Sometimes, it is a challenge to decide what medical career path to take with all the available options.
The Patient Care Technician equips you with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) skills plus phlebotomy, EKG reading, and other certification options.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Hawaii
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Hawaii does not require any licensing by the state.
However, the usual path for someone employed as a PCT is to sign up for training that prepares them for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam.
Typical training time for most certificate programs lasts about eight months to a year.
You can also pursue an associate degree program.
By the way, a PCT has similar duties as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but a PCT does not require supervision.
If you decide to move into a nursing position, you also should submit your credentials to the Hawaii Nurse Aid Registry.
Other requirements apply, such as undergoing a background check and being free of infectious diseases.
Other Certification Options
You can seek the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) from the National Performance Specialists (NPS).
An additional option is the Patient Care Technician (PCT) National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
6 Patient Care Technician Schools in Hawaii
1. Kapiolani Community College
One of the concentrations that a PCT will consider is working in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) role.
The Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT) prepares you for patient care scenarios that require advanced life support, administration of intravenous fluids, and operating an EKG heart monitoring machine, among other things done on an emergency scene.
2. The Center for Learning the Art of Caregiving
This center has a Patient Care Technician (CNA II) program that prepares you for blood drawing (phlebotomy), kidney dialysis, EKG Technician, or lab testing procedures.
You would add these skills to your current patient care assistance, such as bathing, dressing, or feeding.
3. Healthcare School of Hawaii LLC
This school provides nurse training that prepares you for a variety of roles, including work as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant.
It also provides CNA Recertification training, CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support (BLS) training.
4. University of Hawaii
The CNA II training, otherwise known as the Patient Care Technician, provides a refresher plus an advanced course.
Learn sterilization, wound and diabetes care, and nutrition or oral suctioning.
You will also learn about catheterization and colostomy procedures.
In addition, this coursework will show you how to properly collect specimens for testing.
5. Certified Nursing Assistant Classes
This training center has nursing assistant classes that do cover PCT duties.
It includes 30 hours of practical training in a clinical setting.
During this practicum, you will receive instructions from an RN, doctor, and other certified personnel.
6. Wayland Baptist University
This school has some degree and non-degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
One course track you could enroll in is the Nursing, Generic, B.S.N.
This coursework would probably fit your career agenda if you have worked as a PCT for a while and are looking for the “next step.”
It provides both the core academic courses and the practical experiences you need to secure a job in a respectable facility.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Kapiolani Community College | 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
The Center for Learning the Art of Caregiving | Waipahu 94-265 Leowahine St., Suite 101 |
Healthcare School of Hawaii LLC | 98-025 Hekaha St Suite 3 & 4, Bldg. 4, Aiea, HI 96701 |
University of Hawaii | 2425 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822 |
Certified Nursing Assistant Classes | 319 North Cane Street, Suite # B, Wahiawa, HI 96786 |
Wayland Baptist University | 599 Farrington Hwy Suite 300, Kapolei, HI 96707 |
Salary
The Medical Assistant’s yearly income in Hawaii averages about $39,779.
This salary ranges from $36,675 to $42,954.
Cities where you can find jobs include Honolulu, Waimea, Kailua-Kona, and Lihue.
You can seek additional certifications and gain experience to increase your income to above $45,845.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Honolulu | $35,902 |
Hilo | $35,659 |
Ewa Beach | $35,902 |
Kaneohe | $35,902 |
Waipahu | $35,885 |
Pearl City | $35,902 |
Hakalau | $35,659 |
Mililani Town | $35,837 |
Kahului | $35,659 |
Kihei | $35,659 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 260 | $43,260 | $20.8 | $54,430 | $36,560 |
Urban Honolulu, HI | 2,900 | $45,140 | $21.7 | $51,990 | $36,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Hawaii Patient Care Technician do all day?
A PCT in this state will perform some of the same duties as a CNA.
This includes dressing and bathing, bedding changes, or feeding.
Lab assistance and patient consolation, Phlebotomy, and EKG reading.
You also may have to discuss patient rest results with doctors or nurses.
Do you need a degree to operate as a HI PCT?
No, you do not need a degree to work in this position.
However, you must make sure you register with the state if you decide to become a CNA Level II, which is usually regarded as equal to being a PCT.
Achieving at least an associate degree, however, can enhance your skills and send you on the way to LPN or RN training.
How much does PCT training in Hawaii cost?
Training may cost you from $3,000-$10,000 to complete.
Financial aid often covers this expense.
Some schools even provide you with a certification exam voucher.
Employers often fund at least part of the schooling cost for people earning a PCT credential.
How do you become a Patient Care Technician?
You usually have to attend a minimum of eight to 12 months of certificate training.
Then, you will use what you learned to pass your certification exam.
If you are not sure what certificate to earn, you might want to contact the NCCT, NHA, or NPS for more information.
Look through program descriptions for more information too, and contact prospective school admissions counselors.
Is there a demand for PCTs in Hawaii?
The national outlook for the PCT occupation, otherwise called Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, equals an 8% increase.
Expect a 118,500 employment change and an average of 192,800 nursing assistant/orderly job openings that perform similar duties as a PCT.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician