12/12/2025
💙👩⚕️Today at NCCH: Future Healthcare Heroes in Action!😷🏥
Northern Cochise Community Hospital was proud to welcome 20 HOSA students—19 from Willcox High School and 1 from Benson High School—who are enrolled in the Cochise Technology District Patient Care Technician (PCT) program in partnership with Tucson Medical Center.
These talented seniors spent the day learning essential hands-on skills in a real hospital setting, including:
✅ Proper body mechanics and safe patient transfers with NCCH Physical Therapy
✅ Infection control and PPE procedures
✅ Bed-making in actual hospital rooms
✅ Vital signs and documentation using AIDET
✅ Patient repositioning and pressure injury prevention
✅ Use of assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers
They also toured the facility and heard from guest speakers from Sulphur Springs Medical Clinic.
Why does this matter?
According to their instructor, Lila Tenniswood, “These skills are foundational for PCT students. Mastering them before clinical placement ensures they enter patient-care settings prepared, confident, and safe—for both themselves and their patients.”
What is a PCT?
A Patient Care Technician plays a vital role in healthcare by assisting nurses and other professionals with direct patient care. PCTs perform tasks such as monitoring vital signs, helping patients with mobility, and ensuring comfort and safety. They are often the compassionate link between patients and the care team.
This experience prepares students for their upcoming two-week clinical rotation at Tucson Medical Center and opens doors to future careers in nursing, radiology, medical interpreting, and other allied health professions.
👏 We’re proud to support these future healthcare leaders and look forward to seeing their impact in our community and beyond!
