PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Minnesota
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The North Star State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
131
MN Hospitals
4,800+
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Minnesota, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Minnesota provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Minnesota
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The North Star State
Twin Cities Metro (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota Counties)
Minneapolis-St. Paul with major health systems. University of Minnesota Medical Center provides academic medicine.
Hospitals: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Hennepin Healthcare, M Health Fairview University, Regions Hospital, United Hospital
Dialysis: DaVita (25+ centers), Fresenius (20+ centers) Twin Cities metro
Long-Term Care: Twin Cities LTC; Ebenezer, Presbyterian Homes, Cassia, Ecumen
💡 Tip: Twin Cities has strong healthcare competition—multiple systems actively recruiting PCTs.
Rochester/Southeast (Olmsted, Winona Counties)
Home to Mayo Clinic—the world-renowned destination medical center. Healthcare is the economy.
Hospitals: Mayo Clinic Rochester, Mayo Clinic Hospital Saint Marys, Mayo Clinic Hospital Methodist
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Rochester locations
Long-Term Care: Rochester area nursing facilities; Charter House, Madonna Towers
💡 Tip: Mayo Clinic dominates Rochester—externships are competitive but career-defining.
Duluth/Northeast (St. Louis, Carlton Counties)
Port city with Essentia Health and St. Luke's. Serves Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin border.
Hospitals: Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center, St. Luke's Hospital, Essentia Health Duluth
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Northeast Minnesota locations
Long-Term Care: Duluth area nursing facilities; Essentia, Benedictine Health System
💡 Tip: Duluth has outdoor lifestyle with solid healthcare market—less competitive than Twin Cities.
Greater Minnesota (Stearns, Blue Earth, Crow Wing Counties)
Regional centers including St. Cloud, Mankato, and Brainerd with CentraCare and Mayo Clinic Health System.
Hospitals: CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital, Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato, Essentia Health St. Joseph's (Brainerd)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Greater Minnesota locations
Long-Term Care: Greater Minnesota nursing facilities; rural and regional LTC
💡 Tip: Greater Minnesota has significant healthcare worker shortages—strong job prospects.
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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota: