PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Tennessee
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Volunteer State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
133
TN 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Tennessee, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Tennessee provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Tennessee
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Volunteer State
Nashville Metro (Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford Counties)
Healthcare capital of America. HCA headquarters, Vanderbilt, and Saint Thomas. Massive healthcare economy.
Hospitals: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar Centennial, HCA TriStar hospitals, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's
Dialysis: DaVita (30+ centers), Fresenius (25+ centers) Nashville metro
Long-Term Care: Nashville LTC; Vanderbilt, NHC, Diversified Health Services, American Health Communities
💡 Tip: Nashville is HCA headquarters—healthcare IS the economy. Endless opportunities.
Memphis Metro (Shelby County)
Home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur, and Baptist Memorial.
Hospitals: Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Regional One Health
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Memphis locations
Long-Term Care: Memphis LTC; Methodist, Baptist, Church Health, Memphis Jewish Home
💡 Tip: Memphis has world-famous St. Jude plus major health systems. FedEx also drives economy.
Knoxville/East Tennessee (Knox, Blount Counties)
University of Tennessee with UT Medical Center and Covenant Health. Smoky Mountains gateway.
Hospitals: University of Tennessee Medical Center, Covenant Health, Tennova Healthcare, Blount Memorial Hospital
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius East Tennessee locations
Long-Term Care: Knoxville LTC; Covenant, NHC, University of Tennessee facilities
💡 Tip: Knoxville offers Smoky Mountains lifestyle with solid healthcare market.
Chattanooga/Southeast (Hamilton County)
Scenic city with Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial.
Hospitals: Erlanger Medical Center, CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkridge Medical Center
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Chattanooga locations
Long-Term Care: Chattanooga LTC; Erlanger, Life Care Centers (headquartered here)
💡 Tip: Life Care Centers of America is headquartered in Chattanooga—major LTC employer.
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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee: