PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Arizona
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Grand Canyon State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
106
AZ Hospitals
3,500+
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 Arizona 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 Arizona, 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 Arizona health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Arizona, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Arizona provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Arizona
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Grand Canyon State
Phoenix Metro (Maricopa County)
Fifth-largest US city with Banner Health (largest private employer) and Mayo Clinic presence. Massive healthcare market with year-round demand.
Hospitals: Banner University Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Phoenix, HonorHealth, Valleywise Health, Dignity Health St. Joseph's, Phoenix Children's
Dialysis: DaVita (40+ centers), Fresenius (35+ centers), extensive dialysis network
Long-Term Care: Large LTC presence serving retiree population; Brookdale, Life Care Centers, independent facilities
💡 Tip: Banner Health is Arizona's largest employer—excellent externship opportunities across the system.
Tucson/Southern Arizona (Pima County)
Arizona's second-largest city with Banner University Medical Center Tucson and Tucson Medical Center. Academic medicine through University of Arizona.
Hospitals: Banner University Medical Center Tucson, Tucson Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, Carondelet Health Network
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Southern Arizona locations
Long-Term Care: Growing LTC sector serving retirees relocating from Phoenix; Tucson area nursing homes
💡 Tip: Tucson offers lower cost of living than Phoenix with strong healthcare job market.
East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe)
Fast-growing suburbs with expanding healthcare infrastructure. Banner and Dignity Health dominant.
Hospitals: Banner Desert Medical Center (Mesa), Banner Gateway (Gilbert), Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius East Valley locations
Long-Term Care: Rapidly growing LTC sector as population ages
💡 Tip: East Valley is Arizona's fastest-growing region—new facilities opening regularly.
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff, Yavapai, Mohave)
Mountain and high desert communities with Northern Arizona Healthcare and Verde Valley systems.
Hospitals: Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center (Cottonwood), Kingman Regional Medical Center
Dialysis: Limited dialysis—patients often travel to Phoenix
Long-Term Care: Rural nursing facilities serve retiree communities in Prescott, Sedona, Lake Havasu
💡 Tip: Northern Arizona offers outdoor lifestyle with lower competition for healthcare jobs.
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 Arizona?
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 Arizona: