PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Virginia
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Old Dominion. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
89
VA 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 Virginia 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Virginia, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Virginia provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Virginia
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Old Dominion
Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William)
DC suburbs with Inova Health System. Highest wages but highest cost of living.
Hospitals: Inova Fairfax Medical Center, Inova Fair Oaks, Inova Loudoun, Virginia Hospital Center, Reston Hospital
Dialysis: DaVita (25+ centers), Fresenius (20+ centers) Northern Virginia
Long-Term Care: Northern VA nursing facilities; Inova, Goodwin House, Sunrise Senior Living
💡 Tip: Inova is Northern Virginia's dominant system—DC hospitals also accessible.
Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Chesapeake)
Coastal region with Sentara Healthcare and major naval presence.
Hospitals: Sentara Norfolk General, Sentara Virginia Beach, Sentara CarePlex, Riverside Regional, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Hampton Roads locations
Long-Term Care: Hampton Roads nursing facilities; Sentara, Riverside, Westminster Canterbury
💡 Tip: Hampton Roads has massive military presence (Naval Station Norfolk)—VA accessible.
Richmond Metro (Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield)
State capital with VCU Health (academic medical center), HCA, and Bon Secours.
Hospitals: VCU Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Mary's, HCA Chippenham, Henrico Doctors' Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Richmond locations
Long-Term Care: Richmond LTC; VCU Health, Westminster Canterbury, Cedarfield
💡 Tip: VCU Health is Virginia's only public academic medical center.
Southwest Virginia (Roanoke, Montgomery, Wise Counties)
Appalachian region with Carilion Clinic and Ballad Health.
Hospitals: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, LewisGale Medical Center, Ballad Health facilities (Bristol, Abingdon)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Southwest Virginia locations
Long-Term Care: Southwest Virginia nursing facilities; Carilion, Ballad Health
💡 Tip: Southwest Virginia has significant healthcare worker shortages—recruitment incentives available.
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 Virginia?
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 Virginia: