PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Alabama
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Heart of Dixie. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
126
AL Hospitals
1,800+
Annual Openings
Self
Managed
Who this training is for
Ideal for candidates with prior PCT clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Alabama employers.
New to the field? If you have no prior experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship to build hands-on confidence needed to complete the program and prepare to challenge the AMCA PCTC.
Externship Disclaimer
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site at a hospital or healthcare facility. EHired provides state-specific resources and guidance, but placement is not guaranteed.
What is a PCT Externship?
A Patient Care Technician externship is a 100-hour hands-on clinical experience where you apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. During your externship in Alabama, you'll work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in hospitals, dialysis centers, or long-term care facilities.
Hospital Settings
Medical-surgical units, emergency departments, ICUs, and specialty floors at major Alabama health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Alabama, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Alabama provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Alabama
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Heart of Dixie
Birmingham Metro (Jefferson, Shelby)
Home to UAB Hospital, Alabama's premier academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Highest concentration of healthcare jobs.
Hospitals: UAB Hospital, Children's of Alabama, St. Vincent's Birmingham, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, Grandview Medical Center
Dialysis: DaVita (15+ centers), Fresenius (12+ centers), UAB Dialysis
Long-Term Care: Major nursing home presence in Jefferson and Shelby counties; NHC, Diversified Health Services
💡 Tip: UAB is the largest employer in Alabama—great for externships with academic medicine exposure.
Huntsville/North Alabama (Madison, Morgan, Limestone)
Fast-growing region with expanding healthcare infrastructure. Huntsville Hospital is one of the largest in the state.
Hospitals: Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center, Madison Hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospital
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius regional centers throughout Madison County
Long-Term Care: Growing senior population driving LTC expansion in Madison and Limestone counties
💡 Tip: Huntsville's tech economy attracts young families, but aging workforce creates PCT demand.
Mobile/Gulf Coast (Mobile, Baldwin)
Port city with diverse patient population. Mobile Infirmary and USA Health anchor the region.
Hospitals: Mobile Infirmary, USA Health University Hospital, Providence Hospital, Thomas Hospital (Baldwin)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Gulf Coast locations
Long-Term Care: Coastal nursing facilities serve large retiree population in Baldwin County
💡 Tip: Baldwin County's beach communities have growing retiree population—strong LTC demand.
Montgomery/Central Alabama (Montgomery, Lee, Elmore)
State capital region with Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital systems. Auburn University provides academic medicine exposure.
Hospitals: Baptist Medical Center South, Jackson Hospital, East Alabama Medical Center (Auburn)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Central Alabama centers
Long-Term Care: Montgomery and Auburn-area skilled nursing facilities
💡 Tip: Montgomery is underserved for PCTs—less competition for externship spots.
What You'll Learn During Your Externship
Clinical Skills
- • Vital signs measurement and documentation
- • Patient positioning and transfers
- • Basic wound care and dressing changes
- • Specimen collection procedures
- • EKG electrode placement
Professional Development
- • Healthcare team communication
- • Electronic health records (EHR)
- • HIPAA compliance in practice
- • Infection control protocols
- • Patient advocacy skills
Ready to Start Your PCT Career in Alabama?
Free to enroll. Free to learn. Pay only when you're ready to certify.
No credit card required • No FAFSA • No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCT externships in Alabama: