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PCT EXTERNSHIP

Patient Care Technician Externship in Idaho

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

Patient Care Technician externship training in Idaho

100

Hours Required

4-8

Weeks Typical

40

ID Hospitals

900+

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 Idaho 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 Idaho, you'll work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in hospitals, dialysis centers, or long-term care facilities.

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Hospital Settings

Medical-surgical units, emergency departments, ICUs, and specialty floors at major Idaho health systems.

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Dialysis Centers

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

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Long-Term Care

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

PCT Externship Sites in Idaho

Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Gem State

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Boise Metro (Ada, Canyon Counties)

Idaho's largest metro with St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus systems. Fastest-growing region in the state.

Hospitals: St. Luke's Boise Medical Center, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, St. Luke's Meridian, West Valley Medical Center

Dialysis: DaVita (12+ centers), Fresenius (8+ centers) Treasure Valley

Long-Term Care: Boise area nursing facilities; Life Care Center, Cascadia Healthcare, Edgewood

💡 Tip: Boise is Idaho's healthcare hub—St. Luke's is the largest private employer in the state.

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Eastern Idaho (Bonneville, Bannock Counties)

Idaho Falls and Pocatello with Eastern Idaho Regional and Portneuf Medical Center.

Hospitals: Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Portneuf Medical Center, Madison Memorial Hospital (Rexburg)

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Eastern Idaho locations

Long-Term Care: Eastern Idaho nursing facilities; Idaho Falls and Pocatello area

💡 Tip: Eastern Idaho has strong LDS community—cultural awareness is valuable.

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North Idaho (Kootenai, Bonner Counties)

Coeur d'Alene and resort communities with Kootenai Health. Growing retiree population.

Hospitals: Kootenai Health (Coeur d'Alene), Bonner General Hospital, Shoshone Medical Center

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius North Idaho locations

Long-Term Care: North Idaho nursing facilities; Life Care Center Coeur d'Alene

💡 Tip: North Idaho attracts retirees from Seattle and Spokane—growing healthcare demand.

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Central Idaho (Twin Falls, Blaine Counties)

Magic Valley with St. Luke's Magic Valley and Sun Valley resort area.

Hospitals: St. Luke's Magic Valley (Twin Falls), St. Luke's Wood River (Ketchum), North Canyon Medical Center

Dialysis: Limited dialysis—DaVita Twin Falls

Long-Term Care: Rural nursing facilities; Twin Falls and Magic Valley area

💡 Tip: Sun Valley resort area has high-income patients—excellent LTC and home health opportunities.

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 Idaho?

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 Idaho:

Where can I find PCT externship sites in Idaho?
Idaho has 40 hospitals with St. Luke's Health System (8 hospitals) and Saint Alphonsus (4 hospitals) as dominant systems. Boise metro has the highest concentration. DaVita and Fresenius operate 20+ dialysis centers, primarily in Treasure Valley and Eastern Idaho.
Does Idaho require PCT certification?
Idaho does not require state PCT certification. AMCA PCTC is preferred by St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus. CNA certification through Idaho Board of Nursing is required for nursing home positions. Idaho is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
What's Idaho's healthcare job market like?
Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states, creating strong healthcare demand. Boise has become competitive, but Eastern Idaho and North Idaho have significant shortages. Many facilities offer sign-on bonuses and tuition assistance for PCTs.
How do I approach St. Luke's for an externship?
St. Luke's operates 8 hospitals across Idaho and is the state's largest private employer. Contact individual hospital education departments or HR. St. Luke's has strong community ties and values candidates committed to Idaho long-term.