How To Become a Patient Care Technician in North Carolina 2025

Starting a career as a patient care technician (PCT) in North Carolina is a practical way to enter the healthcare field and make a difference in patients' lives. Whether you're just finishing high school or looking to change careers, North Carolina offers a variety of training options to help you get started.

Throughout this artiicle, you'll find straightforward information on patient care technician educational requirements, certification, and job outlook. For a step-by-step overview of how to become a patient care technician, keep reading to learn about the process, the skills you'll gain, and the career opportunities waiting for you.

What Is a Patient Care Technician?

A patient care technician is a trained healthcare professional who works under the supervision of nurses or doctors to provide direct, hands-on support to patients in various medical settings. PCTs play a vital role in ensuring patient comfort and well-being, often serving as a bridge between patients and the broader healthcare team.

What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?

Patient care technician duties focus on supporting patient health and comfort within medical facilities. These include helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, monitoring vital signs, collecting specimens for lab testing, and offering emotional support.

PCTs also help with patient mobility, keep rooms clean and stocked, and assist nurses and doctors during procedures. They may perform basic diagnostic tests such as EKGs, help with phlebotomy, administer medications under supervision, and document patient information.

How To Become a Patient Care Technician in North Carolina

Starting a career as a patient care technician in North Carolina means following a clear path: meeting educational requirements, completing hands-on training, earning your certification, and satisfying state-specific guidelines. Below, we've outlined how you can complete each step.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The foundational step is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is a mandatory requirement for enrolling in any patient care technician (PCT) training program and is essential for eligibility to sit for certification exams.

2. Meet Program Prerequisites

Before applying to a PCT program, you must meet specific prerequisites. These often include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, providing proof of immunizations (such as MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, flu, and tetanus), and sometimes completing a drug screening and physical exam. Some programs may also require prior healthcare experience or certifications like certified nursing assistant (CNA) or CPR certification.

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

Next, enroll in a state-approved program offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or online courses. Programs typically last three to 12 months and combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum covers topics such as the following:

• Medical terminology: You will learn the language used in healthcare to communicate and document patient care.
• Anatomy and physiology: These courses introduce you to the structure and function of the human body.
• Basic nursing skills: These skills help you assist patients safely and effectively.
• EKG: Training includes how to perform and understand electrocardiograms.
• Phlebotomy: You will learn how to draw blood and handle specimens.
• CPR: Most programs require CPR certification as part of the curriculum.
• Patient care skills: You'll practice the skills needed to care for patients in different settings.

4. Complete Clinical Training and Coursework

During your program, you will participate in clinical rotations or externships, where you gain supervised experience in actual healthcare settings. This hands-on training is crucial for developing the practical skills required to succeed as a PCT.

5. Pass a National Certification Exam

After completing your training, you must pass a recognized national certification exam. The most common options in North Carolina are the CPCT exam (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) by the NHA (National Healthcareer Association) or the National Certified Patient Care Technician exam by the NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing). Eligibility typically requires completion of a PCT program or equivalent work experience. The exam assesses your knowledge and skills in patient care and related areas.

6. Obtain State Licensure and Register With the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry

Once you pass the certification exam, you must obtain licensure to practice as a PCT in North Carolina. This may involve registering with the Nurse Aide I Registry and fulfilling additional requirements such as interviews, background checks, and documentation of immunizations and training.

7. Apply for Patient Care Technician Positions

With your credentials in place, update your resume and begin applying for PCT positions in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Many employers in North Carolina prefer or require certification and state registration.

8. Maintain Certification and Continue Education

To remain in good standing, you must maintain your certification and licensure through continuing education and periodic renewal. This ensures your skills and knowledge stay current with evolving healthcare standards.

Patient Care Technician Training in North Carolina

Choosing the right patient care technician training program is an important step. North Carolina offers a mix of in-person and online courses to fit different schedules and learning preferences. Each program prepares you for certification and real-world experience.

• Wake Technical Community College: This online patient care technician program includes a comprehensive curriculum and provides a complimentary voucher for the CPCT/A certification exam or the PTC certification exam through AMCA, allowing students to test out of medical terminology content if they already have prior knowledge.
• Durham Technical Community College: Durham Tech's continuing education PCT course prepares students for work in hospitals, long-term care, and dialysis centers, requiring proof of immunizations, a background check, CPR certification, and medical health insurance for enrollment.
• York Technical College: The patient care technician certificate is a two-semester program with CNA training, clinical rotations, and eligibility for hospital, clinic, and lab positions after graduation.
• North Carolina Central University: NCCU offers an online patient care technician program that prepares students for national certification exams (CPCT/A or PCTC) and includes a voucher for one exam, with the course designed to be completed within 12 months and test-out options for medical terminology content.
• MedCerts: MedCerts provides a fully online, 24-week patient care technician training program that covers certification exam fees, offers dedicated student support, and prepares graduates for multiple national certifications.

