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A patient care technician is a medical professional who works alongside patients to ensure that their daily care is taken care of.
They are responsible for ensuring patient safety, comfort, and recovery.
Often, a patient care technician will work under another healthcare professional, such as a nurse.
If you’re interested in becoming a patient care technician, then you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of the job.
Article Table of Contents
Pros of Being a Patient Care Technician
A patient care technician is often seen as the first line of care for patients.
They will be in charge of many tasks, all about patient health and well-being.
That said, the job has so much to offer.
Below, we’ll provide you with a few benefits you should consider.
1. Flexible Employment
One of the biggest benefits of working as a patient care technician is flexible employment.
Patient care technicians work in a variety of settings which range from nursing homes to healthcare settings.
This allows you to have many choices of employment and allows for more positions.
2. Making a Difference
Working alongside other medical professionals, you’ll get the chance to make a difference in patient’s lives.
You’ll be working directly with patients helping them achieve their daily routines.
Being close to patients, and supporting them both physically and emotionally can make a huge impact on not only their life but yours.
3. Flexible Hours
As a patient care technician, you’ll be able to choose from the morning, day, and night shifts.
You may also work extended periods or have frequently changing schedules.
That allows you to work part-time, full-time, or anything you desire.
Just make sure to communicate that to your employer.
4. Easy Entry
To become a patient care technician, one will have to have a high school diploma or GED.
In addition, they ended up completing a state-approved patient care technician training program.
Then, they must complete the certificate exam to become fully licensed.
After that, they can work in any patient care technician job in a variety of settings.
5. Job Stability
Working in healthcare ensures that you’ll always have steady employment.
As a patient care technician, the field is estimated to grow by 16% between 2024 and 2031.
So, there will be a high demand for patient care technicians over the next few years.
If you’re worried about job stability, then working as a patient care technician can be a good career path.
6. Career Advancement Opportunities
Those working as a patient care technician will also be able to further their career.
Many choose to gain additional training and certifications to move into higher-paying roles.
For example, many patient care technicians become certified nursing assistants (CNAs), medical assistants, or registered nurses.
7. Skill Development
Patient care technicians will learn a wide variety of skills on the job that pertain to patient care.
This can include learning medical terminology, learning how to operate healthcare technology, and meeting the day-to-day needs of patients.
Due to this, these skills often translate into other jobs, which can be useful if you plan to advance your career or change positions.
8. Can Be Fun
Depending on where you work, you can have a lot of fun being a patient care technician.
Many individuals become close with their patients and enjoy making friends along the way.
Aside from that, you’ll also be working alongside a wide variety of professionals, which can lead to a lot of learning and opportunities.
So, it can be a fun choice if you’re wanting to explore more about the healthcare profession.
9. Good Benefits
Since you’ll be working as a patient care technician in a medical facility, you’ll be given good hours and benefits.
The benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, PTO, and more.
The hours are also stable and you’ll be able to complete overtime as well.
10. Collaborative Environment
A patient care technician will be tasked with assisting other medical professionals.
This leads to a lot of collaboration and creates a sense of belonging.
You will work alongside doctors, nurses, med techs, and more.
This can give you a deeper understanding of the medical field, while also making strong connections along the way.
Cons of Being a Patient Care Technician
Now that we’ve covered the pros, let’s take a closer look at the cons.
There are many downsides to working as a patient care technician, and you must weigh these carefully.
It’s a highly demanding job and requires a lot of effort on a day-to-day basis.
Below, we’ll explain some of the main drawbacks.
1. Physical Strain
The biggest downside to being a patient care technician is that it’s physically demanding.
Since patient care technicians are required to be on their feet most of the day, this can lead to physical strain and fatigue.
They may also have to lift patients and help them move around.
That said, patient care technicians will also need to perform a wide variety of tasks, all of which will require different levels of mobility.
2. Emotionally Draining
It can become emotionally draining to handle patients who are sick, dying, or injured.
Patients who are on hospice services are near death, which can take a big toll on emotions.
If you’re someone who enjoys working and making an impact in people’s lives, then you’ll likely enjoy being a patient care technician.
However, if you’re someone who prefers to stay away from emotionally difficult situations, then this career isn’t for you.
3. Stressful
Beyond the emotional and physical strain, the job is also very stressful.
You will essentially be tackling a wide variety of tasks each day.
This can add to overall stress, as you will need to constantly be learning new skills while on the job.
You may also face emergencies that require quick thinking and critical thinking.
If you’re not fast on your feet, then you may not enjoy this job.
It requires that you make quick decisions that will benefit the patient, and even can make a difference between life and death.
That said, you’ll have plenty of medical professionals around you who can help assist.
4. Risk of Illness
Working alongside patients who are hospitalized will mean that you’re putting yourself at risk of getting an illness or sick.
You will be in charge of staying with the patient on a day-to-day basis, regardless of their condition.
That means you’ll come into contact with many germs, illnesses, and sicknesses.
If you don’t have a strong immune system, then it’s better to find a different career.
5. Low Pay
Many patient care physicians don’t make a lot of starters.
Of course, this highly depends on the state you live in and the place you’re employed at.
However, the national average is only around $18 per hour, which is a little over minimum wage.
So, it’s highly demanding work for little compensation.
6. High Patient-to-Technician Ratio
Patient care technicians are often understaffed and will need to manage multiple patients simultaneously.
This is especially true if you’re working in a hospital or large medical facility.
Due to this, you will need to have the endurance to juggle multiple patients while remaining professional and accurate.
7. Risk of Injury
Not only is the job very demanding, but sometimes the patients can be as well.
While not common, patient care technicians may find that they are dealing with very aggressive patients that could lead to injury.
This is especially true if you’re working in an inpatient psychiatric center.
Other than that, being alone in someone’s home can also pose risks as you will have limited help.
Some also find that they get injured dealing with medical equipment or by not being careful of what they are doing.
This can lead to permanent injuries.
8. Burnout
Caring for patients on a day-to-day basis can be very draining in the long run.
If you’re not used to keeping up with the demands of the job, then this can lead to burnout.
It can especially impact you and also lead to you making mistakes on the job.
So, it’s best to only consider working as a patient care technician if you’re able to regulate your emotions and take care of your health.
Pros and Cons of Being a Patient Care Technician – Summary Table
| Pros of Being a Patient Care Technician | Cons of Being a Patient Care Technician |
|---|---|
| 1. Flexible Employment | 1. Physical Strain |
| 2. Making a Difference | 2. Emotionally Draining |
| 3. Flexible Hours | 3. Stressful |
| 4. Easy Entry | 4. Risk of Illness |
| 5. Job Stability | 5. Low Pay |
| 6. Career Advancement Opportunities | 6. High Patient-to-Technician Ratio |
| 7. Skill Development | 7. Risk of Injury |
| 8. Can Be Fun | 8. Burnout |
| 9. Good Benefits | |
| 10. Collaborative Environment |
Should You Become a Patient Care Technician?
If you’re considering becoming a patient care technician, then it’s best to weigh the pros and cons before choosing to apply.
While it can be a highly rewarding job, it’s very demanding and requires a lot of resilience.
You will need to be both physically fit and emotionally stable to give your patients the best care possible.
In addition, you’ll also be expected to juggle skills and patience without any mistakes.