What Is a Health Care Technician?
A health care technician works in a government job performing basic nursing care duties and other assistance services outside of direct care. These technicians generally work for departments of human services, mental health facilities and correctional institutions. Their job duties vary depending on the exact position and location.
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Department of Human Services
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Health care technicians working for the department of human services might help people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. Many people with developmental disabilities live in residential units and rely on some level of assistance from health care technicians, such as with cooking and other practical activities.
Correctional Facilities
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Health care technicians working for a correctional facility need more nursing skills, as they assist with conducting physical examinations, administering medication and performing routine nursing care. They also assist in crisis intervention.
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Mental Health Facilities
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Jobs in mental health facilities provide basic nursing care for people with severe psychiatric disorders. This includes monitoring vital signs, observing behavior and interactions with other patients, and helping with difficult behavioral situations that require restraining or seclusion of certain patients.
Classifications
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Health care technicians usually have classifications ranging from I through III. The classifications indicate higher levels of pay associated with number of years worked.
Higher-Level Duties
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Some higher-level health care technicians have more technical duties--such as operating electrocardiograph and electroencephalograph equipment, developing x-rays, and administering mental illness therapies such as hydrotherapy.
Considerations
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The positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and they usually require certification or registration as a nursing assistant or completion of an emergency medical technician course. More advanced-level jobs may require completion of a licensed practical nurse program.
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