Patient Transport Officer (PTO)

Patient Transport Officers (PTOs) are one of the main Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) careers in Australia. They play an important role in the wellbeing and peace of mind of patients.

What is a Patient Transport Officer (PTO)?

A patient transport officer or PTO is responsible for providing transport for patients to and from medical facilities. They are in charge of maintaining and operating patient transport vehicles and providing excellent customer service to patients.

The interactions that a patient has with their patient transport officer can make a huge difference in their medical care experience, putting them at ease and ensuring they feel cared for.

Becoming a PTO could be a rewarding career path if you have a positive, outgoing personality, enjoy driving and connecting with a range of people from different generations, cultures and backgrounds.

Typical duties of a Patient Transport Officer (PTO)

  • Transport patients and equipment, including wheelchairs, stretchers.
  • Assist patients during discharge and admissions for medical facilities, providing physical assistance and opening doors.
  • Be comfortable driving a range of manual and automatic vehicles.
  • Maintain vehicles and transportation devices; how you look after your vehicle is a direct reflection of the standard of patient care you’ll deliver.
  • Keep accurate patient records, provide support to other medical staff.

Patient Transport Officer (PTO) salary

Patient Transport Officers (PTOs) in Australia can earn around $51,000 – $62,000 per year.

What it’s really like to be a Patient Transport Officer (PTO)?

Meet Australian Paramedical College student, Lydia, who is studying to be a PTO while she’s still at school.

How to become a Patient Transport Officer (PTO)

Australian Paramedical College can help you gain the fundamental skills needed to start a rewarding career in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT).

A Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport will allow you to become a Patient Transport Officer (PTO) as soon as you graduate.

To perform more advanced patient care as a Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA), sometimes called an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), the Certificate IV in Health Care is required, but the Diploma of Emergency Health Care could give you an edge when applying for roles in the industry.

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