What is a Patient Care Technician in North Carolina?
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) play a vital role in North Carolina's healthcare system, providing essential
direct patient care
in hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and rehabilitation facilities. PCTs combine the
basic care skills of
a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with advanced clinical procedures like EKG monitoring, phlebotomy (blood
draw), and vital
signs monitoring.
In North Carolina, the demand for qualified PCTs continues to grow as healthcare facilities seek
multi-skilled professionals who
can deliver efficient, high-quality patient care. With an average salary of $34,967 per
year,
PCT positions offer competitive pay and clear pathways for career advancement into roles like Licensed
Practical Nurse (LPN) or
Registered Nurse (RN).
Did You Know? PCTs in North Carolina earn approximately 20-30% more
than CNAs
due to their expanded clinical skills and responsibilities. This makes PCT an excellent stepping stone
for a nursing career!
What Do PCTs Do?
Patient Care Technicians in North Carolina perform a wide range of duties, including:
- Monitor Vital Signs: Blood pressure, temperature,
pulse, respiration rate
- Perform EKGs: Electrocardiograms to monitor heart
activity
- Draw Blood (Phlebotomy): Collect blood samples for lab
testing
- Assist with Daily Living: Bathing, dressing,
toileting, mobility
- Change Wound Dressings: Basic wound care under RN
supervision
- Document Patient Care: Accurate medical record
keeping
- Report to Nurses: Communicate patient status and
concerns to RNs/physicians
- Discontinue IVs/Catheters: Under supervision
(facility-dependent)
Where Do PCTs Work in North Carolina?
- Hospitals (most common setting)
- Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- Dialysis centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home health agencies
- Urgent care centers
- Outpatient clinics
💻 Find Accredited PCT Programs Near You --
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
PCT Certification Requirements in North Carolina
To become a Patient Care Technician in North Carolina, you must meet specific education, training, and
certification requirements.
Here's what you need to know:
Basic Requirements
- Age: 18 years or older
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Background Check: Criminal background check may be
required
- Health Screening: TB test, immunizations, drug
screening
Training Requirements
North Carolina requires completion of 4-6 months from a state-approved PCT training
program.
Training includes:
- Classroom Instruction: Anatomy, medical terminology,
patient care principles
- Skills Lab: Hands-on practice with EKG machines,
phlebotomy equipment, vital signs monitors
- Clinical Experience: Supervised patient care in real
healthcare settings (required)
- Specialized Training: EKG, phlebotomy, CNA skills
North Carolina-Specific Requirement: North Carolina requires passing the Nurse Aide I
Competency Exam before becoming a PCT. Strong healthcare market in Research Triangle
(Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill).
National Certification Exams
After completing your training, you must pass a national certification exam:
Provider: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Cost: ~$117 exam fee
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
Passing Score: 390/500 (78%)
Pass Rate: 71.2% nationally
Recertification: Every 2 years
Provider: American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
Details: Similar format and requirements to NHA exam
Recognition: Industry-recognized credential
Good News: Most PCT programs in North Carolina include exam preparation and may even
provide a voucher
for your certification exam, saving you money!
PCT vs CNA vs LPN in North Carolina
Understanding the differences between Patient Care Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Licensed
Practical Nurses
is crucial for making informed career decisions. Here's how they compare in North Carolina:
| Factor |
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) |
PCT (Patient Care Technician) |
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) |
| Focus/Role |
Basic care |
Clinical skills |
Licensed nursing |
| Training Duration |
4-6 weeks |
4-6 months |
12 months |
| North Carolina Salary |
$24,000-$30,000/year |
$35,000-$40,000/year |
$42,000-$50,000/year |
| Scope of Practice |
Personal care |
EKG, phlebotomy, clinical procedures |
Medication admin, full nursing |
Career Ladder: Many healthcare professionals follow this progression: CNA → PCT → LPN →
RN.
Each step builds on the previous one, with PCT being an excellent mid-point that offers better pay than
CNA while
requiring less training than LPN.
Why Choose PCT Over CNA in North Carolina?
