How to Become a PCT in New Mexico

Do you want to become a PCT in New Mexico?

If so, you first need to learn more about this job and what training do you need.

So, check out the below piece!

Patient Care Technician Job Description and Duties in New Mexico

Patient care technicians in New Mexico perform their daily duties unsupervised.

Of course, you will need to improve your skills before being able to get a job in the field.

Your most important task a PCT has is to assist patients of the clinic and the staff of the facility.

You will also need to help the patients’ families should they require assistance.

The usual day to day tasks of a patient care tech are:

• Bathing and feeding the patients
• Catheter care
• Maintaining patient rooms clean
• Vital sign monitoring
• Performing phlebotomy procedures
• Talking to the patients’ families
• Escorting patients to various places for further investigations

Keep in mind that some employers might request you to complete some additional tasks.

In New Mexico, you should become a member of the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.

Patient Care Technician Job Requirements in New Mexico

To become a PCT in this state, you need to show proof of:

• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Having good communication skills
• Being detail-oriented
• Being compassionate
• Having a clean criminal background
• Being certified
• Having physical stamina

In order to appear in the Registry, you will need to pass a certification exam.

Patient Care Technician Education in New Mexico

The New Mexico Nurse Registry requests the completion of a training program in a suitable school.

In New Mexico, you can easily join one of the programs below:

PCT training programs either last for a few months or an entire year.

You can opt for an Associates’ degree if you want to get extra credentials.

Completing an Associates’ degree will take about 2 to 3 years.

There are some criteria to adhere to in order to join a PCT training program, such as:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Passed a drug screening test
• Have the following health immunizations done:
  • TB Skin Test
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Flu
  • Tetanus

The classes you will be attending are:

• Providing patient safety
• Providing basic care
• Medical terminology and abbreviations
• Basic infection control procedures and techniques
• The structure and function of body systems
• Identifying and reporting changes in the patient’s condition
• Monitoring and recording bodily functions
• CPR
• First aide techniques
• Drawing blood
• Inserting catheters

Patient Care Technician Certification in New Mexico

If you plan on getting certified, there are some criteria to be met.

You have to finish training, as well as take an exam after.

To be eligible for the NHA exam, you need to:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Graduate from a specialized training program
• Pay the exam fee – $149
• Show proof of citizenship or nationality
• Submit a set of fingerprints

You should also have 1 year of experience at the minimum.

But, the experience requirement only stands if you haven’t completed a training program.

Many future PCTs would rather attend a program because the costs are paid for by the school.

You will get 2 hours to complete the certification exam.

The exam has 100 questions and 20 pre-test questions.

Patient Care Technician Employment and Salary in New Mexico

In New Mexico, you can easily get hired in a medical facility you choose.

Some medical facilities in New Mexico are:

• Hospitals,
• Clinics,
• Rehabilitation centers,
• Long term care and assisted living facilities,
• Hospices
• Home care

In New Mexico, a PCT makes about $31,000 per year.

PCTs who reside in a bigger area have better chances for a good job.

Regional Salary in New Mexico

Additional Information for Patient Care Technician in New Mexico

You can also have a look at the following career resources:

• New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry
• National Health Association