What is a Patient Care Technician?
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Patient care technicians (PCTs) play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by providing direct patient care support to nurses and other healthcare professionals. Unlike certified nursing assistants or registered nurses, their work is not clinical and focuses on assisting patients with day-to-day activities. They perform various duties, including taking vital signs, assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, and preparing and administering medications.
To become a PCT, aspiring professionals can gain the necessary skills through on-the-job training or specialized training and education, which can vary depending on the state and employer. Many PCTs complete a short-term training program, which may include courses on medical terminology, patient care techniques, and basic nursing skills. More advanced educational programs will include advanced skills such as phlebotomy and how to perform an EKG. Depending on a PCT’s job duties, some states may require certification, which involves passing an exam and completing continuing education requirements.
PCTs are employed in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Many facilities rely heavily on PCTs to provide critical support, allowing nurses and other healthcare professionals to focus on clinical-related care. The demand for PCTs is expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations, primarily due to the aging baby boomer population needing increased medical care. Obtaining certification as a PCT is voluntary but can help individuals advance their careers and increase their salary potential.
Keep reading to learn more about patient care technician education programs, both online and in-person, projected salary ranges, steps to enter the field, typical job duties, and program admission requirements.
Specializations and Degree Types in Patient Care Technician Programs
Aspiring professionals must complete a specialized training program to become patient care technicians. Popular specialization programs include certified nursing assistant (CNA), patient care technician (PCT), and medical assistant (MA).
Additionally, some individuals pursue a degree program like an associate of applied science in patient care technology to enhance their career prospects. Many programs include EKG and phlebotomy training to ensure graduates have a broad skill set that is competitive for seeking employment.
Patient Care Technician Admissions Requirements
Most PCT programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some require a high school-level biology course. Some schools may require a criminal background check, proof of immunization, health insurance, and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
More competitive programs may require letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Prospective students should research admission requirements for specific PCT programs at different schools to ensure they meet all the requirements.
Accreditation for Patient Care Technician Programs
Accreditation is an important aspect to consider when selecting a PCT program. Accreditation ensures that a program meets national standards for quality and rigor and that graduates are adequately prepared for professional practice. The two types of accreditation that programs can receive are institutional and programmatic accreditation.
Institutional accreditation evaluates the school as a whole. It assesses the institution’s academic programs, mission statement, facilities, and faculty. Institutional accreditation should come from one of the seven Regional Accrediting Organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Programmatic accreditation, on the other hand, evaluates a specific program or department within the institution. This type of accreditation assesses the curriculum, educational resources, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes.
Currently, there is no programmatic-specific accreditation for PCT programs. Some PCT programs may be programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Should students pursue a PCT-adjacent degree such as EKG, certified nursing assistant, or medical assistant, those programs can obtain programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
On-Campus Degree Programs in Patient Care Technician
The patient care technician program at Pima Medical Institute is a certificate program designed to prepare students for successful entry into the healthcare industry. Upon completing this program, graduates will have the skills necessary to perform as capable and contributing medical team members.
This program will teach students to provide bedside care and perform vital healthcare procedures, such as emergency room protocols, phlebotomy, electrocardiography (ECG), and hemodialysis. In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes developing strong communication skills and empathy, which are essential in this line of work.
Applicants to this program must be certified nursing assistants or aides (CNAs) to be considered for admission. All students will complete an externship as part of their program to gain the hands-on skills necessary for this job as well as build their resumes.
This 31-credit program includes courses such as electrocardiography; renal anatomy and physiology; principles and practices of hemodialysis; hemodialysis equipment and water treatment; medical documentation; specific systems pathology; emergency room technician; and phlebotomy, among others.
- Location: East Valley, AZ
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Expected Time to Completion: Eight months
- Estimated Tuition: $15,493 for the entire program
At Ivy Tech Community College, students can complete the patient care technician program, which prepares them with the necessary skills to become valuable healthcare team members. Through real-world and hands-on experiences, students will learn to take vital signs, perform electrocardiography, draw blood, and collect lab specimens. Graduates are qualified for in-demand roles in hospitals, continuing care communities, rehabilitation units, and dialysis centers.
There are three education options for this program. Students can complete an 18-credit two-semester certificate, a 36-credit three-semester certificate, or a 60-credit four-semester associate’s degree. The longer the program, the more comprehensive education. Each program has varying levels of certifications students can earn after completing the degree. Graduates of all options can obtain a CNA license, but students who want to earn a CPCT/A certification must complete an associate’s.
The curriculum includes courses such as phlebotomy; advanced electrocardiograph technique; introduction to electrocardiography; patient care technician preparation; behavioral health; electronic health records; customer relations in healthcare; and dementia care.
- Location: 10 locations across Indiana (Anderson, Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Lake County at Crown Point, Richmond, Sellersburg, South Bend, and Valparaiso)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four semesters
- Estimated Tuition: Resident ($170.07 per credit); non-resident ($332.71 per credit)
Bergen Community College’s patient care technician/associate certificate program provides comprehensive training in various healthcare skills. This program is perfect for individuals who want to enter the healthcare field or current workers looking to enhance their employment marketability in acute care hospitals or other specialized patient care settings.
