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PCT EXTERNSHIP

Patient Care Technician Externship in Massachusetts

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

Patient Care Technician externship training in Massachusetts

100

Hours Required

4-8

Weeks Typical

68

MA Hospitals

5,500+

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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts health systems.

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Dialysis Centers

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

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Long-Term Care

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

PCT Externship Sites in Massachusetts

Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Bay State

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Greater Boston (Suffolk, Middlesex Counties)

World's premier healthcare hub with Mass General, Brigham and Women's, Beth Israel, and Boston Children's.

Hospitals: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston Children's Hospital, Tufts Medical Center

Dialysis: DaVita (25+ centers), Fresenius (20+ centers) Greater Boston

Long-Term Care: Boston area LTC; Hebrew SeniorLife, Partners HealthCare continuing care

💡 Tip: Boston has the highest concentration of academic medical centers in the world—prestigious but extremely competitive.

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Worcester/Central Massachusetts (Worcester County)

Second-largest city with UMass Memorial Health and Saint Vincent Hospital.

Hospitals: UMass Memorial Medical Center, Saint Vincent Hospital, Harrington Hospital, Milford Regional Medical Center

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Central Massachusetts locations

Long-Term Care: Worcester area nursing facilities; UMass Memorial, Quaboag Rehabilitation

💡 Tip: Worcester is more affordable than Boston with strong healthcare market.

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Springfield/Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire Counties)

Third-largest city with Baystate Health—the region's dominant system.

Hospitals: Baystate Medical Center (Springfield), Mercy Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital (Northampton)

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Western Massachusetts locations

Long-Term Care: Western Massachusetts nursing facilities; Baystate, Genesis, Berkshire Healthcare

💡 Tip: Springfield has significant workforce needs—less competition than Boston.

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North Shore/Merrimack Valley (Essex County)

Coastal communities with Lahey Hospital and Lawrence General.

Hospitals: Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (Burlington), Lawrence General Hospital, Beverly Hospital, Anna Jaques Hospital

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius North Shore locations

Long-Term Care: North Shore nursing facilities; Essex County LTC, Brooksby Village

💡 Tip: North Shore offers Boston access with suburban quality of life.

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 Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts:

Where can I find PCT externship sites in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has 68 hospitals with Mass General Brigham (15 hospitals) and Beth Israel Lahey Health (12 hospitals) as dominant systems. Boston has the world's highest concentration of academic medical centers. DaVita and Fresenius operate 50+ dialysis centers.
Does Massachusetts require PCT certification?
Massachusetts does not require state PCT certification. AMCA PCTC is strongly preferred by Mass General Brigham and major employers. CNA certification through Massachusetts Department of Public Health is required for nursing homes.
What makes Boston's healthcare market unique?
Boston has more academic medical centers per capita than anywhere in the world. Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University medical schools drive research and training. Competition is intense—consider community hospitals for externship entry before targeting MGH or Brigham.
How do I get an externship at Mass General or Brigham?
Mass General Brigham is extremely competitive. Start by building experience at community hospitals or Worcester/Springfield facilities. MGH and BWH have formal student programs—apply early and emphasize research interest and academic commitment. Strong references from healthcare professionals help.