How To Become a Patient Care Technician in California 2025

If you're interested in a hands-on healthcare career, becoming a patient care technician (PCT) in California is a great choice. PCTs play a vital role in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, helping patients and supporting medical teams. This article will walk you through how to become a patient care technician, including education, certification, and career advancement options.

What Is a Patient Care Technician?

A patient care technician is a healthcare professional who works closely with nurses and doctors to ensure patients receive the best possible care. PCTs work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities to help maintain patient comfort, support patient safety, and contribute to overall well-being during a patient's healthcare experience.

What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?

A patient care technician's duties involve handling a wide variety of hands-on tasks that make a real difference for patients and healthcare teams. On any given day, a PCT might help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or moving around the facility. They monitor and record vital signs, collect patient data, and sometimes draw blood or collect other specimens for testing. PCTs also keep patient rooms clean, perform safety checks, and provide emotional support. Communication is key�they relay patient needs to nurses and doctors and help create a positive environment for healing.

How To Become a Patient Care Technician in California

Starting your journey as a patient care technician in California means following a series of important steps. Each one is designed to make sure you have the right knowledge, hands-on training, and certifications to provide excellent care and meet state regulations.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step you'll need to complete to become a PCT in California is meet the basic patient care technician educational requirements. You'll need a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate to enroll in any state-approved training program. If you're still in school, consider taking classes in biology, health, or anatomy to build a strong foundation. If you need your GED, California offers many adult education options to help you prepare.

2. Enroll in a State-Approved Patient Care Technician Training Program

Next, you'll need to find a state-approved training program. These are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and specialized training centers across California. Programs usually last from two to 12 months, depending on your schedule. You'll learn medical terminology, infection control, patient care techniques, and get plenty of hands-on training. Most programs include a clinical externship, which means you'll work directly with patients under supervision in hospitals or nursing homes.

3. Complete Required Clinical Experience or Externship

Clinical experience is essential for building your skills and confidence. Most California programs require an externship�often about 80 hours�in a real healthcare environment. During this time, you'll practice monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, drawing blood, and communicating with patients and medical staff. This hands-on training helps you apply what you've learned in the classroom and prepares you for the realities of the job.

4. Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification

Many California employers expect PCTs to have Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification. Some training programs include this as part of their curriculum, while others may require you to get it separately. BLS certification covers CPR, first aid, and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). You can earn your certification through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

5. Pass the National Certification Exam

After your training and clinical experience, you'll need to pass the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam. This competency exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). The test covers patient care, medical procedures, infection control, and more. Passing the CPCT/A exam shows employers you're ready for direct patient care and can meet job requirements.

6. Undergo a Criminal Background Check

Before you can start working, California requires all healthcare workers to complete a background check, including fingerprinting and a review of state and federal records. The California Department of Public Health oversees this process to protect patient safety. If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for an exemption, but certain offenses could prevent you from working in healthcare.

7. Apply for Patient Care Technician Positions

With your certification and background check complete, you're ready to start your job search. Patient care technicians are in demand in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, dialysis clinics, and other healthcare settings throughout California. Be sure to highlight your clinical externship, certifications, and any special skills on your resume. Networking with instructors and professionals you met during your externship can help you find great job opportunities.

8. Maintain Certification With Continuing Education

To keep your certification active, you'll need to complete continuing education each year�typically 12 hours annually. This helps you stay up to date with the latest patient care techniques, safety protocols, and state regulations. Continuing education can be completed through workshops, online courses, or in-person training sessions.

Patient Care Technician Training in California

If you're looking to start your career as a PCT in California, there are several reputable colleges and training centers that offer state-approved programs. These programs provide a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical externships to prepare you for certification and entry-level roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

• CALRegional: CALRegional offers a hybrid patient care technician program in partnership with local adult schools and community colleges across California. The program can be completed in as little as eight weeks and includes immediate externship placement and preparation for the CPCT/A certification exam.
• Healthcare Career College: Located in South Los Angeles, Healthcare Career College provides an 11-month patient care technician diploma program that covers clinical skills and laboratory procedures, and prepares students for work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and nursing homes.
• Riverside School of Career Education (SCE): Riverside SCE's patient care technician program lasts 20 weeks, with certifications in first aid and basic life support through the American Heart Association.
• Pacific Union College: The six-month patient care technician program prepares students for CPCT, CET, and CPT certifications. The curriculum covers medical terminology, anatomy, EKG (electrocardiagram), phlebotomy, and patient care skills, with hands-on training for work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• California State University, Bakersfield: CSU Bakersfield's Extended Education department offers an online patient care technician program covering communication, EKG operation, anatomy, pharmacology, phlebotomy, and hands-on venipuncture practice. The program is online and self-paced, and you have up to 12 months to complete it.

Types of Patient Care Technicians

Patient care technicians can specialize in a variety of roles depending on their interests and strengths. Each type of PCT job comes with its own unique responsibilities and work environment. Below are some of the most common types of patient care technician positions in California.

Telemetry Technician

Telemetry technicians work in hospital cardiac units or intensive care settings. They monitor patients' heart activity using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment, analyze heart rhythms, and alert nurses or physicians to any irregularities. This role is especially important for patients with cardiac conditions, as early detection of heart rhythm changes can be lifesaving.

