The Marion School District is continuing its work to unlock meaningful career opportunities for its students through the development of a new Patient Care Tech program.
The new program, which replaces the old Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, will give Marion students better clinical opportunities, greater job opportunities, and better pay potential.
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who provides direct hands-on care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, and other medical staff. While similar to CNAs, a PCT typically possesses broader clinical training and an expanded scope of practice.
“At the Marion School District, we are committed to creating pathways to high-demand, high-paying careers for our students,” said Jennifer Snyder, Marion’s Director of College, Career & Military Readiness. “The new Patient Care Technician program is a great example of that. It gives our students more hands-on clinical training and prepares them for a wide range of healthcare careers right out of high school. We’re excited to be able to offer that kind of training here at Marion and give our students a strong start in a growing field.”
PCTs can do everything CNAs can do, as well as administer clinical diagnostics, perform blood draws, conduct EKG and cardiac rhythm monitoring, run bedside glucose tests, manage advanced wound care, and assist with hemodialysis. While CNA’s generally find work at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, PCTs work in hospitals, emergency rooms, ICUs, dialysis centers, and more.
The salary difference can be significant. While traditional CNAs in the region usually earn $29,000 to $37,000 a year, PCTs can earn $39,000 to $53,000. PCTs are also more likely to receive full benefits, such as health coverage, matching 401(k) plans, tuition reimbursement, and overtime shift bonuses.
What’s best, with Marion’s new PCT program, students are able to receive all the training they need at the high school, rather than traveling to ASU Mid-South, as they did under the CNA program. To keep pace with strong student interest and regional labor market needs, the district has added a second medical science teacher to position the program for anticipated growth.
“Ultimately, the more skills our students have when they graduate, the more opportunities they will have after they leave our classrooms,” said Snyder. “By bringing this training to Marion High School, we’re giving students the chance to graduate with a certification that can lead to better-paying jobs, good benefits, and a great start in the healthcare field.”
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.