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K–12 Standards

Patient Care Technician (2026)

Other Arkansas CTE sets

Introduction to Healthcare1

  • 1

    Analyze health care systems.1.1

    1. 1

      Evaluate and analyze emerging trends and challenges in healthcare and discuss their influence on patient care practices and outcomes.1.1.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate proficiency in basic patient care skills by assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), obtaining and recording vital signs, and maintaining patient safety and hygiene.1.1.2

    3. 3

      Define and demonstrate therapeutic communication and its importance in healthcare1.1.3

  • 2

    Display work ethic and professionalism.1.2

    1. 1

      Exhibit a strong work ethic through punctuality, accountability, reliability, initiative, and excellence, while maintaining ethical and professional standards in classroom and clinical settings.1.2.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate professionalism by maintaining respectful interactions, appropriate attire, ethical behavior, personal accountability, and effective communication across all healthcare settings.1.2.2

The Patient2

  • 1

    Understanding the patient as a person.2.1

    1. 1

      Identify and compare the concepts of culture, race, and ethnicity, and describe their impact on patient care and communication.2.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify and evaluate cultural communication barriers and their effects on the quality and effectiveness of patient care.2.1.2

    3. 3

      Identify and describe how cultural health practices and beliefs can affect how patients receive and respond to care.2.1.3

  • 2

    Investigate patient rights and ethics.2.2

    1. 1

      Identify and explain the legal rights of patients in healthcare settings, while demonstrating ethical and legal responsibility in all patient care interactions.2.2.1

Safety3

  • 1

    Assess asepsis and infection control protocols.3.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate and apply principles of aseptic technique by identifying common sources and methods of infection transmission.3.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify and apply infection control standards and protocols to reduce the risk of disease transmission in healthcare settings.3.1.2

    3. 3

      Identify and perform standard precautions.3.1.3

    4. 4

      Explain the principles of surgical asepsis and demonstrate proper techniques to maintain a sterile environment.3.1.4

    5. 5

      Explain and differentiate among cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization methods used in infection control.3.1.5

  • 2

    Demonstrate workplace safety and body mechanics.3.2

    1. 1

      Describe the key elements and objectives of workplace emergency preparedness and disaster response plans.3.2.1

    2. 2

      Explain what terrorism means and how it can affect healthcare systems and patient safety.3.2.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate proper use of body mechanics to ensure safety and prevent injury during patient care and workplace tasks.3.2.3

  • 3

    Apply concepts of patient safety.3.3

    1. 1

      Identify fall risks indicators.3.3.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate the ability to identify and apply age-appropriate safety measures across the human lifespan.3.3.2

    3. 3

      Identify and demonstrate safety procedures when performing patient rounding, using safety restraints (SRDs), and working with sitters.3.3.3

    4. 4

      Demonstrate correct techniques for moving and positioning patients while applying principles of injury prevention and safety.3.3.4

    5. 5

      Evaluate a patient’s fall risk and apply effective fall prevention measures to ensure safety.3.3.5

    6. 6

      Provide basic emergency care using appropriate first aid and safety measures.3.3.6

    7. 7

      Demonstrate proper documentation techniques when recording patient data in an electronic health record system.3.3.7

  • 4

    Apply concepts of moving, positioning and preventing falls of patients.3.4

    1. 1

      Identify physical, mental, and environmental indicators that increase fall risk and explain how they impact patient safety.3.4.1

    2. 2

      Describe age-specific safety risks and precautions for patients across the lifespan.3.4.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate understanding and application of safety measures such as rounding, use of safety reminder devices (SRDs), and utilization of sitters to prevent patient injury and ensure a safe care environment.3.4.3

    4. 4

      Demonstrate and apply proper body mechanics and positioning techniques to prevent injury.3.4.4

    5. 5

      Identify and evaluate factors contributing to a patient’s risk for falls to support preventive care planning.3.4.5

  • 5

    Demonstrate basic emergency care.3.5

    1. 1

      Perform CPR skills accurately and effectively in accordance with current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross guidelines.3.5.1

