A patient care technician has one of the most important jobs in the healthcare system; they work alongside doctors and nurses to ensure that patients (whether they are in the hospital, acute care, nursing home, or are comfortable in their own private homes) have access to things they may not be able to do themselves. This can include anything from brushing their hair, to changing, feeding, and bathing them.

The first qualification you need, in my opinion, is a good heart. Not everyone is cut out for such a personal job -- you are going to be aiding those who are helpless without you, and for that you need to have a lot of love in your heart. On a more technical level, to get a job as a patient care tech, you need the following qualifications:

You must be approved and have completed the amount of hours that your state requires to become a PCT. Most of these classes are taught by a nurse, and generally you will need around 500-600 hours before you are eligible to work. You will be taught a multitude of things ranging from general patient aid care, a nursing assistant, and a home health aid. There are also online classes available, for those that want to work while preparing to become a PCT; these can run you anywhere between $100-$300. If you have a computer available for at-home use, this may be your best bet.

Once you complete your training, you will receive your PCT certificate, which will allow you to start applying for jobs around the area you wish to work in. Remember that each state and establishment has their own requirements, so your qualifications may vary.