Students can choose from two options, each with approximately 300 hours of training. Option one includes four courses and is a slower track, whereas option two is only two courses but is more intensive.
Students can quickly gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in healthcare careers within only three to four months of study. Required classes include phlebotomy skills, EKG skills, certified nursing assistant, and advanced patient care.
- Location: Paramus, NJ
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Three to four months
- Estimated Tuition: In-county ($208.55 per credit); out-of-county ($366.05)
Students can complete the patient care technician program at New Age Training in just 125 hours of study. This comprehensive training course prepares graduates to work as entry-level patient care technicians in various healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
The program equips students with the necessary skills to measure and record vital signs, perform CPR and first aid, assist in medical examinations, conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform phlebotomy, and other basic laboratory procedures.
This course is a blend of theory and clinical training that meets the curriculum requirements of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), NCCT, and the New York State Education Department. Upon graduation, students are prepared for the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified EKG Technician (CET), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certifications by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Location: New York, NY
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Expected Time to Completion: 125 hours
- Estimated Tuition: $1,855 total
Upon completing the patient care technician training program at Midlands Technical College, graduates can pursue opportunities in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, and doctor’s offices. The program is a comprehensive blend of certified nursing assistant, EKG technician, and phlebotomy technician courses. Successful program completion makes students eligible to sit for the Certified Patient Technician/Assistant exam offered by NHA.
To receive hands-on experience in ECG and cardiac monitoring, pupils will undergo practical training at various hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and clinics. Adherence to off-campus clinical site regulations, including passing background checks, drug screenings, and providing proof of necessary immunizations, is mandatory.
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four courses
- Estimated Tuition: $5,084 total
Online or Hybrid Degree Programs in Patient Care Technician
St. Louis Community College’s patient care technician (PCT) program provides non-credit accelerated training for individuals seeking to work alongside healthcare professionals in direct patient care. Students in this program are trained to work under direct nursing supervision and attend to their patients’ comfort, hygiene, meals, and mobility while also reporting any changes in their health status.
The program is delivered in a hybrid format and combines six to seven weeks of face-to-face and online classroom instruction with three to four weeks of clinical practice at partnering hospitals in the area. Classroom instruction includes lectures and skill labs, such as the healthcare provider basic life support course through the American Heart Association. This training program satisfies the requirements of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Nine to 11 weeks
- Estimated Tuition: $233 per credit
The online patient care technician program at Alamo College District prepares students for entry-level work in this field. The ten-week program can be completed entirely through distance learning, allowing students to further their careers without relocating. Required courses include CPR for healthcare providers; electrocardiograph; communications for health; and medical terminology. In total, students will complete 260 hours of training.
To be considered for this program, students must pass an English proficiency test, be 18 years old, have completed some high school, and have access to a computer or tablet with access to the internet.
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 10 weeks
- Estimated Tuition: $3,995 total
Lone Star College offers a hybrid patient care technician program that equips graduates with the necessary skills to work in various healthcare settings, including homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and general surgery units. The program combines lab work, lectures, and clinical rotations, emphasizing pre and postoperative care, anatomy, nutrition, and physiology. While many graduates of this program work as PCTs, it is common to find alums working as nursing aides or attendants.
During the program, graduates receive hands-on training in direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or medical professional. This includes attending to patients’ daily needs, monitoring their vital signs, assisting with mobility, and providing comfort and hygiene care. Required courses include nurse aide skills, special topics in nursing assistant/aide; nurse aide, certified; and professionalism & customer service in a health environment.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One semester
- Estimated Tuition: In-district ($103 per credit); out-of-district ($231 per credit); out-of-state ($290 per credit)
With just three courses, students can complete the patient care technician program at Lehman College. Two courses are offered in a hybrid format, and the third is online. The delivery flexibility allows students to care for family or work while completing their studies. After completing this program, students can take the NHA CPCT/A certification exam. Graduates of this program work in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.
To be considered for admission, applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalency and hold a current CNA license. All applicants must also have basic computer skills, as this is required for online learning.
- Location: Bronx, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Three courses
- Estimated Tuition: $1,535 total
The patient care technician program at the College of Staten Island is a comprehensive training program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality patient care. The program is geared towards individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and seeking an entry-level position in the field. This program is offered entirely online and includes a voucher for the Certified Patient Care Technician Level I Exam, offered by the American Education Certification Association (AECA).
The program covers an extensive range of patient care-related topics such as standard precautions, infection control, physical examination, patient positioning, therapeutic exercises, assistive devices, orthosis and prosthesis, and wheelchair management. In addition, the program also covers wound care and pressure sores, bed mobility, range of motion, patient care competency, and medical terminology.
- Location: Staten Island, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
- Estimated Tuition: $2,745 total
Time Taken to Become Patient Care Technicians
The time it takes to become a PCT varies depending on the type of training program an individual chooses. Typically, PCT programs can take a few months to two years to complete, depending on the program’s curriculum and format.
