PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Colorado
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Centennial State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
82
CO Hospitals
2,800+
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 Colorado 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Colorado, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Colorado provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Colorado
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Centennial State
Denver Metro (Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson)
State's population center with UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (academic medical center) and major health systems.
Hospitals: UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora), Denver Health, Swedish Medical Center, Rose Medical Center, Presbyterian/St. Luke's
Dialysis: DaVita headquarters city (50+ centers), Fresenius (35+ centers)
Long-Term Care: Extensive Denver metro LTC network; Brookdale, Vivage, Columbine Health
💡 Tip: DaVita is headquartered in Denver—Colorado has exceptional dialysis externship opportunities.
Colorado Springs/Southern Colorado (El Paso, Pueblo)
Military hub with five military installations. UCHealth Memorial and Centura Health Penrose anchor the region.
Hospitals: UCHealth Memorial Hospital, Penrose-St. Francis Health, Children's Hospital Colorado Springs, Parkview Medical Center (Pueblo)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Colorado Springs locations
Long-Term Care: Colorado Springs and Pueblo nursing facilities; military retiree population
💡 Tip: Colorado Springs has large military retiree population—strong dialysis and LTC demand.
Northern Colorado (Larimer, Weld, Boulder Counties)
University towns (Fort Collins, Boulder, Greeley) with UCHealth and Banner presence. Growing population.
Hospitals: UCHealth Poudre Valley (Fort Collins), UCHealth Greeley, Boulder Community Health, Banner Fort Collins
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Northern Colorado locations
Long-Term Care: Northern Colorado LTC facilities; college town senior care
💡 Tip: Fort Collins and Boulder offer outdoor lifestyle with growing healthcare markets.
Mountain/Western Slope (Eagle, Mesa, Summit Counties)
Ski resort and rural communities. St. Mary's (Grand Junction) serves Western Slope.
Hospitals: St. Mary's Medical Center (Grand Junction), Vail Health, Valley View Hospital (Glenwood Springs)
Dialysis: Limited dialysis—patients often travel to Front Range
Long-Term Care: Resort community nursing facilities; Summit, Eagle, Pitkin counties
💡 Tip: Mountain communities have workforce housing challenges—some employers offer housing assistance.
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 Colorado?
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 Colorado: