When you work as a Patient Care Technician in Maine, you would perform some of the same duties as a CNA.
One difference, however, is that you do not require the supervision a CNA would.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Maine
- 2 5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Maine
- 3 Salary
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 What is the future of Patient Care Technician work in Maine?
- 4.2 What are some top employers of Patient Care Technicians in Maine?
- 4.3 How long does it take to complete Patient Care Technician training in Maine?
- 4.4 Does PCT training cost much in Maine?
- 4.5 What are the different types of PCT training in Maine?
Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Maine
You will not find much information about licensing requirements to become a Patient Care Technician in Maine.
However, you will for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Registered Nurse (RN) in the state.
If you want to be recognized as a nurse in the state, you should register with the Maine Registry Of Nursing Assistants.
To become a Patient Care Technician, you can sign up to take the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
However, make sure you have acquired the appropriate training beforehand.
To help you find the right position, the Maine government website provides a list of possible health careers.
Some of the closest ones on the list besides a CNA include the Phlebotomist, the Patient Support Specialist, and the Patient Service Representative.
5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Maine
Maine offers more options for people seeking CNA training than they do for people seeking PCT training.
It is wise to contact the NHA or another credentialing body to find out if that association’s exam content matches what you would learn in classes and in your clinical.
If not, you may also want to acquire the NHA certification study guide.
1. Maine College of Healthcare Professionals
This school has a CNA training program.
It includes about 40-50 classroom hours and about 70 hours of clinical training in a setting where you would perform similar duties as a PCT.
You might want to find out if this course is one approved by the NHA or another popular credentialing body (ex: AECA or NPS) before you take it.
It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
2. Southern Maine Community College
This school provides a Medical Assisting Associate Degree Program.
It covers anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology also typically taught in PCT or CNA training.
In addition, you will learn about infection control and diseases, and you will become acquainted with lab diagnostics.
It includes a 160-hour practicum in a medical setting.
This will help you become used to taking care of patients, especially when they feel anxious or are in pain.
Your time spent with them will prepare you for real work.
3. Continued
The “Continued” website provides CE support for Maine healthcare professionals.
They sometimes provide the CNA course for free.
You also could add a Phlebotomy Technician credential to your skill set through this continuing education center.
This training center also provides CPR certification and renewal, which is a life-saving skill essential to most medical positions.
This includes Nurse Aides or Patient Care Technicians.
Course listings change frequently, so you may want to search for the latest PCT-related offerings.
4. United Technologies Center
This learning institution has a one-year CNA Program.
You can use this toward your PCT training, which would place you in a nursing or patient-care environment.
Gain hands-on practice and learn the medical background, such as anatomy or physiology.
United Technologies also provides you opportunities to learn about phlebotomy, heart monitoring, and medical terminology.
In addition, you will receive an introduction to medications that patients typically use.
5. Helping Hands Trade School
This school offers some information about what a Patient Care Technician, which this training center calls the Personal Access Assistance Services program, actually does.
For instance, it lists helping a patient with bed mobility and transferring that person from the bed, the shower, the dining room, etc.
What’s more, you would change bedding and remove the dirty sheets, blankets, and pillowcases from the room.
It does not provide much information about CNAs, however.
It is just an introductory program to help you start working right away.
It does not appear to provide advanced PCT training either.
This initial class precedes even an entry-level CNA certificate course.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Maine – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Maine College of Healthcare Professionals | 70 Middle St, Lewiston, ME 04240 |
Southern Maine Community College | 2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106 |
Continued | |
United Technologies Center | 200 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401 |
Helping Hands Trade School | 32 College Ave #104, Waterville, ME 04901 |
Salary
In Bangor, Maine, the estimated average yearly income for a Dialysis Patient Care Technician totals about $38,430.
General PCT positions may pay about $5,000 less than that, depending on your location.
Salaries usually range from $34,450 to $43,050.
Cities besides Bangor where you can find PCT jobs in Maine include Brewer, Wilton, Scarborough, and Swans Island.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Portland | $33,746 |
Lewiston | $33,400 |
Bangor | $31,556 |
South Portland | $33,746 |
Auburn | $33,400 |
Brunswick | $33,447 |
Biddeford | $33,585 |
Sanford | $34,590 |
Augusta | $32,305 |
Scarborough | $33,746 |
Regional Salary in Maine
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangor, ME | 920 | $42,920 | $20.64 | $47,810 | $37,410 |
Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 630 | $43,810 | $21.06 | $49,100 | $36,740 |
Portland-South Portland, ME | 2,270 | $43,900 | $21.11 | $51,720 | $37,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of Patient Care Technician work in Maine?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a possible 8% increase in the need for Nursing Assistants and Orderlies until 2030.
This occupation calls for carrying out some of the same tasks as a PCT.
If you want an accurate job outlook, you also might want to look up EKG Specialists (Cardiovascular Technicians) and Phlebotomists.
These are some duties a PCT would perform, and the need for them may increase by 14%-22%.
What are some top employers of Patient Care Technicians in Maine?
Aurora Health, Health, and Ann Arundel Medical Center are the top three according to Indeed in 2022.
Pays range from $39.21-$24.15 per hour.
Perhaps you can find one of these or other top PCT employers near you.
How long does it take to complete Patient Care Technician training in Maine?
Initial coursework may only take a few weeks.
However, it is wise to work out with your instructor how to acquire the on-the-job training you need while in school.
Most certificate programs last from about eight to nine months to about a year, and associate programs usually run for 16-24 months.
Does PCT training cost much in Maine?
It may cost you an average of $3,000-$5,000 for a certificate course you can complete in less than a year.
Some programs might cost you about $10,000 a year or more, but they cover more topics and prepare you for LPN or RN nursing positions.
What are the different types of PCT training in Maine?
Most programs include both classroom and on-the-job training.
You will find workforce-based programs that partner with national certification bodies, such as the NHA.
In addition, you can find accredited nursing and medical assisting training accredited by local Higher Learning Commissions.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician