• Administrative: These patient care technicians would spend primarily most of their time working performing administrative tasks. These duties include filling out insurance forms, correspondence, scheduling, and answering phones, among many others.
• Clinical: These individuals have more direct patient contact in the hospital or doctors' office. These duties include prepping patients for examinations, taking vital signs, administering basic laboratory tests, and sterilizing equipment.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

There are many different paths that students can take with their education in order to become a patient care technician. They do have the option of training on the job, as long as they have their high school diploma or GED. They can also enter a vocational program, which will take one to two years. In addition to that, they can also receive an associate degree in patient care technician, which will take two years.

In addition to formal education, it is also very important that students pursue an internship and have experience in the field before they graduate from their vocational or associate program. The information that they learn while experiencing on-site training is vital to their future success as a patient care technician.

Certification for patient care technicians is voluntary; once students graduate from an accredited program, they are eligible to begin their career. Certification demonstrates to future employers that the student is competent in a particular set of skills. Certifications can be obtained through many different organizations; some examples are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and Association of Medical Technologists (AMT). (BLS)

For patient care technicians, the main elements that contribute to their salary include skill level, location, and experience. The average yearly income for patient care technicians is approximately $28K, as of May 2008. The top 10 percent earned more than $39K, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $20K. (BLS)

According to the United States Department of Labor, this industry is considered to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the 2008-2018 decade. The industry is projected to grow an addition 34 percent during this time frame. Individuals who have completed all educational requirements and certifications will have the best chance of obtaining the most desirable positions.

The large expansion in this industry is due to the fact that the medical industry as a whole is constantly evolving and developing new technology. Everyone within the industry must adapt to these new ways. Job growth is stimulated as more and more patient care technicians are employed, allowing doctors to see more patients. This growth also has to do with the needs of the aging population. (BLS)

Surgical technologists work in hospitals and assist doctors with surgical procedures. They are in charge of preparing the operating room before the operation begins. They must make sure that all equipment is sterile and in its proper location.

Dental assistants work in dentists' offices to assist the dentist with basic procedures and perform administrative duties. They prepare the exam room for the dentist and make sure that all necessary materials are stocked and sterile. They are also in charge of updating patient records.

Licensed practical nurses help care for and treat patients under the direction of a registered nurse. For the most part, they perform basic bedside care for patients. They are also in charge of monitoring patients and reporting any major changes to their doctor.

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and help fill patient prescriptions. They also are in charge of performing administrative duties in the pharmacy.

Physical therapy assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist to help care for the patients. Their main goal is to help increase mobility in their patients as well as decrease their pain and discomfort. This is done through many different methods including exercise, massage, and balance training.