The Patient Care Technician works under the supervision of nursing or medical staff to provide basic patient care in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, urgent care medical facilities, wound care centers, nursing homes, home care agencies or long-term care facilities, and physician’s offices. Routine tasks include responding to patient calls and requests for assistance; bathing and dressing patients; assisting with personal hygiene; serving meals; and monitoring/recording vital signs.
PCTs observe, record and report temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rates, and a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional condition. A PCT must be able to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), collect blood samples (phlebotomy), and perform other clinical duties.