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A Patient Care Technician in Wisconsin performs some of the same duties as a CNA, such as assisting with bathing, dressing, and eating.
However, they also may perform EKG heart monitoring or blood draws for testing (phlebotomy) procedures.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Wisconsin
- 2 5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Wisconsin
- 2.1 1. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC)
- 2.2 2. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh – Fox Cities (UWFOX)
- 2.3 3. University of Wisconsin Green Bay at Marinette
- 2.4 4. University of Wisconsin – Fond Du Lac
- 2.5 5. Moraine Park Technical College
- 2.6 Patient Care Technician Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table
- 3 Salary
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you will not find “Patient Care Technician” on the Department of Health Services (DHS) as of 2021.
However, you will find related occupations for which the DHS has certification requirements.
These include people working in a variety of nursing or medical assisting roles.
You will also notice a description of personal care providers and home health care workers.
Many of the duties of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) also cross over into a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position, which requires about 120 hours of training, including 32 hours in onsite clinical settings.
The Wisconsin State Legislature and DHS offer extensive explanations of different types of duties nurses might perform at different levels, including the administration of medicine and feeding assistance.
Employers in Wisconsin do list PCT employment opportunities, so that is an option.
However, a typical position would require having a certificate listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aid Registry.
Employers in Wisconsin frequently look for people who have a CNA or nursing certificate.
You also could look for schools that offer CNA training.
However, you may want to read the difference between a CNA and a PCT (CPCT/A) as explained by the NHA before choosing a training program.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) holds the standards for PCTs across the country, including Wisconsin.
If you are not sure where to attend school, you may want to start with the ones recommended by the NHA.
One of the primary credentials offered by the Certified Patient Care Technician or Assistant (CPCT or CPCA).
5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Wisconsin
1. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC)
NWTC offers an online Patient Care Technician Program that runs for about 12 months.
You can request more information about it at the Explore Medical Careers website.
This coursework prepares you for the CPCT Level I exam, and the school covers the cost of this test in the tuition.
You’ll learn both the clinical side and legal/ethical side of taking care of patients.
Patient privacy remains at the forefront while you practice PCT duties, such as patient range of motion and positioning, therapeutic exercises, and wound dressing.
2. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh – Fox Cities (UWFOX)
Explore Medical Careers hosts the UWFOX Patient Care Technician Program offering, which is similar to the one offered by NWTC.
You will receive foundational information, such as medical terminology or how to maintain patient privacy.
In addition, you will learn how to move patients and care for their wounds.
Infection control and sanitation precautions are also covered in this 12-month CPCT course.
3. University of Wisconsin Green Bay at Marinette
The University of Wisconsin system offers training through its various extensions in smaller communities, such as in Marinette.
You will discover how to use various patient assistance machines, wheelchairs, and wound dressing equipment and supplies.
In addition, your coursework in this online 12-month Patient Care Technician Program will include practice with patient transferring and positioning, range of motion and therapy exercise assistance, and infection control.
Legal issues, such as patient privacy, are also covered.
4. University of Wisconsin – Fond Du Lac
There’s a Patient Care Technician Program that exists in several locations within the University of Wisconsin and technical school systems.
This online training lasts for about 12 months and will make you ready for the CPCT exam, which comes with your tuition.
You can join this course anytime regardless of location.
Financial aid through government and private sources is available, and you will learn the clinical, legal, and foundational aspects of taking care of patients.
You will get hands-on practice with them too.
5. Moraine Park Technical College
It seems that the Patient Care Technician training exists primarily online in Wisconsin or in Green Bay and the Fox Valley.
The rest of the offerings are for CNAs or other nursing positions.
That does not mean other locations, such as Milwaukee, do not have them, but they are not easily found in search results.
Moraine Park is another Fox Valley school found in Fond Du Lac.
It offers a similar Patient Care Technician training at the other Fox Valley locations.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307 |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh – Fox Cities | 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952 |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay at Marinette | 2420 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311 |
| University of Wisconsin – Fond Du Lac | 400 University Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 |
| Moraine Park Technical College | 235 N National Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 |
Salary
Patient Care Technician salaries in Wisconsin differ according to the PCT type you become.
A general hospital position may earn you between $30,000-$35,000, but a Dialysis PCT may earn as much as $41419 per year.
When seeking your training, you will want to determine a specialization.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $34,173 |
| Madison | $33,833 |
| Green Bay | $33,124 |
| Kenosha | $33,921 |
| Racine | $33,921 |
| Appleton | $33,131 |
| Waukesha | $34,045 |
| Oshkosh | $32,917 |
| Eau Claire | $32,193 |
| La Crosse | $31,532 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 840 | $35,780 | $17.2 | $40,010 | $30,660 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 760 | $35,680 | $17.16 | $41,200 | $30,600 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 470 | $36,130 | $17.37 | $40,410 | $30,910 |
| Green Bay, WI | 1,500 | $36,200 | $17.41 | $39,160 | $30,780 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 570 | $35,330 | $16.99 | $41,250 | $31,080 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 940 | $36,370 | $17.49 | $42,090 | $31,070 |
| Madison, WI | 2,920 | $38,910 | $18.71 | $46,890 | $31,130 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 8,410 | $37,290 | $17.93 | $42,470 | $30,790 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 660 | $35,840 | $17.23 | $40,960 | $30,740 |
| Racine, WI | 630 | $36,450 | $17.53 | $41,790 | $30,560 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 480 | $36,540 | $17.57 | $39,440 | $30,750 |
| Wausau, WI | 450 | $35,070 | $16.86 | $38,100 | $30,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a CNA and a Patient Care Technician?
Both positions usually require offering basic care, such as bathing, dressing, or eating help.
However, a PCT might also draw blood from patients for testing or might perform EKG heart testing functions.
It depends on your schooling and how many certifications you apply for.
Many positions have crossover responsibilities.
How much does the PCT training cost?
Training expenses vary.
One issue in WI is that school search results usually turn up references for CNAs, which typically cost between $250-$2,000 for the training.
It also depends on if it is a workforce or an institutional (college) educational program.
Either way, you have a chance to earn money when you seek on-the-job training.
However, taking courses that last a year or longer may run you about $10,000 or more.
How long does PCT training last in WI?
It can last at least several weeks, but it usually takes about a year to complete if you attend a college certificate program.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician
PCT Schools by City
PCT Schools by State