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PCT EXTERNSHIP

Patient Care Technician Externship in North Carolina

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

Patient Care Technician externship training in North Carolina

100

Hours Required

4-8

Weeks Typical

112

NC Hospitals

5,800+

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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina health systems.

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Dialysis Centers

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

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Long-Term Care

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

PCT Externship Sites in North Carolina

Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Tar Heel State

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Charlotte Metro (Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus Counties)

North Carolina's largest city with Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas HealthCare). Banking hub with growing population.

Hospitals: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Atrium Health Mercy, Novant Health Presbyterian, Atrium Health Pineville

Dialysis: DaVita (30+ centers), Fresenius (25+ centers) Charlotte metro

Long-Term Care: Charlotte LTC; PruittHealth, Liberty Healthcare, Accordius Health

💡 Tip: Atrium Health is the largest employer in Charlotte—excellent externship opportunities.

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Research Triangle (Wake, Durham, Orange Counties)

Raleigh-Durham with Duke Health and UNC Health—two of the nation's top academic medical centers.

Hospitals: Duke University Hospital, UNC Medical Center, WakeMed, Duke Raleigh Hospital, UNC Rex Hospital

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Triangle locations

Long-Term Care: Triangle area nursing facilities; Duke, UNC, and independent providers

💡 Tip: Duke and UNC are world-renowned—competitive but career-defining experiences.

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Piedmont Triad (Guilford, Forsyth Counties)

Greensboro and Winston-Salem with Cone Health, Novant, and Wake Forest Baptist.

Hospitals: Cone Health Moses Cone Hospital, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health Forsyth, High Point Medical Center

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Piedmont locations

Long-Term Care: Triad nursing facilities; Cone, Novant, and regional providers

💡 Tip: Piedmont Triad has strong healthcare without Triangle competition.

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Coastal/Eastern NC (New Hanover, Pitt, Cumberland Counties)

Wilmington, Greenville, and Fayetteville with regional medical centers and ECU Health.

Hospitals: ECU Health Medical Center (Greenville), Novant Health New Hanover (Wilmington), Cape Fear Valley (Fayetteville)

Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Eastern NC locations

Long-Term Care: Coastal NC nursing facilities; beach communities and military areas

💡 Tip: Fayetteville has major military presence (Fort Bragg)—VA and military healthcare accessible.

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 North Carolina?

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 North Carolina:

Where can I find PCT externship sites in North Carolina?
North Carolina has 112 hospitals with Atrium Health, Duke Health, UNC Health, and Novant as dominant systems. Charlotte and Triangle have the highest concentration. DaVita and Fresenius operate 60+ dialysis centers statewide.
Does North Carolina require PCT certification?
North Carolina does not require state PCT certification. AMCA PCTC is strongly preferred by Atrium, Duke, UNC, and Novant. CNA certification through NC Division of Health Service Regulation is required for nursing homes.
What's unique about North Carolina's healthcare market?
North Carolina has two world-class academic centers (Duke and UNC) plus the massive Atrium Health system. The state is growing rapidly, creating strong healthcare demand. Research Triangle attracts healthcare innovation and biotech companies.
How do I approach Duke or UNC for an externship?
Duke and UNC are highly competitive. Apply through their formal student programs early. Consider starting with WakeMed or UNC Rex to build Triangle experience. Both systems value academic commitment and research interest. Strong references from healthcare professionals help.

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