Design and implementation of a health care technician program.

The article describes the design and implementation of a practice model for unlicensed assistive personnel. Key elements of the health care technician (HCT) program include the concept of registered nurse-HCT partnering and the nurse manager's role in facilitating the partnership. After 4 weeks of classroom activities and guided clinical practice, the HCT receives 2 additional weeks to work directly with the registered nurse for orientation to the new role. Cross-trained in a variety of activities, the HCT enhances the level of service provided to key customers.