Step-by-Step Guide – How To Become a Patient Care Technician
Step One: Graduate from High School or Earn a GED (Four Years)
The first step to becoming a PCT is to graduate high school or earn a GED, which typically takes four years. Finishing high school or earning a GED is the basic education requirement to enroll in most PCT training programs, and it is a requirement for certification. Students should take science and anatomy courses to gain foundational knowledge and develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Step Two: Complete a Patient Care Technician Education Program (Up To Two Years)
The next step to becoming a PCT is to complete an education program. Depending on the program’s curriculum and format, programs can take up to two years to complete and are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools and may result in a certificate or diploma.
PCT programs provide comprehensive training in patient care and teach students the necessary clinical skills, including taking vital signs and administering medications. Some programs include training on performing phlebotomy and EKG monitoring.
Step Three: Earn a Patient Care Technician Certification (Timeline Varies, Optional)
Voluntary certification for PCTs validates the technician’s knowledge and skills, can increase job opportunities, and can lead to higher salaries. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and personal development.
The primary certifications PCTs earn is Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) through the National Healthcareer Association and the Certified Patient Care Technician Level I Exam, offered by the American Education Certification Association (AECA). More details can be found in the certifications and licensure section below.
Step Four: Obtain State License, If Required
Depending on the type of care a PCT provides, they may be required to obtain a license to practice in their state. Aspiring PCTs should contact their local nursing board to ensure they have the qualifications to perform their job duties. More details can be found in the certifications and licensure section below.
What Does a Patient Care Technician Do?
PCTs work in almost every healthcare setting, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospices, and clinics. They may also work in home health care settings, visiting patients in their homes to provide essential care services. While job duties will vary based on place of employment, typical day-to-day responsibilities for PCTs can include:
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom
- Measuring and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate
- Transferring patients between beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers
- Helping to turn and position patients to prevent bedsores and other complications
- Cleaning and maintaining patient care areas, equipment, and supplies
- Providing basic medical care, such as first aid and CPR in emergencies
- Monitoring patients for changes in condition and reporting any concerns to a nurse or other medical professional
- Responding to patient requests and needs promptly and compassionately
- Performing phlebotomy and collecting specimens for laboratory analysis
- Assisting with medical procedures, such as inserting urinary catheters and inserting nasogastric tubes, by following established protocols and procedures
Patient Care Technician Certifications & Licensure
States do not require that PCTs be licensed. However, if they perform work that falls under the scope of a licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), certified nursing assistant or aide, phlebotomist, or EKG technician, they may be required to obtain a license. Aspiring PCTs should check with their state’s licensing board to ensure they have the required credentials in order to perform their job duties.
Certification for PCTs is voluntary. The primary certifications earned are the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) through the National Healthcareer Association and the Certified Patient Care Technician Level I Exam, offered by the American Education Certification Association (AECA). Certification demonstrates competency in this field and ensures employers that the certificate holder has the skills necessary to care for patients properly.
To be eligible for the CPCT/A certification, candidates must have a high school diploma and GED and either have completed a PCT training program in the past five years or have one year of work experience as a PCT in the past three years. Once eligibility has been determined, candidates may sit for the 100-question exam.
Candidates for the Certified Patient Care Technician exam must have completed an approved education program, have military training as a PCT, or have verifiable work experience.
Patient Care Technician Salary – How Much Do Patient Care Technicians Make?
Patient care technicians are classified as nursing assistants by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2022). The 1,310,090 nursing assistants in the US earn $36,220 per year. The percentiles for wages are:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 1,310,090 |
| Average Annual Salary | $36,220 |
| 10th percentile | $28,030 |
| 25th percentile | $30,770 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,760 |
| 75th percentile | $39,260 |
| 90th percentile | $45,940 |
Patient Care Technician Career Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to a career as a patient care technician:
Become a Certified Nursing Assistant or Aid
Certified nursing assistants or aides (CNAs) provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Their responsibilities may include assisting patients with bathing and grooming, checking vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature, turning and repositioning patients to prevent bedsores, assisting with feeding and using the restroom, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. CNAs may also be responsible for documenting patient information and reporting any significant changes to the nursing staff.
- Typical Education: Certificate of completion
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)
Become a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. Duties involve verifying patient identities, explaining the procedure to patients, selecting and preparing the necessary equipment, locating veins to perform venipuncture, collecting and labeling blood samples accurately, and ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during and after the process. Other job tasks may include maintaining detailed records of blood draws and ensuring equipment is maintained, sterilized, and disposed of properly.
- Typical Education: On-the-job training or certification
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Medical Technologists (AMT), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC)
Become a Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RN) are licensed healthcare professionals who work in various medical settings. RNs have completed a nursing program, passed national licensing exams, and hold a license to practice in their state. Their responsibilities range from assessing and monitoring patients’ health to administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. RNs also educate patients and their families on illnesses and treatments and may specialize in areas like pediatrics or critical care.
- Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Certification Corporation
