Patient Care Tech- Hospital

About the Role

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides high‑quality, patient‑centered care by performing a variety of basic patient care services while supporting caring connections with patients and families. Under the supervision of a registered nurse, the PCT assists in providing patient care within the PCT’s skills, training, and competencies while maintaining a well‑organized, safe patient care environment. The PCT ensures adherence to all hospital policies, procedures, and State Board of Nursing rules for unlicensed personnel. Patient care assignments may include adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse, performing only tasks for which training and competency have been validated.
• Obtain and record initial and ongoing patient information (admissions data, vital signs, height, weight, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, intake and output, calorie counts, blood glucose monitoring, etc.) as outlined by policy.
• Recognize and immediately report values outside normal parameters to the nurse.
• Perform patient rounds and promptly report any changes in condition or behavior to the nurse.
• Seek assistance and guidance as needed to ensure safe, high‑quality patient care.
• Respond promptly to all call lights.
• Identify and monitor environmental, patient, and family needs in a respectful, positive, and timely manner.
• Perform basic hygiene care and unit standards, including peri care, oral care, daily hygiene, linen changes, skin care, and Foley care.
• Assist with mobility (regular turning, positioning, dangling, ambulating) and use of walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.
• Transfer patients to and from other units, departments, or entities, observing age‑specific and safety requirements; assist with discharge transports and demonstrate proper body mechanics.
• Obtain or assist in collecting specimens for diagnostic tests, ensuring accurate labeling and timely transfer.
• Resolve patient concerns by initiating service recovery and escalating issues through the chain of command.
• Prepare, update, and disseminate reports at shift changes and when patient conditions change.
• Engage in evidence‑based best practices that enhance patient experience.
• Support administrative and clinical operations of the assigned practice environment.
• Orient new staff and students to work areas.
• Collaborate with nursing staff and other hospital employees to promote retention of qualified personnel.
• Utilize downtime to assist others or provide additional support to patients and families.
• Perform the role of sitter as needed and complete required documentation.
• When needed, fulfill the role of Unit Clerk, performing clerical duties for the nursing unit.
• Maintain compliance with ongoing annual education requirements (modules, classes, competencies).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Physical ability to walk, stand, bend, turn, stoop, and push/pull heavy objects such as patient beds; ability to help lift and turn patients.
• Strong interpersonal skills with effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to interact with physicians, residents, fellows, allied health personnel, and other medical and non‑medical staff to coordinate information and provide optimal patient care.
• Telephone etiquette for communication with patients, referring physicians, pharmaceutical representatives, vendors, and third‑party payees.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and performing mathematical calculations.

Education

High School Diploma required.

Required Skills

• Two (2) years of experience in a direct patient care environment.

About Us

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top‑tier public research university that unites higher education, biomedical discovery, and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third‑largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1‑designated institution, UT San Antonio advances knowledge, social mobility, and public health across South Texas and beyond. The university serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs and employs 17,000 faculty and staff.

Benefits

• Medical
  • UT SELECT Medical insurance offered free for employees (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas); family members can be added via payroll deduction.
  • Discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians (800+ physicians, 100+ specialists).
  • $50,000 group term life insurance and $50,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance provided at no cost; additional coverage available for purchase.
• Dental
  • Three dental plan options through Delta Dental (two PPOs and one HMO); PPO plans allow any licensed dentist.
• Vision
  • Fully insured vision care benefits via Superior Vision Services with two plan options (standard or enhanced).
• Disability
  • Disability Insurance provides income if a non‑work‑related illness or injury prevents work.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Can be used for dependent day‑care expenses or out‑of‑pocket health care costs.
• Retirement
  • Eligibility for Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP); TRS is a defined‑benefit plan with UT Health matching contributions.
  • Voluntary retirement programs with pre‑ or after‑tax investment options.
• Time Off
  • Front‑loaded Paid Time Off: 128–208 hours (16–26 days) based on years of service, granted at the start of each fiscal year (prorated in year 1).
  • Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours accrued per month, usable after one day of PTO is taken.
  • Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) after 6 months of consecutive employment.
  • 12 set paid holidays each year.
• Discounts
  • Employees receive discounts on services, tickets, and gym memberships.