferred by the PCTs\u2019 presence in the facility. However, your behavior during that initial encounter will determine whether that preliminary trust will be maintained.<\/p>\n<p>Demonstrating empathy, concern, integrity, and respect will get you off to a good start. Maintaining an awareness of your non-verbal communication is important. It\u2019s critical to present yourself as being open and honest. Crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact, and turning away from a patient while speaking will undermine their trust in you.<\/p>\n<p>The tone of your voice is important as well. You have to walk the line between being nurturing and patronizing when you communicate. It is also crucial to reflect confidence, calm, politeness and respect. Along those same lines, it\u2019s essential to avoid making judgmental statements and criticisms.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Training_and_Education_for_Patient_Care_Technicians\"><\/span><strong>Training and Education for Patient Care Technicians<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Requirements vary by state, so it\u2019s best to research those of the state in which you plan to work. That said, the most common scenario entails qualifying for a Patient Care Technician Certification. It means earning a high school diploma or GED, along with completing the training that will prepare you to pass the PCT certification examination.<\/p>\n<p>On average, this training can take approximately 52 weeks, during which you\u2019ll work in clinical settings to gain real-world experience. It usually takes place in a local healthcare facility supervised by an instructor who may be a vocational nurse. Courses of study include home health, phlebotomy, and the basics of patient care. Also included are the fundamentals of nursing, anatomy, and electrocardiography.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Land_on_Your_Dream_PCT_Job_Today\"><\/span><strong>Land on Your Dream PCT Job Today<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Working as a patient care technician can be a rewarding career. It\u2019s hands-on work in a field that\u2019s steadily growing, which can also mean job stability. Best of all, it\u2019s a position in which you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients for whom you care, as well as the nurses you support.<\/p>\n<p>As you embark upon your professional career, Wanderly can help you secure the best-traveling patient care technician assignments available.\u00a0Applying\u00a0the latest technologies, such as big data and machine learning, we bring travel healthcare professionals and agencies together. We aim to elevate the healthcare staffing industry with our transparent marketplace.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_patient_care_technician_PCT_and_a_CNA\"><\/span><strong>What is the difference between a patient care technician (PCT) and a CNA?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>PCTs typically undergo more comprehensive and challenging training programs. CNAs are more likely to find employment in nursing homes and hospitals, while PCTs are more likely to find employment in clinics and doctor\u2019s offices.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_patient_care_tech_the_same_as_a_nurse\"><\/span><strong>Is a patient care tech the same as a nurse?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>PCTs do not have the same level of training and licensing as nurses, but they work closely with them to ensure patient care. They also have many shared responsibilities with nurses.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_PCT_and_a_medical_tech\"><\/span><strong>What is the difference between a PCT and a medical tech?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Patient care technicians carry out many of the same duties as medical technicians. PCTs give a higher emphasis on patient care.<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Essential to the achievement of positive treatment outcomes, a patient care technician (PCT) executes the fundamental details. They make huge differences in the lives of patients, as well as the nurses and physicians they support. A patient care technician position is perfect for anyone who\u2019d like a hands-on role in the medical profession but isn\u2019t [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":{"author_name":"adlyd","author_description":"","author_user_level":10,"author_avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/86bf0574a8efbaf50009a8aba5aa3c47?s=96&r=g"},"featured_media":5753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[469,49,54],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-24-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Adlyd","author_link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/author\/adlyd\/"},"featured_image":{"size_thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-24-1-150x150.png","size_medium":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-24-1-300x169.png","size_large":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-24-1-1024x577.png","size_full":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-24-1.png"},"loftocean-view-count":null,"category":[{"id":469,"slug":"travel-allied-healthcare","name":"Allied Healthcare"},{"id":49,"slug":"travel-nurse-career","name":"Career Resources"},{"id":54,"slug":"nurse-life","name":"Nurse Life"}],"post_tag":null,"views":2352,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-24-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p92mSz-1uM","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5752"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5752"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5752\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5848,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5752\/revisions\/5848"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}