How To Write a Patient Care Technician Resume
Pursuing a patient care technician job is a great way to accelerate your career growth within the medical field. In this role, you’ll be delivering advanced care under the supervision of nurses and physicians. And yet, despite the growing need for medical personnel, you must craft a results-driven resume to differentiate yourself from the competition during the job search.
This guide provides expert tips and insights to help you highlight the most compelling aspects of your experience within the health care industry.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
Making a strong first impression is the key to generating job interviews. Hiring managers and recruiters often have limited bandwidth to review every application thoroughly, so lead with a strong opening summary. Start with an opening sentence highlighting your job title, years of experience, and three to four specializations matching the job posting. Follow up with supporting sentences emphasizing unique aspects of your background in patient care.
This approach will send a clear message to prospective employers that you’re the ideal fit for their organization.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Profile
A patient care technician with over 10 years of experience, specializing in electrocardiography, hemodialysis, and empathetic patient care. A strong history of identifying continuous quality improvement opportunities in fast-paced hospital environments. Adept at building relationships with patients and providing education on treatments, medication, and diagnosis.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Profile
A patient care technician with entry-level work experience, specializing in health care support, communication, patient care, and pediatric health. A strong background in collaborating with health care teams and patients to improve outcomes and treatment results. Adept at monitoring patient symptoms and recording findings for physicians and nurses.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Focus on health care-related achievements rather than job responsibilities when crafting your professional experience section. As you begin crafting your bullet points, reflect on the positive impact you’ve made on patients and hospitals. Emphasize metrics for patient satisfaction, nurse to patient ratio, hospital size, and wait-times.
This will show hiring managers that you have a proven track record of success within the medical field.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Patient Care Technician, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
November 2016 – present
- Support multidisciplinary health care teams in the delivery of medical services in acute care environments for a 300-bed hospital with a reputation for excellence
- Coordinate with licensed nurses to administer medication, monitor vital signs, insert IVs and catheters, and evaluate patient symptoms to develop treatment plans
- Perform EKGs and hemodialysis procedures and record patient reactions to medication and anesthesia prior to surgery
- Build relationships with patients and provide emotional support throughout the treatment process to foster positive outlooks
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Patient Care Technician, Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
September 2021 – present
- Gather patient data to ensure accurate medical records, identify, monitor, and record symptoms in patient charts, and deliver findings to nurses and physicians
- Reposition and transport patients throughout the hospital and ensure compliance with protocols for patient safety
- Provide support for activities of daily living (ADLs), including cleaning, feeding, bathroom usage, and phone calls
- Ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols and disease prevention policies during family visitations and patient transport
3. Include relevant education and certifications
In addition to your education and patient care technician credentials, consider pursuing other certifications to strengthen your resume. Obtaining a Certified EKG Technician (CET) or Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential could increase your job prospects and open up new opportunities. This will also show prospective employers that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge and skill sets within the health care industry.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
High School Diploma
Cincinnati High School, Cincinnati, OH, September 2016 – June 2020
Certifications
Template: [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
CET, NHA, 2022
Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), University of Cincinnati, 2021
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
You must include the proper keywords in your document to make a strong impression on the hiring manager. Employers want to interview candidates that fit their needs. Companies utilize Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to filter applicants based on key skills and action verbs to ensure this occurs. Pay attention to what keywords appear in the job description as you build out your resume and tactically integrate these terms into your resume. Below, you’ll find examples of key skills and action verbs you might encounter as you pursue patient care technician roles:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| ADLs | Basic life support (BLS) |
| Communication | EKGs |
| Electrocardiography | Electronic Medical Records (EHR) |
| Hemodialysis | HIPAA |
| IVs | Medication administration |
| Patient advocacy | Patient-centered care |
| Patient discharge | Patient intake |
| Patient management | Pediatric care |
| Phlebotomy | Physical examinations |
| Relationship building | Team leadership |
| Telemetry | Trauma care |
| Treatment plans | Triage |
How To Pick the Best Patient Care Technician Resume Template
Selecting the right template can be time-consuming and challenging for job seekers. With such a wide variety of options, it can be hard to find the right option for your needs.
Ultimately, select a template that is well-organized, readable, and content-focused.
Avoid using formats that feature an overabundance of color or graphics. These types of visual elements can often distract the hiring manager from your qualifications and achievements.
In most cases, a basic straightforward template is the better choice.
Patient Care Technician Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Jennifer Roberts
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Cincinnati, OH 12345
Profile
A Patient Care Technician with entry-level work experience, specializing in healthcare support, communication, patient care, and pediatric health. A strong background in collaborating with healthcare teams and patients to improve outcomes and treatment results. Adept at monitoring patient symptoms and recording findings for physicians and nurses.
