PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Pennsylvania
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Keystone State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
175
PA Hospitals
11,000+
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Pennsylvania, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Pennsylvania provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Pennsylvania
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Keystone State
Philadelphia Metro (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester Counties)
Nation's 6th largest city with Penn Medicine, Jefferson, and Temple. Major academic medicine hub.
Hospitals: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Hospital, Temple University Hospital, Penn Presbyterian, Einstein Medical Center
Dialysis: DaVita (50+ centers), Fresenius (45+ centers) Greater Philadelphia
Long-Term Care: Philadelphia LTC; Penn Medicine continuing care, Jefferson, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
💡 Tip: Penn Medicine and Jefferson are nationally ranked—competitive but excellent training.
Pittsburgh Metro (Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington Counties)
UPMC dominates Western PA with massive health system. Carnegie Mellon and Pitt provide research.
Hospitals: UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC Mercy, UPMC Children's
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Pittsburgh locations
Long-Term Care: Pittsburgh LTC; UPMC Senior Communities, Presbyterian SeniorCare, Baptist Homes
💡 Tip: UPMC is one of the largest health systems nationally—extensive opportunities.
Central Pennsylvania (Dauphin, Centre, Berks Counties)
Harrisburg, State College, and Reading with Penn State Health and regional systems.
Hospitals: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Central PA, Reading Hospital, Geisinger Holy Spirit
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Central PA locations
Long-Term Care: Central PA nursing facilities; Hershey, State College, Reading areas
💡 Tip: Penn State Hershey offers academic medicine with lower cost of living than Philly.
Northeastern Pennsylvania (Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties)
Allentown, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre with Lehigh Valley Health Network and Geisinger.
Hospitals: Lehigh Valley Hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre General
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Northeast PA locations
Long-Term Care: Northeast PA nursing facilities; Lehigh Valley, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre areas
💡 Tip: Lehigh Valley Health Network is major regional employer with strong training programs.
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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania: