Finding qualified clinical workers has become a challenge for many healthcare providers across the country.
To help combat that trend, Martin Memorial Health Systems holds an annual Patient Care Technician Academy that provides people interested in healthcare careers with hands-on training and education. When they finish the seven-week course, students have a job waiting for them and Martin Memorial is able to fill several crucial patient care positions.
“About half of them have had some kind of experience. They know a little about patient care,” said Angie Metcalf, director of human resources and learning. “The other half dont have that experience or background.”
A PCT Academy student learns to put in an IV.
Now in its fourth year the sixth class will graduate on Nov. 1 the PCT Academy has proven to be a success.
Each fall, Martin Memorial holds an open-house event for people interested in joining the academy. This years class, which began in late September, features 12 students who work with professors from Indian River Community College, as well as Martin Memorial staff.
They learn basic patient care, as well as phlebotomy, glucose monitoring and how to perform 12-lead EKGs. There is classroom time and a learning skills lab where they get hands-on instruction, then venture into the clinical setting with a preceptor.
The 2006 PCT Academy
Midway through the academy, managers from around the health system meet with the students, who can select what areas of the hospital they are interested in working. The managers then get together to place students in open positions, allowing the students to know where they will go after graduation and focus on job-specific training the second half of the academy.
As an added bonus, the students pay nothing for the education and receive salaries while they learn. In return, they sign an agreement to spend at least one year at Martin Memorial.
The cost of the academy is offset in part by the help of the Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, which provided some funding through a Business Employment and Solutions Training grant.
The investment has paid off. Not only has Martin Memorial maintained a strong volume of patient care technicians, many of the former PCT Academy students later go on to get nursing degrees and return to the health system.
“Im the oldest of four girls, so maybe Im used to taking care of people,” said Nadini Figueroa, who quit her job in accounting and joined the PCT Academy in part because she wants to become a nurse. “The Academy is a godsend. You get your skills, you get the experience and they pay for it.”