Professional Experience
Patient Care Technician, Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
September 2021 – Present
- Gather patient data to ensure accurate medical records, identify, monitor, and record symptoms in patient charts, and deliver findings to nurses and physicians
- Reposition and transport patients throughout the hospital and ensure compliance with protocols for patient safety
- Provide support for activities of daily living (ADLs), including cleaning, feeding, bathroom usage, and phone calls
- Ensure compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols and disease prevention policies during family visitations and patient transport
Volunteerism Experience
Volunteer, Cincinnati Open Clinic, Cincinnati, OH
June 2020 – September 2021
- Provided volunteer support for a non-profit clinic servicing homeless and low-income patients in the inner city
- Scheduled appointments at the front desk, coordinated walk-in patients, and created documentation for medical professionals on patient medical history
Education
High School Diploma
Cincinnati High School, Cincinnati, OH, September 2016 – June 2020
Key Skills
- Healthcare Services
- Patient Management
- Communication
- Equipment Maintenance
- Electronic Medical Records (EHR)
Certifications
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), University of Cincinnati, 2021
- Basic Life Support (BLS), 2021
Calvin Brown
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Newark, NJ 12345
Profile
A Patient Care Technician with five years of clinical experience, specializing in phlebotomy, crisis management, patient assessment, and ADLs. A proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional healthcare teams to deliver high-quality patient-centered care. Adept at using conflict resolution techniques to manage high-stress situations with combative patients.
Professional Experience
Patient Care Technician, Newark Hospital, Newark, NJ
June 2019 – Present
- Provide education to patients on treatment plans, medications, symptoms, and diagnosis in coordination with healthcare teams for a 200-bed hospital
- Monitor vital signs, blood pressure, pain levels, and reactions to treatment and therapy, identify findings, and provide reports to nursing team members
- Gather patient samples for laboratory testing, organize and label specimens, and ensure compliance with lab safety protocols
- Provide training to new patient care technicians and nursing assistants on Covid-19 safety protocols, hospital procedures, and patient care standards
Patient Care Technician, Newark Medical Center, Newark, NJ
May 2017 – June 2019
- Delivered support to healthcare teams and nurses for patient intake and discharge, which included gathering information on medical histories and coordinating patient transport
- Tracked and maintained medical diagnostic equipment, organized personal possessions for patients, and cleaned hospital rooms in compliance with safety standards
Education
High School Diploma
Newark High School, Newark, NJ September 2012 – June 2016
Key Skills
- Healthcare Services
- Patient Management
- Communication
- Equipment Maintenance
- Electronic Medical Records (EHR)
Certifications
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), University of Cincinnati, 2017
- Basic Life Support (BLS), 2017
Anna Lopez
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345
Profile
A Patient Care Technician with 10+ years of experience, specializing in electrocardiography, hemodialysis, and empathetic patient care. A strong history of identifying continuous quality improvement opportunities in fast-paced hospital environments. Adept at building relationships with patients and providing education on treatments, medication, and diagnosis.
Professional Experience
Patient Care Technician, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
November 2016 – Present
- Support multidisciplinary healthcare teams in the delivery of medical services in acute care environments for a 300-bed hospital with a reputation for excellence
- Coordinate with licensed nurses to administer medication, monitor vital signs, insert IVs and catheters, and evaluate patient symptoms to develop treatment plans
- Perform EKGs and hemodialysis procedures and record patient reactions to medication and anesthesia prior to surgery
- Build relationships with patients and provide emotional support throughout the treatment process to foster positive outlooks
Patient Care Technician, Newark Medical Center, Newark, NJ
July 2011 – November 2016
- Collaborate with RNs and healthcare professionals to coordinate patient intake, gather medical data, and create electronic medical records (EHR)
- Assist patients in performing ADLs, including toileting, feeding, personal hygiene upkeep, and dental care
Education
High School Diploma
North Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA September 2006 – June 2010
Key Skills
- Patient-centered Care
- EKGs
- Continuous Improvement
- Clinical Operations
- Relationship Building
Certifications
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), University of Pennsylvania, 2011
- Basic Life Support (BLS), 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Patient Care Technician Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for patient care technician resumes?+
To help your bullet points stand out, you need to use strong action verbs to frame your achievements. Passive language such as “responsible for” or “worked” gives the impression that you’re listing a job duty rather than an accomplishment. Be sure to differentiate your usage of action verbs, as repetition can cause your bullet points to look stale and redundant. Below, you’ll find a list of action verbs you can use to build your professional experience section:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Administered | Analyzed |
| Communicated | Conducted |
| Coordinated | Collaborated |
| Delivered | Developed |
| Diagnosed | Drove |
| Enhanced | Evaluated |
| Executed | Identified |
| Interfaced | Implemented |
| Improved | Led |
| Managed | Oversaw |
| Partnered | Performed |
| Provided | Resolved |
| Supported | |
How do you align your resume with a patient care technician job description?+
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that health care occupations are expected to experience 13% growth over the next decade yielding over 2 million new jobs. Although there’s a large number of opportunities available on the open market, you need to align your resume with the job description to capitalize on them.
For example, if a hospital is focused on patient-centered care and advocacy, you’d provide examples of delivering treatment according to the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of patients. If a medical center is looking for a patient care technician with a trauma or pediatric care background, highlight your experience working in these specific hospital units. By tailoring your resume to the job posting, you’ll greatly increase your chances of success during the job hunt.
What is the best patient care technician resume format?+
Reverse chronological is the ideal format for patient care technician resumes. This ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is placed towards the top of your document. It’s best to avoid functional resume formats, even at the entry level, as skill-based resumes aren’t effective in telling your story. If you lack a robust work history, highlight the experience you’ve garnered while completing your CPCT program. You can also reorder your professional experience, skills, and certification sections based on your needs.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
Creating a matching cover letter is a great way to bolster your job application. In addition to emphasizing key accomplishments from the resume, mention specific details about the organization you’re applying to in the middle paragraphs. Research the hospital’s reputation, culture, or mission statement and explain why this draws you to apply for the position. For more information, visit our patient care technician cover letter guide.
