Patient care technician programs in Massachusetts will teach their students all the skills necessary to become a PCT in MA. The patient care tech is like a nursing assistant or aide. Thy both care for those with illnesses, health issues or age that requires them to have assistance 24 hours a day. The key difference is that a PCT is trained to do services and procedures that a CNA cannot.
Some of those procedures are electrocardiogram work, phlebotomy and dialysis. A PCT has to earn their actual CNA certification along the way to PCT certification in Massachusetts. So it is true when you say the two jobs are similar, but they also are not. If a patient has a illness that requires a specific treatment that a CNA cannot perform, than a PCT is needed for that patient. Examples of this can be phlebotomy treatments, EKG electrocardiograph work, dialysis and more. But, the PCT will still care for the patient in ways the CNA does (bathing assistance, catheter changing, eating, going for short walks etc.).
How to Become a PCT in Massachusetts
Looking for the steps that have to be taken to become a Massachusetts PCT? First, choose your program. Second, meet program entry requirements. Third, complete the training. Four, sign up for and pass the certification exam. Most training courses are 3-9 months long. Most of the length comes from the added certifications. For example, if you already are CNA certified, expect a shorter education timeline.
CPCT Certification in Massachusetts
CPCT certification is given by the NHA and in Massachusetts you can sign up for the certification exam after you have completed your formal training and shown proof of completion to the NHA. Pass the exam and you will earn your certification to work as a PCT in the state of MA. All patient care techs will need to get on the nursing registry as well. The contact information for the Massachusetts nursing registry is below.
Massachusetts Nursing Aide Registry
67 Forest St.
Marlborough, MA 01752
Email – nars@state.ma.us
Phone # – (617) 753-8144
Patient Care Tech Schools in Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College PCT Program – Address: 250 Rutherford Ave, Boston, MA 02129 Phone: (617) 228-2000
Middlesex Community College PCT Program – Address: 591 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA 01730 Phone: (781) 280-3200
Quinsigamond Community College Healthcare Programs – Address: 670 W Boylston St, Worcester, MA 01606 Phone: (508) 853-2300
MA PCT Salary
Massachusetts patient care techs commonly earn an average salary of $16.48 per hour and $43,478 per year per indeed.com.