What is a Patient Care Technician in Texas?
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) play a vital role in Texas'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 Texas, 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 $35,846 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 Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas?
- Hospitals (most common setting)
- Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
- Dialysis centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home health agencies
- Urgent care centers
- Outpatient clinics
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PCT Certification Requirements in Texas
To become a Patient Care Technician in Texas, 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
Texas requires completion of 600 hours required 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
Texas-Specific Requirement: Texas requires 600 hours of training, which is higher than many states. This ensures comprehensive preparation.
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 Texas include exam preparation and may even provide a voucher
for your certification exam, saving you money!
PCT vs CNA vs LPN in Texas
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 Texas:
| Factor |
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) |
PCT (Patient Care Technician) |
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) |
| Focus/Role |
Basic care |
Advanced skills (phlebotomy, EKG) |
Licensed nurse, medication admin |
| Training Duration |
4-8 weeks |
6-12 months |
12-18 months |
| Texas Salary |
$28,000-$32,000/year |
$36,000-$48,000/year |
$45,000-$52,000/year |
| Scope of Practice |
Activities of daily living |
Clinical procedures + patient care |
Full nursing scope under RN supervision |
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 Texas?
- 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 Texas
Choosing the right PCT program is crucial for your success. We've identified the top 3 accredited PCT training programs
in Texas based on curriculum quality, student outcomes, affordability, and employer recognition.
Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: Contact for pricing
Highlights: PCT Level 3 (nationally recognized), CNA + Phlebotomy + EKG training
Visit Program Website
Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: Affordable community college rates
Highlights: Direct patient care, nurse collaboration
Visit Program Website
Duration: Varies
Cost: Community college pricing
Highlights: Patient care, phlebotomy, EKG preparation
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 Texas 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 Texas
Salary is a key consideration when choosing a healthcare career. Here's what Patient Care Technicians can expect to earn
in Texas as of 2026:
$35,846
Average Annual Salary
$17.23
Average Hourly Rate
$28,000
Entry-Level (25th %ile)
$48,000
Experienced (75th %ile)
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-1 year): $28,000 - New grads start here
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): $35,846 - With experience and certifications
- Experienced (5+ years): $48,000 - Specialized skills, leadership roles
- Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,045 - Highly sought-after facilities
Top-Paying Cities in Texas
- Houston: $36,000
- Dallas: $37,000
- San Antonio: $34,000
- Austin: $38,000
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 Texas
- 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 --
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Step-by-Step: How to Become a PCT in Texas
Ready to start your journey to becoming a Patient Care Technician? Follow these 5 steps to launch your career in Texas:
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). None (but CNA certification pathway available)
2
Choose an Accredited PCT Program
Research and enroll in a state-approved PCT training program in Texas. 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 (600 hours required)
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 Texas
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 Texas. 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
600 hours required. Some accelerated programs in Texas can be completed in as little
as 4-6 weeks if you attend full-time!
PCT Career Outlook in Texas
The future is bright for Patient Care Technicians in Texas! 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 Texas
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: $45,000-$52,000/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 Texas 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 Texas?
Patient Care Technicians in Texas earn an average of $35,846 per year,
or $17.23 per hour. Salaries range from $28,000 (entry-level) to
$48,000 (experienced) depending on location, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a PCT in Texas?
It typically takes 600 hours required to complete a PCT program in Texas. 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 Texas?
To become a PCT in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, complete
600 hours required of training from a state-approved program, and pass a national certification exam
(CPCT/A or PCTC). None (but CNA certification pathway available)
What's the difference between a PCT and CNA in Texas?
PCTs in Texas have broader clinical skills than CNAs, including EKG, phlebotomy, and vital signs monitoring.
PCTs earn higher salaries ($36,000-$48,000/year vs $28,000-$32,000/year) and require more training
(6-12 months vs 4-8 weeks). PCTs can perform both CNA duties and advanced
clinical procedures.
Is PCT certification required in Texas?
While Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas?
The job outlook for PCTs in Texas 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 Texas?
Don't wait! Patient Care Technician positions in Texas offer competitive salaries, job security, and
clear pathways for career advancement. Start your journey today!