Types of Patient Care Technicians

Earning your PCT certification opens up a variety of career paths in healthcare. These roles allow you to work in different settings and specialize as you gain experience.

Phlebotomy Technician

Phlebotomy technicians specialize in drawing blood samples for laboratory analysis. With a PCT certification and additional training, you can focus on this critical aspect of patient diagnostics, working in hospitals, clinics, or dedicated blood collection centers.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician

EKG technicians use specialized equipment to monitor and record patients' heart activity. This role involves preparing patients, performing tests, and assisting doctors in diagnosing heart conditions, making it a valuable specialty for those interested in cardiology.

Dialysis Technician

Dialysis technicians assist patients with kidney failure by operating dialysis machines and monitoring treatments. This role requires specialized training, and PCTs with an interest in renal care can pursue this growing specialty in hospitals or dialysis centers.

Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide care for patients in their own homes, supporting daily living activities, monitoring health status, and offering companionship. This position is ideal for those who prefer a more personal and independent work environment.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical duties in healthcare settings, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, taking vital signs, and assisting with minor procedures. Some PCTs transition into this versatile role with additional training.

Nurse Assistant or Nursing Aide

Nurse assistants, also known as nursing aides, help patients with daily activities, take vital signs, and support nurses with various care tasks. This entry-level position is common for PCTs and offers valuable experience for those considering further advancement in nursing.

Orderly

Orderlies provide basic assistance to medical staff by transporting patients, cleaning patient areas, and ensuring a safe environment in hospitals or long-term care facilities. This supportive role is a good starting point for gaining experience in the healthcare field.

Average Salary and Career Outlook

Healthcare support roles such as patient care technician, phlebotomist, medical assistant, and home health aide are in high demand across North Carolina. The state's rapidly aging population and expanded healthcare coverage are fueling strong job growth, particularly in hospitals, ambulatory care, and home-based services. These jobs offer stable employment, career advancement opportunities, and competitive wages, making the field a solid choice for those entering healthcare.

Home health aides in North Carolina earn an average of $30,605 per year, with a projected 21% job growth�among the highest in the sector�according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Phlebotomists average $40,090 annually, and the field is projected to grow 8% nationally. Orderlies (nursing assistants) make about $39,430 per year, with a 4% growth rate. Patient care technicians, who often fill these roles, can expect similar salaries and job prospects, with additional opportunities in dialysis centers and hospitals.

What Skills Are Required To Become a Patient Care Technician?

Patient care technicians need a blend of technical knowledge and interpersonal abilities to succeed in fast-paced healthcare environments. These professionals must be able to balance hands-on clinical tasks with compassionate patient support, all while working as part of a collaborative medical team. Below are some of the most important skills for this role:

• Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare staff, ensuring everyone understands care plans and instructions.
• Attention to detail: Patient care technicians must accurately follow medical protocols, record vital signs, and observe subtle changes in patient conditions.
• Compassion and empathy: Providing emotional support and understanding to patients during vulnerable times is a key aspect of quality care.
• Physical stamina: The job often requires standing for long periods, lifting or moving patients, and performing physically demanding tasks throughout a shift.
• Technical proficiency: Competence in using medical equipment, performing procedures like phlebotomy and EKGs, and handling patient records is crucial for delivering effective care.

FAQs About How To Become a Patient Care Technician

For those considering a career as a patient care technician in North Carolina, there are often questions beyond the basics of training and certification. Below are answers to some of the most common questions that can help you better understand the process and what to expect as you pursue this rewarding healthcare path.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Patient Care Technician Programs in North Carolina?

Most patient care technician programs in North Carolina require applicants to be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check. Additional requirements may include up-to-date immunizations, a physical exam, and sometimes prior healthcare experience or certifications such as CNA or CPR.

How Many Questions Are on the Patient Care Technician Certification Exam?

The number of questions on patient care technician exams varies by certifying body. For example, the National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with 25 unscored pretest questions, and test-takers are given three hours to complete the exam.

Where Can Patient Care Technicians Work in North Carolina?

Patient care technicians in North Carolina can find employment in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, doctors' offices, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Major employers in the state include large health systems such as UNC Health, Novant Health, and Atrium Health.

What Is the Difference Between a Patient Care Technician and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

While both roles involve assisting patients with daily living activities, patient care technicians are trained to perform additional tasks such as drawing blood, conducting EKGs, and assisting with rehabilitation exercises. Because of these added responsibilities, PCTs often have broader job opportunities and may earn higher salaries than CNAs.

Is Continuing Education Required After Becoming a Patient Care Technician?

Yes, maintaining professional credentials as a patient care technician typically involves completing continuing education. This ongoing learning ensures that PCTs remain current with healthcare practices and regulations, and is often required for renewing certification and licensure in North Carolina.

Earn Your Degree Today

A career as a patient care technician in North Carolina offers a clear path to meaningful work and professional growth. Explore online degrees from the schools featured here on Learn.org to start your journey in healthcare today.