DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as entry-level Patient Care Technicians in various healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and long-term care (LTC) facilities. Graduates will gain proficiency in measuring and recording vital signs, performing CPR and First Aid, assisting in medical examinations, conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs), phlebotomy, and other basic laboratory procedures.
The program combines both theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical training, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the curriculum standards set by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for the following certifications from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA):
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET)
VIRTUAL TOUR
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is designed for individuals (men and women) seeking a rewarding career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT). Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who have advanced training and specialized skills, enabling them to perform a broader range of tasks within the healthcare setting. PCTs are trained to provide direct, hands-on care to patients while supporting the medical team in hospitals and can also work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care (LTC) facilities.
In addition to assisting with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, PCTs are skilled in performing more specialized tasks like transporting patients to various departments (e.g., cardiology or women’s health), performing phlebotomy (drawing blood), and conducting EKGs (electrocardiograms). PCTs play a vital role in patient care, working under the supervision of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to monitor and maintain patients’ health, all while offering compassionate and attentive care.
Their extensive training allows them to provide a higher level of care and perform critical clinical duties that make them an integral part of the healthcare team. As a result, Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are often compensated at a higher rate than standard CNAs, reflecting their advanced skills and broader range of responsibilities.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
- You need to be at least 18 years old
- Minimum High School Diploma or Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Valid (not expired) Nurse’s Aide /Assistant NY State Certification (CNA License)
- If you do not have a CNA License we suggest signing up to take our Nurse Aide Advanced program which is a combination of Nurse Aide Assistant (CNA) and Patient Care Technician (PCT) programs.
If you do not have a High School Diploma or G.E.D, you can pass an Entrance Exam (exam is free of charge). You need to schedule this test during your appointment with our Admissions Advisor.
Please click her for more information about How to Enroll in Patient Care Technician (PCT) program?
PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Responding to patient calls and requests for assistance
- Bathing, dressing, grooming and assisting with personal hygiene
- Serving meals and feeding patients if they are unable to feed themselves
- Monitoring and recording vital signs – temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates
- Observing, recording and reporting a patients’ physical, mental, and emotional condition
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs), collecting blood (phlebotomy) and other clinical tasks
- Moving patients, transferring patents to and from a bed or wheelchair and assisting with walking
- Making beds and keeping patient rooms clean and neat
- Setting up and operating therapeutic equipment and supplies
- Assisting doctors and nurses during examinations and treatments
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- All Study Materials
- Uniform (1 Set) & Supplies
- Preparation for the NHA Certification Exams (Phlebotomy-CPT, EKG-CET & Patient Care Technician-CPCT)
- CPR training and preparation for BLS/CPR Certification
- Job Placement Assistance