- Higher Salary: PCTs earn 20-30% more than CNAs
- More Job Opportunities: Qualified for both CNA and PCT
positions
- Advanced Skills: EKG, phlebotomy, and clinical procedures
make you more valuable
- Better Career Growth: Easier transition to LPN/RN
programs
- Employer Preference: 78% of employers prefer certified PCTs
over CNAs
Top 3 PCT Programs in North Carolina
Choosing the right PCT program is crucial for your success. We've identified the top 3 accredited PCT
training programs
in North Carolina based on curriculum quality, student outcomes, affordability, and employer recognition.
Duration: 4-6 months
Cost: Community college rates
Highlights: Patient care, pharmacology, infection control, externship included
Visit Program Website
Duration: Varies
Cost: Affordable community college
Highlights: Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Cardiovascular Monitoring programs
Visit Program Website
Duration: Flexible
Cost: University pricing
Highlights: Prepares for CPCT/A or PCTC national exams, fully online
Visit Program Website
How to Choose the Right PCT Program
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is state-approved
and prepares you for national certification
- Location: Consider proximity to your home and
clinical site locations
- Cost: Compare tuition, fees, and whether
certification vouchers are included
- Schedule: Look for flexible options (evening,
weekend, online) if you work
- Clinical Partners: Programs with strong hospital
partnerships often lead to job placements
- Support Services: Check for career services, exam
prep, and tutoring
- Reputation: Read reviews from former students and ask local
employers which programs they prefer
Financial Aid Tip: Many PCT programs in North Carolina qualify for federal financial
aid, state grants,
and scholarships. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them
after graduation!
PCT Salary in North Carolina
Salary is a key consideration when choosing a healthcare career. Here's what Patient Care Technicians can
expect to earn
in North Carolina as of 2026:
$34,967
Average Annual Salary
$16.81 (statewide), $20.27 (average)
Average Hourly Rate
$34,415
Entry-Level (25th %ile)
$40,316
Experienced (75th %ile)
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-1 year): $34,415 - New grads start here
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): $34,967 - With experience and
certifications
- Experienced (5+ years): $40,316 - Specialized skills,
leadership roles
- Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,138 - Highly
sought-after facilities
Top-Paying Cities in North Carolina
- Raleigh: $40,328 ($19.39/hr)
- Charlotte: $36,483 ($17.54/hr)
- Durham: $39,000
- Greensboro: $35,000
Employer Matters: Large hospital systems, specialty clinics, and dialysis centers
typically pay
more than long-term care facilities. Night shift and weekend differentials can add $2-5/hour to your
base pay!
Factors That Affect PCT Salary in North Carolina
- Geographic Location: Urban areas typically pay
more than rural
- Certifications: CPCT/A, Phlebotomy, EKG Tech
certifications increase earning potential
- Employer Type: Hospitals > Dialysis Centers > Rehab >
Long-term Care
- Shift Differentials: Night/weekend shifts often pay 10-20%
more
- Experience: Each year of experience adds to your
marketability
- Education: Some employers pay more for continuing
education
Data Source: Salary data compiled from ZipRecruiter,
Indeed, and Bureau of Labor Statistics as of January 2026. Actual salaries may vary based on employer,
experience, and location.
💻 Find Accredited PCT Programs Near You --
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a PCT in North Carolina
Ready to start your journey to becoming a Patient Care Technician? Follow these 5 steps to launch your
career in North Carolina:
1
Meet Basic Prerequisites
Ensure you're at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Complete a criminal
background check
and health screening (TB test, immunizations). Must pass Nurse Aide I Competency Exam first
2
Choose an Accredited PCT Program
Research and enroll in a state-approved PCT training program in North Carolina. Look for
programs that include
certification exam vouchers, clinical experience, and have strong employer partnerships.
Consider cost, location,
schedule, and support services.
3
Complete Training (4-6 months)
Attend all classroom lectures, skills labs, and clinical rotations. Your training will cover
patient care basics,
EKG monitoring, phlebotomy, vital signs, medical terminology, anatomy, and infection control.
Complete all required
clinical hours in supervised healthcare settings.
4
Pass National Certification Exam
After graduating from your program, schedule and take the CPCT/A (NHA) or PCTC (AMCA)
certification exam.
Study using practice tests, review courses, and study guides. The exam covers patient care, EKG,
phlebotomy,
safety, infection control, and medical terminology. Passing score for NHA is 390/500 (78%).
