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Because health care is changing at an unprecedented pace, new or varied approaches to patient care are emerging. One such approach is the use of multi-skilled individuals know as Patient Care Technicians (PCT) who are a part of the health care team. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work under the supervision of licensed professional personnel and alongside other health care providers in a variety of settings. Graduates will hold CNA certification and be qualified to sit for the National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) exam at completion of the course and prior to graduation. Students will hold a certification in both Nursing Assistant and Patient Care Technician. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long term care and assisted living facilities.

In addition to basic patient care skills, the PCT curriculum includes medical and surgical asepsis, basic anatomy and physiology, cardiac monitoring, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, clerical skills related to patient care and professional and interpersonal concepts. The program consists of classroom/lab instruction as well as supervised/preceptor clinical activities.

Diversity, challenge, autonomy, professional growth and flexible work schedules are just a few of many rewards which a PCT can enjoy. The Patient Care Technician can experience personal satisfaction from providing a valuable service and develop strong rapport with patients and professionals. A Patient Care Technician certificate and certification can be the beginning pathway to other health care professions.

Advisement Information

• Limited to 25 students. Co-requisites in fall semester are AHS 128, AHS 136, 139 and 141.  Co-requisites in spring are AHS 175 and 176. Students must take all of the PCT coursework and commit to taking all of it both semesters.
• Students must attend a Health Science Information session before initial registration for classes.
• In  the first semester of PCT7, the student is prepared with course work as well as clinical experience for CNA certification.  The student MUST be CNA certified in order to progress to the spring semester.
• Entry criteria:
  Readiness for ENG 101 and MAT 102. Students may demonstrate readiness through placement test scores or by competing ENG 100, RDG 100, and MAT 152 (or MAT 101) with a C or higher.
• BIO 107 is recommended as a prerequisite for AHS 136 but is not required.  
• Must have earned a high school diploma or GED. 
  
• For acceptance into the clinical portion of the program, students must submit a program-ready application to the Student Success Center during the designated period.
• BIO 210 will not substitute for AHS 136, which covers the body systems and disease processes in greater detail.
• AHS 102, AHS 205 and CPT 101 may be taken prior to or at the same time as AHS 139.

• PCTs will be prepared to assist with transport, nutrition, physical therapy procedures, and various central supply procurements. They will have ward secretary skills as well as being able to perform EKGs and monitor various type screens. 

• Most recent grads are working as ward secretaries but could also do phlebotomy, venipuncture I in doctors’ offices, hospital labs or lab corps.  Approximate salary for recent grads is $10/hr to start.