Patient Care Technician
Community Health Worker (CHW)
Patient Care Technician
Position Summary
A 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. [6]
Position Summary
Community Health Worker (CHW)
A 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. [6]
Training and Prerequisites
- Completion of an approved CHW Training Program by the SD Department of Social Services. [2]
- The CHW Agency process will include the process utilized to hire individuals qualified to act as a CHW following certification that the individual has completed the Indian Health Service Community Health Representative basic training, a CHW program approved by the South Dakota Board of Technical Education or the South Dakota Board of Regents, or a CHW training program approved by the State. [3]
- High School graduate or GED. [8]
- Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls is the only place in South Dakota that offers a PCT training program. [7]
Training and Prerequisites
Community Health Worker (CHW)
- Completion of an approved CHW Training Program by the SD Department of Social Services. [2]
- The CHW Agency process will include the process utilized to hire individuals qualified to act as a CHW following certification that the individual has completed the Indian Health Service Community Health Representative basic training, a CHW program approved by the South Dakota Board of Technical Education or the South Dakota Board of Regents, or a CHW training program approved by the State. [3]
Patient Care Technician
- High School graduate or GED. [8]
- Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls is the only place in South Dakota that offers a PCT training program. [7]
Certificates/Licensure
- No certificate or license is required in SD.
- Phlebotomy/Patient Care Technician Diploma. [7]
- License and certification not required. [10]
Certificates/Licensure
Community Health Worker (CHW)
- No certificate or license is required in SD.
Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy/Patient Care Technician Diploma. [7]
- License and certification not required. [10]
Typical Supervisors
- CHWs are primarily supervised by a clinic manager, nursing manager, or other organizational manager. [5]
- Supervised by registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. [11]
Typical Supervisors
Community Health Worker (CHW)
- CHWs are primarily supervised by a clinic manager, nursing manager, or other organizational manager. [5]
Patient Care Technician
- Supervised by registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. [11]
Median Hourly Wage (National)
[4],[8]
- Community Health Worker (CHW) – $20.19
- Patient Care Technician – $14.82