Patient Care Technician
Certified Community Health Worker (CHW)
Patient Care Technician
Position Summary
A Certified CHW is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. [1]
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is mainly focused on working closely with patients, in conjunction with nurses. PCTs help perform basic care for patients, such as assisting them in using the restroom, serving meals, or changing bedding. They may also monitor vital signs and provide emotional support to patients and families. [4], [7]
Position Summary
Certified Community Health Worker (CHW)
A Certified CHW is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. [1]
Patient Care Technician
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is mainly focused on working closely with patients, in conjunction with nurses. PCTs help perform basic care for patients, such as assisting them in using the restroom, serving meals, or changing bedding. They may also monitor vital signs and provide emotional support to patients and families. [4], [7]
Training and Prerequisites
-
Completion of an approved training program for CHW Certification in South Dakota (200 hours of training and 40 hours of shadowing).
-
Obtain Certification as a Community Health Work or Community Health Representative in South Dakota. [2]
- High School graduate or GED. [6]
- Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls is the only place in South Dakota that offers a PCT training program. [5]
Training and Prerequisites
Certified Community Health Worker (CHW)
-
Completion of an approved training program for CHW Certification in South Dakota (200 hours of training and 40 hours of shadowing).
-
Obtain Certification as a Community Health Work or Community Health Representative in South Dakota. [2]
Patient Care Technician
- High School graduate or GED. [6]
- Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls is the only place in South Dakota that offers a PCT training program. [5]
Certificates/Licensure
-
CHWs and CHRs are certified through the Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota (CHWSD) on behalf of the South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services. [2]
- Phlebotomy/Patient Care Technician Diploma. [5]
- License and certification not required. [8]
Certificates/Licensure
Certified Community Health Worker (CHW)
- CHWs and CHRs are certified through the Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota (CHWSD) on behalf of the South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services. [2]
Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy/Patient Care Technician Diploma. [5]
- License and certification not required. [8]
Typical Supervisors
- CHWs are primarily supervised by a clinic manager, nursing manager, or other organizational manager.
- Supervised by registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. [9]
Typical Supervisors
Certified Community Health Worker (CHW)
- CHWs are primarily supervised by a clinic manager, nursing manager, or other organizational manager.
Patient Care Technician
- Supervised by registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. [9]
Median Hourly Wage (National)
[4],[6]
Community Health Worker (CHW) – $24.54