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If you’re thinking about becoming a patient care tech in Florida, you might be wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average salary for this profession in the Sunshine State.
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Job Description
A patient care technician, also known as a PCT, provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Duties of a PCT include taking vital signs, drawing blood, and collecting urine samples. PCTs also document patient care and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Duties of a Patient Care Tech
Duties of a Patient Care Tech
A patient care tech, or PCT, is a certified and/or licensed health care professional who helps patients with their activities of daily living, or ADLs. This can include tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, ambulation, and toileting. A PCT also provides support with medical procedures and takes vital signs. They may work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care agencies, or outpatient clinics.
In order to become a PCT, one must complete an accredited patient care tech program and pass a certification exam. Some states also require licensure. Most employer will require that the PCT have current CPR certification.
The duties of a patient care tech vary depending on the needs of the patients and the facility in which they work. In general, however, most PCTs perform the following tasks:
– Assist patients with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, ambulation, and toileting
– Take vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature
– Provide support during medical procedures
– Perform EKGs
– Draw blood
Education and Training
Most Patient Care Techs have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and training typically lasts a few months. Some community colleges offer certification programs in patient care technology, which can lead to an associate’s degree.
How to Become a Patient Care Tech
Most patient care technicians (PCTs) have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a brief period of on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for PCTs.
Employers generally provide new PCT employees with several weeks of paid training that covers the basic concepts and skills necessary to do the job. Some employers may require candidates to have completed a formal training program, such as a certificate or diploma program offered by a community college, technical school, hospital, or the armed forces.
PCTs also may receive continuing education and training on the job to keep up with changes in technology and learn new patient care techniques.
Salary and Job Outlook
A patient care tech (PCT) provides basic patient care under the supervision of nurses and doctors. PCTs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. In Florida, the average annual salary for a PCT is $28,530, which is slightly lower than the national average of $29,660. The job outlook for PCTs in Florida is positive, with an expected growth of 21% from 2019 to 2029.
Salary of a Patient Care Tech in Florida
In Florida, the average salary for a patient care tech is $28,530 per year. The average hourly wage is $13.71. The job outlook for this position is positive, with an expected growth of 33% from 2019-2029.
Job Outlook for Patient Care Techs in Florida
In Florida, the mean annual salary for a patient care tech is $31,490, which is slightly below the national average of $33,580. The mean hourly wage is $15.10. Entry-level workers make a mean annual salary of $23,710, while experienced professionals earn a mean annual salary of $39,080. The job outlook for patient care techs in Florida is positive, with an expected growth rate of 21% from 2016 to 2026. This is much higher than the national average growth rate for all occupations of 7%.
