Updated:

PCT EXTERNSHIP

Patient Care Technician Externship in Florida

Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Sunshine State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.

Patient Care Technician externship training in Florida

100

Hours Required

4-8

Weeks Typical

212

FL Hospitals

12,000+

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 Florida 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 Florida, 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 Florida health systems.

💉

Dialysis Centers

DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Florida, offering specialized renal care experience.

🏠

Long-Term Care

Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Florida provide extended patient care opportunities.

PCT Externship Sites in Florida

Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Sunshine State

🌴

South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)

Massive healthcare market serving millions. Baptist Health South Florida, Cleveland Clinic Florida, and HCA dominant.

Hospitals: Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Florida, HCA Florida hospitals, Holy Cross, Memorial Healthcare System

Dialysis: DaVita (80+ centers), Fresenius (70+ centers), massive retiree dialysis market

Long-Term Care: Extensive LTC network; Five Star, Consulate Health Care, large assisted living industry

💡 Tip: South Florida has huge retiree population—dialysis and LTC demand is exceptional. Bilingual Spanish essential.

🎢

Orlando/Central Florida (Orange, Osceola, Seminole)

Tourist destination with AdventHealth Orlando—largest hospital in the Southeast. Growing young population.

Hospitals: AdventHealth Orlando (2,200+ beds), Orlando Health, HCA Florida Osceola, Nemours Children's Hospital

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Central Florida locations (40+ centers)

Long-Term Care: Central Florida nursing facilities serving growing retiree population

💡 Tip: AdventHealth Orlando is the largest hospital in the Southeast—excellent externship opportunities.

Tampa Bay (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco)

Major metro with Tampa General, Moffitt Cancer Center, and BayCare Health System.

Hospitals: Tampa General Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, BayCare Health System hospitals, HCA Florida Brandon, Morton Plant Hospital

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Tampa Bay locations (50+ centers)

Long-Term Care: Tampa Bay LTC facilities; growing retiree population on Gulf Coast

💡 Tip: Tampa General is a Level I trauma center with strong teaching programs.

🏈

Jacksonville/First Coast (Duval, St. Johns, Nassau)

Northeast Florida with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and Baptist Health. Military presence at NAS Jacksonville.

Hospitals: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, UF Health Jacksonville, Memorial Hospital

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Northeast Florida locations (20+ centers)

Long-Term Care: Jacksonville area nursing facilities; Ascension, Brookdale

💡 Tip: Jacksonville is less competitive than South Florida—Mayo Clinic offers world-class experience.

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 Florida?

Free to enroll. Free to learn. Pay only when you're ready to certify.

$0 To Enroll
100 Clinical Hours
AMCA Certification
Enroll Free Today

No credit card required • No FAFSA • No obligation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PCT externships in Florida:

Where can I find PCT externship sites in Florida?
Florida has 212 hospitals—third most in the US. AdventHealth, HCA Florida, and Baptist Health are dominant. DaVita and Fresenius operate 150+ dialysis centers—Florida has the highest dialysis demand due to retiree population. Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville offer the most opportunities.
Does Florida require PCT certification?
Florida does not require state PCT certification. AMCA PCTC is strongly preferred by major employers. CNA certification through Florida Board of Nursing is required for nursing home positions. Many Florida hospitals require BLS certification.
What's unique about Florida's PCT job market?
Florida's large retiree population creates exceptional demand for PCTs, especially in dialysis. South Florida is highly competitive and bilingual Spanish is essentially required. Central Florida (Orlando) and Tampa Bay offer more opportunities with less competition than Miami.
How do I approach AdventHealth for an externship?
AdventHealth operates 50+ hospitals across Florida with 2,200+ beds in Orlando alone. Contact individual hospital education departments or HR. AdventHealth is a faith-based organization that values mission alignment. Their size means multiple entry points for externships.