How to Become a Patient Care Technician in South Dakota

Normally, medical centers train people in South Dakota for a Nurse Aide (CNA) position.

This role has similar responsibilities of a Patient Care Technician.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in South Dakota

Licensing requirements in South Dakota generally refer to people in nursing professions, which a Patient Care Technician (PCT) relates.

If you choose to use your PCT training to become a nurse or nurse’s assistant, you would have to apply to the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry or the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

For professional certification, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) seems to gain the most recognition of all credentialing bodies.

The NHA offers the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certificate.

Certifications of the same are also provided by the American Education Certification Association (AECA, Level I CPCT) or the National Performance Specialists (NPS, CPCT).

Additional requirements for PCT employment include knowing how to give a person CPR and making sure you understand the infection control standards.

Plus, it is important that you always keep in mind HIPAA patient privacy rules and enroll in courses that teach you healthcare ethics.

In addition, your training must include some practical and clinical hours.

If you enroll in a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), or RN (Registered Nurse) program, you will need to take the appropriate NCLEX exam.

You would not necessarily need to certify as a CPCT in this case, though it would not hurt.

5 Patient Care Technician Schools in South Dakota

In South Dakota, you will more likely find CNA training courses than the Patient Care Technician classes.

In this case, you will learn all the aspects of patient care that will prepare you for your related certifications.

You should verify, however, that the course content would prepare you for a PCT exam.

Otherwise, you would probably be better off taking the NCLEX Practical Nurse exam, though CNAs do not have to.

It is for LPNs.

1. Southeast Technical College

Your training at this school will prepare you for patient care duties normally assigned to a CNA.

These include safety and infection control, personal patient assistance, and interpersonal practice in a healthcare center.

You will also learn about the aging process and find out what it is like working in a long-term care facility.

This training could become a steppingstone toward work as an LPN or RN (Registered Nurse).

2. Oglala Lakota College

This school provides nurse training at all levels for students who want to provide direct patient care.

You could train for a CNA, LPN, or RN position here.

Instructions here prepare you for the NCLEX exam appropriate to your current training level.

3.  Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU)

DWU offers an LPN program, but instructors here also can prepare you for a career as a Registered Nurse.

This training will prepare you for taking the NCLEX-RN exam.

DWU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

4. Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC)

WDTC has a Practical Nursing certificate program that trains you for expanded duties, such as administering IVs in certain situations.

Upon completion, you will take the NCLEX exam.

You would prepare for a life helping patients take care of themselves, most likely at a long-term-stay facility.

However, you will also find opportunities in nursing homes, retirement centers, or hospitals. WDTC also has a Phlebotomy/Lab Assistant certificate program.

5. University of South Dakota

This school offers a nursing degree program.

You would probably make an excellent fit for this learning opportunity if you already worked as a Patient Care Technician, CNA, or Practical Nurse for a while.

This school also periodically hosts continuing education classes.

Patient Care Technician Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table

Salary

On May 27, 2022, the average yearly income reported for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is $25,980.

Salaries range from $23,260 to $29,850.

Becoming a Dialysis Patient Care Technician (DPCT) may require additional training and calls for a unique set of state requirements, but that is also a possibility.

As a DPCT, you could earn at least $5,000-$10,000 more per year than you would in an entry-level PCT (PCA) position.

Keep in mind that the PCT title in SD is usually replaced by either a CNA or a Medical Assistant.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

PCT Schools by City

PCT Schools by State