    2. 2

      Deliver basic emergency care.3.5.2

Patient Assessment4

  • 1

    Assist with the patient's physical exam.4.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate the ability to prepare patients appropriately for examinations, treatments, and procedures in primary care and hospital settings.4.1.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate the ability to follow the correct sequence of a physical examination to ensure accuracy, patient comfort, and efficiency.4.1.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate the role of the Patient Care Technician (PCT) in assisting with exam procedures to promote patient comfort, safety, and efficient clinical workflow.4.1.3

  • 2

    Measure vital signs and recording data.4.2

    1. 1

      Demonstrate the ability to accurately measure and record temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, pain scale, and pulse oximetry.4.2.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate the ability to measure and record anthropometric data appropriate to the patient's age.4.2.2

    3. 3

      Apply principles of accurate, timely, and legally compliant documentation when using the Electronic Health Record (EHR).4.2.3

  • 3

    Obtain and monitor an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).4.3

    1. 1

      Describe and trace the normal electrical conduction pathway of the heart to support understanding of cardiac function and rhythm.4.3.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate the ability to set up, operate, and validate the proper functioning of an electrocardiograph (ECG/EKG) to ensure accurate cardiac monitoring.4.3.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate the ability to correctly perform a standard 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG), ensuring accuracy, patient safety, and equipment functionality.4.3.3

    4. 4

      Interpret the fundamental components of an ECG tracing, including rate, rhythm, and waveform morphology, to identify normal and abnormal cardiac patterns.4.3.4

    5. 5

      Identify common ECG abnormalities and interpret their clinical significance to support early recognition and response to cardiac conditions.4.3.5

Patient Care and Comfort5

  • 1

    Assist with admission and discharge protocols for a patient.5.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate understanding of admission procedures to ensure accurate intake, patient safety, and continuity of care.5.1.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate understanding of patient transfer procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated transitions of care.5.1.2

    3. 3

      Describe the purpose and key steps of patient discharge procedures, including instructions, documentation, and patient education.5.1.3

    4. 4

      Demonstrate accurate, timely, and appropriate documentation practices within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.5.1.4

  • 2

    Apply concepts of bed making, hygiene, and grooming to patient care.5.2

    1. 1

      Demonstrate the ability to prepare and maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable patient environment by demonstrating proper room setup and bed-making techniques.5.2.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate safe, respectful, and thorough assistance with patient bathing to promote hygiene, comfort, and dignity.5.2.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate proper techniques for assisting with personal hygiene, including care of the skin, mouth, eyes, ears, nose, perineal area, and providing clean bedding and clothing.5.2.3

    4. 4

      Demonstrate safe and effective hair care to support patient hygiene, comfort, and self-esteem.5.2.4

    5. 5

      Provide assistance with facial shaving using safe, respectful, and effective techniques to support patient hygiene and comfort.5.2.5

    6. 6

      Demonstrate safe, respectful, and effective assistance with nail and foot care.5.2.6

    7. 7

      Discuss proper documentation within EHR.5.2.7

  • 3

    Assist with medication, nutrition and fluids, urinary & bowel elimination, and oxygen needs.5.3

    1. 1

      Demonstrate the ability to safely assist with medication administration under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals, including verifying patient identity, understanding medication routes, and observing for adverse reactions.5.3.1

    2. 2

      Assist patients with nutritional needs by preparing meal trays, feeding as necessary, and monitoring intake and tolerance in accordance with the care plan and dietary restrictions.5.3.2

    3. 3

      Support patient hydration by assisting with fluid intake, monitoring output, and documenting intake accurately in accordance with the care plan and facility protocols.5.3.3

    4. 4

      Assist patients with urinary elimination while maintaining safety, privacy, and dignity, and accurately document output as needed.5.3.4

    5. 5

      Assist patients with bowel elimination by promoting comfort, privacy, and safety, and accurately observe and document bowel patterns.5.3.5

    6. 6

      Demonstrate safe and effective techniques for administering oxygen therapy and monitoring patient response.5.3.6

    7. 7

      Discuss proper documentation within EHR.5.3.7

Blood and Specimen Collecting and Testing6

  • 1

    Apply concepts of phlebotomy procedures.6.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate proper venipuncture technique, including equipment selection, step-by-step procedure, and identification of potential complications.6.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify the need for specimen recollection and accurately perform the procedure following proper protocols and safety guidelines.6.1.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate proper technique for performing a capillary puncture, including site selection, equipment use, and specimen handling.6.1.3

