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The medical field is rapidly growing and changing as populations grow and advancements are made in technology and medical care.
Patient care technicians are essential for ensuring individuals get the care and attention they need to monitor and treat individuals under the care or supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Patient care technicians in Tennessee have plenty of options for education and training.
Those who complete the requirements to work in this field have the chance to create stability and a steady salary.
Keep reading to learn more about this exciting and rewarding career field and how to begin on the path to success.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Tennessee
Individuals interested in becoming patient care technicians in Tennessee must meet some prerequisites to begin training and complete course requirements.
First, the candidate must have a high school diploma or a GED.
They must also be over 18 and have a clean background check.
Patient care technicians have a physically demanding job, so they must be able to lift at least 50 pounds without assistance.
They must also meet the requirements to enter the training program at their school of choice.
Once the training is complete, the candidate must pass the national nurse’s aide exam to begin their career.
4 Patient Care Technician Schools in Tennessee
Individuals who decide to become patient care technicians in Tennessee have several options for training.
Many reputable schools in the state offer complete training and education.
Some top schools offer comprehensive courses designed to provide the knowledge and experience necessary to begin working in this career field.
Find out more about each option, including the length of the course, tuition, and the location and contact information for each campus.
Nashville State Community College
This college offers a complete training program designed to provide the latest information and skills to ensure the success of its students.
The great thing about this program is that it is free to residents in the area due to the workforce and community development program.
Details of the program length can be acquired by calling the admissions department at 615-353-3456.
The location of the campus is 120 White Bridge Road H Building – Office H-222 Nashville, TN 37209.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
This comprehensive program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience to prepare them for their careers.
This program is eight months long, and the tuition for the school is $2,672.
The location of the campus is Bells Campus 6514 Hwy 412s Bells, TN 38006.
The phone number for admission to the program is 731-345-3300.
The College System of Tennessee
This program is designed to provide the complete skills necessary to become a patient care technician in Tennessee.
It is a hands-on class that goes in-depth into each qualification.
This degree requires 1296 clock hours.
The tuition is $5,685.
The campus location is 1 Bridgestone Park, Nashville, TN 37214.
The phone number for admission is 615-366-4400.
Remington College
This is a college-setting program designed to provide a certificate for a patient care technician.
This is an 8-month course, and the tuition is $15,498.
The phone number for admissions is 800-208-1950.
The location of the campus is 441 Donelson Pike #150, Nashville, TN 37214.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Tennessee – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Nashville State Community College | 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN 37209 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology | 550 Alabama Ave, Memphis, TN 38105 |
| The College System of Tennessee | 1 Bridgestone Park, Third Floor, Nashville, TN 37214 |
| Remington College | 441 Donelson Pike #150, Nashville, TN 37214 |
Salary for Patient Care Technicians in Tennessee
The average salary for a patient care technician in Tennessee is $34,529.
However, many patient care technicians can make well over $40k per year depending on a few factors such as training, experience, and location.
Individuals who decide to pursue a career in this field can compare salaries offered by employers in the state to ensure they get the best option.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $31,998 |
| Nashville-Davidson | $32,090 |
| Knoxville | $31,681 |
| Chattanooga | $31,131 |
| Clarksville | $31,363 |
| Murfreesboro | $31,848 |
| Jackson | $31,757 |
| Johnson City | $30,052 |
| Kingsport | $30,165 |
| Franklin | $31,977 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 2,150 | $31,220 | $15.01 | $36,210 | $26,830 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 710 | $30,210 | $14.53 | $36,110 | $24,170 |
| Cleveland, TN | 660 | $27,570 | $13.25 | $33,500 | $24,250 |
| Jackson, TN | 760 | $29,520 | $14.19 | $34,830 | $24,680 |
| Johnson City, TN | 1,090 | $32,120 | $15.44 | $37,320 | $26,590 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 1,280 | $30,980 | $14.89 | $35,570 | $25,800 |
| Knoxville, TN | 3,250 | $30,040 | $14.44 | $36,390 | $25,460 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 3,990 | $32,430 | $15.59 | $37,020 | $27,940 |
| Morristown, TN | 310 | $31,230 | $15.02 | $35,980 | $26,340 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 7,260 | $33,450 | $16.08 | $39,590 | $28,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does passing a national background mean for people wanting to become patient care technicians in Tennessee?
Anyone who wants to become a patient care technician in Tennessee must have a national background check and pass.
That means they must not have any felonies on their record. Once the background check is complete, training can begin.
Most programs and schools require this background check before they admit students to their classes.
Those who have a felony cannot participate.
How long does it take to become a patient care technician in Tennessee?
The timeline for successfully completing training and then passing the national exam can vary.
Those who enter training programs can finish in as little as three months, or they may need to stay in a program for a year or more.
Once the course or program is successfully completed, the individual can take the national exam.
On average, people can become fully trained and begin their careers in one to two years.
Do patient care technicians need to recertify after they begin their careers?
Once the candidate trains appropriately and passes the exam, they do not need to recertify.
However, this field is rapidly advancing and developing, so individuals may want to take additional training on their own.
Most employers can provide this training to ensure their employees can perform their duties successfully.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician
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