Dialysis Technician

Dialysis technicians care for patients with kidney failure who need regular dialysis treatments. They operate and maintain dialysis machines, monitor patients during procedures, and provide education about kidney health. Compassion and patience are essential, as dialysis patients often need ongoing support and reassurance.

Emergency Room Technician

Emergency room technicians work in fast-paced emergency departments, assisting with triage, taking vital signs, collecting lab samples, and helping with various medical procedures. They support nurses and doctors during urgent situations and must remain calm and efficient under pressure.

Hospital Patient Care Technician

Hospital patient care technicians provide general care to patients admitted for a wide range of medical conditions. They help with personal hygiene, mobility, feeding, wound care, and monitoring vital signs. This role requires flexibility and strong communication skills to work with diverse patients and healthcare professionals.

Home Health Aide

Home health aides are PCTs who provide care in patients' homes. They assist with daily living activities, medication reminders, and sometimes basic medical tasks under the supervision of a nurse. This job is ideal for those who enjoy one-on-one care and want to help patients maintain independence.

Patient Safety Technician

Patient safety technicians focus on monitoring and maintaining a safe environment for patients who may be at risk of falls, self-harm, or other safety concerns. They observe patients closely, intervene when needed, and communicate regularly with the healthcare team. This role is especially important in psychiatric units and geriatric care.

Average Salary and Career Outlook

The career outlook for patient care technicians in California is very positive. Healthcare occupations are projected to grow much faster than average. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for home health aides will increase by 21%.

In California, patient care technicians are in high demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. This demand is fueled by the state's large and growing elderly population, as well as ongoing needs in both acute and long-term care settings.

Patient care technician roles offer strong job security and a chance to gain valuable experience for further career advancement in healthcare. Many people use this entry-level healthcare job as a stepping stone to nursing or other medical careers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for patient care technicians in the U.S. is about $50,790. Those with more experience or working in hospitals and government settings can earn higher wages. PCTs in California can expect to make a bit more than the national average. Indeed claims that the average salary there is $67,635.

What Skills Are Required To Become a Patient Care Technician?

Patient care technicians need a blend of technical, interpersonal, and physical skills to succeed in their roles. These abilities help ensure patient safety, effective communication, and compassionate care in busy healthcare settings.

• Communication skills: Patient care technicians must communicate clearly with patients, families, nurses, and doctors to ensure accurate information exchange and effective teamwork.
• Compassion and empathy: Providing care often means supporting patients during vulnerable moments, so showing understanding and kindness is essential for building trust and comfort.
• Attention to detail: Carefully monitoring vital signs, following medical instructions, and documenting patient information accurately are critical to patient safety and quality care.
• Technical skills: PCTs need to operate medical equipment, perform tasks like phlebotomy and EKGs, and use electronic health records proficiently as part of their daily responsibilities.
• Physical stamina: The job often requires standing for long periods, lifting or moving patients, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout a shift.
• Time management: Managing multiple responsibilities efficiently and prioritizing tasks is crucial for delivering timely and effective patient care.
• Critical thinking: PCTs must quickly assess situations, recognize changes in patient conditions, and respond appropriately to emergencies or unexpected developments.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals is vital for coordinated and comprehensive patient care.
• Adaptability: Healthcare environments are dynamic, so being able to adjust to new protocols, patient needs, or work settings is important for ongoing success.

FAQs About How To Become a Patient Care Technician

If you're considering a career as a patient care technician in California, you likely have questions about the education, certification process, job outlook, and more. Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help guide you as you plan your path in this rewarding healthcare field.

What Are the Minimum Requirements To Become a Patient Care Technician in California?

To become a patient care technician in California, you must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a state-approved training program. These programs include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. After your training, you'll need to pass a certification exam, such as the CPCT/A, and undergo a background check before you can work in most healthcare settings.

Is Certification Mandatory To Work as a Patient Care Technician in California?

Yes, certification is required to work as a patient care technician in California. After completing your training, you must pass a certification exam, such as the one offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). This exam covers topics like vital signs, infection control, and basic medical procedures.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Patient Care Technician in California?

The timeline to become a patient care technician in California varies depending on your training program. Most programs can be completed in as little as eight weeks to several months. After finishing your coursework and clinical hours, you'll need to pass the certification exam and complete any required background checks before applying for jobs.

What Is the Difference Between a PCT, CNA, and MA?

A patient care technician is trained to perform a broader range of clinical tasks than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), including EKGs and phlebotomy. Medical assistants (MAs) often focus more on administrative and outpatient clinical duties. PCTs generally work in hospitals or long-term care facilities, while CNAs and MAs may work in various healthcare environments.

Are There Continuing Education Requirements for Patient Care Technicians?

While California does not mandate specific continuing education for PCTs, maintaining national certification (like the CPCT/A) may require periodic renewal and continuing education credits. Additionally, healthcare employers often encourage ongoing training to keep skills current and stay updated with evolving best practices and technologies in patient care.

Earn Your Degree Today

Now that you know how to become a PCT in California, you can use our resources here on Learn.org to find schools that offer PCT programs. Reach out to them today for more information.