    4. 4

      Demonstrate proper techniques for performing pediatric phlebotomy, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and specimen integrity.6.1.4

    5. 5

      Explain the purpose of the chain of custody and accurately follow procedures to ensure the integrity and legal validity of collected specimens.6.1.5

    6. 6

      Discuss documentation within EHR.6.1.6

  • 2

    Perform specimen collecting and testing.6.2

    1. 1

      Perform and collect urine specimens using proper technique to ensure accuracy, patient privacy, and adherence to infection control standards.6.2.1

    2. 2

      Perform stool specimen collections.6.2.2

    3. 3

      Perform sputum specimen collections.6.2.3

    4. 4

      Discuss documentation within EHR.6.2.4

Surgery and Immobility7

  • 1

    Demonstrate care for a surgical patient.7.1

    1. 1

      Identify and maintain a sterile field, and differentiate between sterile instruments, supplies, and aseptic procedures.7.1.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate proper use of sterile technique during procedures to prevent contamination and maintain asepsis.7.1.2

    3. 3

      Provide comprehensive care and monitoring for patients during the postoperative period to promote recovery and prevent complications.7.1.3

    4. 4

      Discuss documentation within EHR.7.1.4

  • 2

    Demonstrate heat and cold applications.7.2

    1. 1

      Apply heat therapy techniques correctly to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.7.2.1

    2. 2

      Perform proper cold care procedures7.2.2

    3. 3

      Apply cold therapy techniques accurately to promote healing and prevent tissue damage.7.2.3

  • 3

    Demonstrate care of wounds and pressure ulcers.7.3

    1. 1

      Assist licensed professional with wound assessment based on type, severity, and characteristics7.3.1

    2. 2

      Differentiate between the stages and types of wound healing7.3.2

    3. 3

      Administer appropriate care for surgical wounds, including the correct application and management of bandages and binders.7.3.3

    4. 4

      Identify and classify different types of wound drainage.7.3.4

    5. 5

      Discuss documentation within EHR.7.3.5

Special Care Concerns and Settings8

  • 1

    Demonstrate caring for women and children.8.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy and physiology.8.1.1

    2. 2

      Apply knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to explain body functions and processes.8.1.2

    3. 3

      Identify and perform essential newborn care practices.8.1.3

    4. 4

      Recognize and apply appropriate care practices specific to pediatric patients.8.1.4

    5. 5

      Identify and implement care practices tailored to adolescent patients.8.1.5

    6. 6

      Explain the signs of child abuse and the proper procedures for reporting suspected cases.8.1.6

  • 2

    Demonstrate caring for the older adult.8.2

    1. 1

      Determine changes in anatomy and physiology-body systems.8.2.1

    2. 2

      Explain the role of a Patient Care Technician.8.2.2

  • 3

    Demonstrate caring for patients with mental health needs.8.3

    1. 1

      Evaluate mental health continuum.8.3.1

    2. 2

      Discuss the care needed for a patient dealing with addiction.8.3.2

  • 4

    Demonstrate caring for patients with chronic conditions.8.4

    1. 1

      Distinguish the physical, cognitive, and emotional care needs of patients following a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and describe appropriate support strategies.8.4.1

    2. 2

      Distinguish care for chronic respiratory illness.8.4.2

    3. 3

      Describe appropriate care techniques, risk factors, and monitoring procedures for patients with cardiovascular conditions.8.4.3

    4. 4

      Distinguish the physical, emotional, and treatment-related care needs of patients with chronic immune conditions and oncologic diseases.8.4.4

  • 5

    Analyze end of life care for patients.8.5

    1. 1

      Identify the roles and responsibilities of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and explain how collaboration supports quality patient care.8.5.1

    2. 2

      Differentiate between palliative care and hospice care, including their goals, services provided, and the patient populations they serve.8.5.2

    3. 3

      Deliver compassionate end-of-life care that respects the patient’s dignity, comfort, and cultural or spiritual needs.8.5.3

    4. 4

      Identify key ethical concerns and consider how future trends may impact patient care and decision-making.8.5.4

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Patient Care Technician

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