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Being a patient care technician (PCT) is truly fulfilling work, as you’ll be helping people on the road to recovery.
While it can be highly rewarding, many struggles come with the job.
PCTs are often overworked, have poor work-life balance, and the job can be emotionally draining.
In addition, the job is also physically demanding and might even lead to injury.
For those looking for a similar career path, there are a few alternatives that are just as rewarding without the strain.
Healthcare has many open positions, specifically ones that have better work-life balance and are less straining emotionally and physically.
Below are some of the top alternative career paths for those looking into becoming a PCT.
List of Alternative Careers
1. Medical Assistant
A medical assistant (MA) helps support physicians and clients by performing non-invasive support in medical settings.
This can range from taking vital signs to recording medical information.
Information for patients.
Medical assistants will work alongside physicians to help create seamless patient care.
Those transitioning from a PCT role will be acclimated to the job due to a few similar skill sets.
Both facilitate assessing patients and taking vital signs.
In addition, medical assistants will assist with basic patient care.
To work as an MA, one will need to enroll in a medical assistant certificate program that is recognized by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
Courses will cover clinical skills, administrative tasks, and learning computer applications related to the field.
Essentially, PCTs and MAs have similar roles, except an MS has a broader skill set, higher earning potential, and leads to more career advancement opportunities.
In addition, MAs will also have higher earning potential and be able to work in a wider array of clinical settings.
2. Home Health Aide
A home health aide is similar to a PCT, except they work in homes.
Main duties include assisting patients with daily living activities.
While they do focus on medical-related tasks, they may also assist in housekeeping, meal prep, and administering medication.
They will also be in charge of transporting patients to appointments.
Both a PCT and a health aide have similar roles, where a few skills overlap.
A home health aid will work with patients directly and help monitor vital signs.
In addition to that, they will also effectively communicate patient needs between medical professionals while also building rapport with clients.
Lastly, home health aids will monitor patient’s conditions to see if they get worse or better.
Transitioning from a PCT to a home health aide will vary by state, as certain ones require HHA certification.
HHAs will need to pass a state-approved program and also complete a competency exam after taking a certificate course.
After that, some HHAs will need to be trained while on the job.
Additional skills such as home safety and infection control, first aid, and documentation recording will need to be learned.
There is a wide array of benefits that include more independence and autonomy on the job.
In addition, scheduling is more flexible and helps provide a better work-life balance.
Unlike clinical settings, a HHA will be working one-on-one instead of with multiple patients.
3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a nurse or physician.
CNAs work in clinical or in-home settings while providing patient care.
They focus on providing non-invasive patient care such as assisting with daily living, monitoring vital signs, and feeding.
A CNA is similar to a PCT, as they work directly with patients, monitor vital signs, and also ensure patient comfort and safety.
They will also need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills when working alongside patients and their families.
A CNA will also need to be highly attentive and observe patients for any signs of changes in their health.
To become a CNA, one will need to complete a state-approved training program.
In addition, each state requires certain training hours with at least 75 being without supervision and 16 being supervision.
Most programs can be completed in as little as three weeks.
PCTs and CNAs have tons of overlap in their skill sets, such as experience in assisting with daily living skills and vital monitoring.
In addition, CNAs will need to communicate effectively with their overseeing physician or nurse.
Lastly, CNAs will need to be familiar with collecting specimens, preparing for examinations, and assisting with other procedures.
4. Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who collects blood from patients for testing, transfusions, research, and donations.
They work in a wide variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and blood donor centers.
They will need to be highly detail-oriented and ensure that the patient is comfortable during the process.
A PCT and a phlebotomist have little overlap in job duties but do need similar skill sets.
Phlebotomists will need to build patient rapport, actively listen, and also explain procedures.
They will also need to be highly detail-oriented and provide consistent support.
They can also work in a wide array of fields.
To work as a phlebotomist, one will need to complete a certificate program.
Programs will need to be recognized by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Another alternative program could include one approved by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). After that, you’ll need to pass a state exam before becoming officially certified.
Being a phlebotomist can be a good alternative to a PCT due to fewer demands for the job.
There is less physical demand, and also less knowledge to be learned.
However, a phlebotomist will still be able to work one-on-one with patients.
The only downside is that one will need to work with blood, and if you’re squeamish, then it might not be a good fit.
5. Care Specialist
A Care Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting patients in medical settings.
They help assist patients navigate the healthcare system, which can include scheduling, phone calls, and communicating with their providers.
Care specialists will also help educate patients on their conditions, monitor progress, and help aid in their treatment.
PCTs and care specialists have easily transferable and very similar skill sets.
Care specialists will need to be familiar with medical procedures and the healthcare system, which is also a part of the PCT role.
In addition, care specialists will need to have a strong attention to detail when aiding patients.
Not only that, but care specialists will also need to problem-solve and be effective in time management, as aiding patients can be time-sensitive.
To become a care specialist, a PCT will need to undergo extra education and training.
To be a care specialist, one will need to get an associate’s degree in a relevant field and a certificate in case management, care coordination, or health coaching.
From there, care specialists will still need to attend workshops and conferences to further advance their skills.
A care specialist can be a better pick than a PCT due to the higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
There is also more job satisfaction, as care specialists will help patients who are troubled or lost in the healthcare system.
The job is also less physically demanding and mainly requires knowledge of the medical healthcare system.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
- Transitioning to a new career field can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. As a PCT, you’ll have important skill sets that translate well into other medical roles. If you’re planning to transition to one of the above-mentioned careers, then it’s best to do it gradually.
- Each state will have different requirements, and you’ll want to ensure that you’re meeting them. Be sure to check your local regulations and certification requirements. In addition, extra schooling may be required. If so, you’ll need to prepare to attend a certificate or degree program.
- Even if you are qualified, it may be hard to sell your skill set to potential employers. The best way is to demonstrate competency. To do this, it’s best to seek out internships or volunteer work. That way, you can see how professionals conduct the job. You may also undergo on-the-job training.
- Lastly, networking in the medical field can also help land you a job. Being able to network with other medical professionals, especially those in the field that you want to transition to, can help aid in the process. They can help identify openings, resources, and more. By doing all of this, one will be able to easily transfer from a PCT to another role.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of working as a PCT or are experiencing burnout, then don’t worry.
There are plenty of alternative career paths that are just as rewarding and have similar skill sets.
The knowledge that PCTs gain on the job is useful in a wide variety of settings and gives a good perspective on other roles in medical settings.
While it can seem scary to leap into a new profession, it’s not that difficult if you know where to start.
Networking with others in the career profession you want to transfer to can help you gain insight into what it’s like to work the job.
If you’re experiencing certain problems, then you can help see if the new career path is a good fit based on what others say.
Overall, the most difficult part is taking the first step and then committing to either more training or education, but with enough courage, you can easily translate your skills into a job that is better suited to you.