5
Apply for PCT Jobs in North Carolina
Once certified, update your resume, create a LinkedIn profile, and start applying for PCT
positions at hospitals,
dialysis centers, long-term care facilities, and clinics in North Carolina. Many programs offer
job placement
assistance. Attend career fairs and network with clinical instructors and classmates.
Timeline: From enrollment to job placement, most people complete the entire process in
4-6 months. Some accelerated programs in North Carolina can be completed in as little
as 4-6 weeks if you attend full-time!
PCT Career Outlook in North Carolina
The future is bright for Patient Care Technicians in North Carolina! Healthcare continues to be one of the
fastest-growing
sectors, and PCTs are in high demand across all settings.
Job Growth Projections
- National Growth: 8-12% from 2024-2034 (faster than
average)
- Hospitals: Strong demand for multi-skilled technicians
- Dialysis Centers: Rapidly expanding due to chronic
disease prevalence
- Home Health: Growing as more patients prefer home-based
care
- Aging Population: Baby boomers driving healthcare
demand
Major Employers Hiring PCTs in North Carolina
Top healthcare systems and facilities actively recruiting PCTs include:
- Major hospital systems (academic medical centers, community
hospitals)
- DaVita, Fresenius (dialysis companies)
- HCA Healthcare, Tenet Health
- Home health agencies
- Rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities
- Urgent care chains
Career Advancement Pathways
PCT is an excellent starting point for long-term healthcare careers:
Timeline: 1 year bridge program
Salary Increase: $42,000-$50,000/year (30-40% raise)
Benefits: Licensed to administer medications, supervise CNAs/PCTs
Timeline: 2-4 years (ADN or BSN)
Salary Increase: $60,000-$85,000/year (100%+ raise)
Benefits: Full nursing scope, leadership roles, specialization options
Options: EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Specialist, Dialysis Technician
Salary: Similar to PCT but with specialization focus
Tuition Assistance: Many North Carolina hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs
for PCTs
who want to advance to LPN or RN. Some even pay 100% of tuition if you commit to working for them after
graduation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PCTs make in North Carolina?
Patient Care Technicians in North Carolina earn an average of $34,967 per year,
or $16.81 (statewide), $20.27 (average) per hour. Salaries range from $34,415
(entry-level) to
$40,316 (experienced) depending on location, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a PCT in North Carolina?
It typically takes 4-6 months to complete a PCT program in North Carolina. Programs
include classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and clinical experience. After graduation,
you'll need to
pass a national certification exam (CPCT/A or PCTC).
What are the requirements to become a PCT in North Carolina?
To become a PCT in North Carolina, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED,
complete
4-6 months of training from a state-approved program, and pass a national certification exam
(CPCT/A or PCTC). Must pass Nurse Aide I Competency Exam first
What's the difference between a PCT and CNA in North Carolina?
PCTs in North Carolina have broader clinical skills than CNAs, including EKG, phlebotomy, and vital
signs monitoring.
PCTs earn higher salaries ($35,000-$40,000/year vs $24,000-$30,000/year) and require more training
(4-6 months vs 4-6 weeks). PCTs can perform both CNA duties and advanced
clinical procedures.
Is PCT certification required in North Carolina?
While North Carolina does not legally require PCT certification to work, 78% of employers prefer
or require
national certification (CPCT/A or PCTC). Most hospitals and healthcare facilities will only hire
certified PCTs, and
certification significantly improves your job prospects and earning potential.
Can I work while training to become a PCT?
Yes! Many PCT programs in North Carolina offer flexible schedules with evening, weekend, and online
options designed
for working adults. However, you'll need to arrange your work schedule around required clinical
rotations, which
typically occur during daytime hours at healthcare facilities.
What's the job outlook for PCTs in North Carolina?
The job outlook for PCTs in North Carolina is excellent! Healthcare employment is projected to grow
8-12% from 2024-2034,
faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is driven by an aging population, chronic disease
management, and
the ongoing need for healthcare efficiency.
Ready to Start Your PCT Career in North Carolina?
Don't wait! Patient Care Technician positions in North Carolina offer competitive salaries, job security,
and
clear pathways for career advancement. Start your journey today!