Patient Care Technician: High School

Foundational Standards

Patient Care

Regulatory Compliance, Safety, and Professional Responsibilities

Infection Control

Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection

EKG

Incorporate safety procedures in handling, operating, and maintaining tools and machinery; handling materials; utilizing personal protective equipment; maintaining a safe work area; and handling hazardous materials and forces.

Demonstrate effective workplace and employability skills, including communication, awareness of diversity, positive work ethic, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork.

Explore the range of careers available in the field and investigate their educational requirements and demonstrate job-seeking skills including resume-writing and interviewing.

Advocate and practice safe, legal, responsible, and ethical use of information and technology tools specific to the industry pathway. 

Participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) to increase knowledge and skills and to enhance leadership and teamwork.

Demonstrate effective infection control techniques as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Joint Commission guidelines.

Demonstrate competency in the performance of basic patient care, working cooperatively with residents to accomplish the tasks.

Demonstrate necessary skills for the admission, discharge, and transfer of the patient.

Demonstrate skills related to caring for patients' bodily functions, observing protocols to protect privacy and dignity. 

Demonstrate restorative and rehabilitation activities. 

Verify requisition for testing, patient identity, and consent to treatment prior to performing any test or procedure.

Move, lift, and transfer patients safely, using principles of body mechanics to avoid injury. 

Demonstrate and maintain policies and protocols of the healthcare facility. 

Identify and describe the national regulatory agencies with oversight of medical institutions.

Recognize and address problematic signs and symptoms observed during patient care activities. 

Dispose of biohazardous materials and sharp objects, following guidelines set forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Use standard and transmission-based precautions to control infection.

Compare and contrast aseptic and sterile techniques in patient care. 

Assemble proper equipment and supplies for blood and non-blood specimen collection. 

Label, handle, transport, and maintain chain of custody for lab specimens according to facility guidelines. 

Adhere to facility policy for specimen collection, including site specific anatomy. 

Explain color codings of evacuated tubes, including any additives present, common tests for each, and any special considerations for testing.

Communicate effectively with a variety of patients and caregivers regarding phlebotomy procedures to be performed. 

Identify and describe common complications of phlebotomy. 

Communicate effectively with patients and caregivers regarding EKG procedures to be performed, including patients with special circumstances requiring alternative lead placement.

Demonstrate set-up and preparation of patient and equipment for EKG and cardiac monitoring.

Analyze and resolve artifacts from EKG tracing. 

Assess and interpret waveforms of the cardiac cycle.

Interpret an EKG tracing to assess a patient’s heart conduction.

Identify and describe the major classifications of arrhythmias. 

Calculate heart rate from EKG tracings using various methods.

Analyze EKG waveform variances that indicate ischemia, injury, or infarction. 

Respond appropriately to simulated life-threatening arrhythmias.