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PCT EXTERNSHIP

Patient Care Technician Externship in Kentucky

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

Patient Care Technician externship training in Kentucky

100

Hours Required

4-8

Weeks Typical

97

KY Hospitals

3,200+

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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky health systems.

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Dialysis Centers

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

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Long-Term Care

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

PCT Externship Sites in Kentucky

Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Bluegrass State

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Louisville Metro (Jefferson County)

Kentucky's largest city with Norton Healthcare and UofL Health. Major healthcare hub for the region.

Hospitals: Norton Hospital, UofL Health - University Hospital, Baptist Health Louisville, Norton Children's Hospital, Jewish Hospital

Dialysis: DaVita (20+ centers), Fresenius (15+ centers) Louisville metro

Long-Term Care: Louisville LTC facilities; Signature HealthCARE, PruittHealth, Trilogy

💡 Tip: Norton Healthcare is Louisville's largest employer—strong externship opportunities.

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Lexington/Central Kentucky (Fayette, Scott Counties)

Home to UK HealthCare—Kentucky's academic medical center. Horse country with affluent population.

Hospitals: UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Baptist Health Lexington, CHI Saint Joseph Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Central Kentucky locations

Long-Term Care: Lexington area nursing facilities; UK HealthCare, Signature HealthCARE

💡 Tip: UK HealthCare is nationally ranked—excellent academic medicine training.

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Northern Kentucky (Kenton, Boone, Campbell Counties)

Cincinnati suburbs with St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Access to Ohio healthcare market.

Hospitals: St. Elizabeth Healthcare (Edgewood, Florence, Ft. Thomas), TriHealth partnership

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Northern Kentucky locations

Long-Term Care: Northern Kentucky nursing facilities; St. Elizabeth, Episcopal Church Home

💡 Tip: Northern Kentucky residents can access Cincinnati's massive healthcare market.

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Bowling Green/South Central (Warren, Hardin Counties)

Growing region with The Medical Center and Hardin Memorial Health.

Hospitals: The Medical Center at Bowling Green, Hardin Memorial Health (Elizabethtown), TriStar Greenview Regional

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius South Central Kentucky locations

Long-Term Care: South Central Kentucky nursing facilities; Signature HealthCARE

💡 Tip: Bowling Green is Kentucky's third-largest city and growing—expanding healthcare needs.

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 Kentucky?

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 Kentucky:

Where can I find PCT externship sites in Kentucky?
Kentucky has 97 hospitals with Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, and UK HealthCare as dominant systems. Louisville and Lexington have the highest concentration. DaVita and Fresenius operate 40+ dialysis centers statewide.
Does Kentucky require PCT certification?
Kentucky does not require state PCT certification. AMCA PCTC is strongly preferred by Norton, Baptist, and UK HealthCare. CNA certification through Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is required for nursing homes.
What's unique about Kentucky's healthcare market?
Kentucky has high rates of chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, COPD) creating strong demand for PCTs. DaVita and Fresenius have significant presence due to dialysis needs. Norton Healthcare and UK HealthCare are major employers with career pathways.
How do Northern Kentucky residents access Cincinnati opportunities?
Northern Kentucky is part of the Cincinnati metro. Ohio and Kentucky have reciprocity agreements. UC Health, TriHealth, and Mercy Health all operate in the region. You can work in either state, dramatically expanding your options.