If you are looking for an entry role within the health care industry then a patient care technician (PCT) or nurse aide as they are sometimes referred to is a good starting point. Becoming a certified patient care technician will prepare you for work primarily assisting patients under direct supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Typically a working week of a qualified patient care technician will involve:
- Organize patient charts
- Acquiring patient history
- Prepping medical procedures
- Check and oversee wound and injury dressing
- Coordinate test procedures
- Prep patients ahead of any medical procedure
Completing a certificate patient care technician program normally takes up to two years with the coursework covering topics as varied as:
- Health care terminology
- Nutrition
- CPR
- Medical Safety
- Medical laws and ethics
- Clinical practice principles
- Human anatomy
Once certification has been attained, aides can choose to further their academic qualifications by enrolling for a nursing degree at a top accredited school.