Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Program Overview

The program provides 600 hours of training to students in all of the relevant areas of education and practice required for a Patient Care Technician. The curriculum includes education in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, nurse assisting, occupational therapy, respiratory and geriatric skills, advanced home health aide needs, HIV/AIDS, blood borne pathogens, OSHA, CPR and First Aid training. The program provides 101 hours of laboratory and 156 clinical practice hours where the students gain the required proficiency in the skills necessary for this profession and can be completed in 6 months.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to work at the entry level in hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare settings. Upon completion of this program students will receive a Diploma. Students may begin working in their field of training as soon as their diploma is received

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Included in the clinical hours is the ability for the students to demonstrate their nursing assisting skills in a 40-hour clinical practice at a nursing home or long-term care facility. After completion, students are prepared to take the state examination and become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and are also eligible to sit for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) examination with the National Health career Association (NHA).

Program Hours:

600 contact hours (6 months)

Credential Awarded:

Diploma

Program Delivery:

Campus

Program Objectives:

Develop Proficiency in Basic Patient Care: Equip students with the skills needed to perform essential patient care tasks, including bathing, feeding, and assisting with mobility.

Master Vital Signs Monitoring: Train students to accurately measure and record patients' vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and temperature.

Gain Competence in Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection: Provide students with hands-on experience in drawing blood, collecting various specimens, and understanding proper handling and labeling procedures.

Learn Electrocardiography (EKG) Procedures: Teach students how to perform EKGs, including proper lead placement and interpreting basic cardiac rhythm.

Understand Medical Terminology and Documentation: Ensure students are familiar with medical terminology and proficient in documenting patient care accurately and efficiently.

Develop Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Foster effective communication techniques for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare team members, emphasizing empathy and cultural sensitivity.

Promote Safety and Infection Control: Educate students on best practices for maintaining a safe and sterile environment, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control procedures.

Program Curriculum