Patient Care Technician

648 Hours

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) diploma course offers specialized training in advanced nursing skills to prepare you for a rewarding career in medicine.  You will learn general patient care techniques as well as more advanced skills, such as insertion and removal of catheters, performing phlebotomy and other specimen collection, obtaining EKGs, obtaining fasting glucose readings, assisting with IVs, and assisting with invasive procedures.

The PCT diploma course operates on a continuous enrollment basis.  A diploma is earned when all required courses have been completed.  Students may enroll at any point in the schedule, prior to the beginning of any class and continue until all courses have been completed. 

The required classes for this program are:

• Success in Learning
• Patient Care Skills and Lab
• Health Science Concepts
• EKG and Lab
• Phlebotomy and Lab
• Body Structures & Functions
• Medical Terminology
• Advanced Clinical Skills and Lab
• Career Preparation
• Externship Experience

Your enrollment advisor will assist you in finding a schedule that fits your lifestyle.  Classes can be completed in as little as 5 months (full time) or 10 months (part time).  Experion offers three schedules for the PCT program: 

• AM Classes (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 1pm)
• PM Classes (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2pm – 6pm)
• Accellerated Program (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm).

Now accepting applications for classes starting 7/5/10!

Upon completion of the program, all students are eligible to take the National HealthCareer Exam (CPCT) through National HealthCareer Association.  Students will also be required to take the CNA state licensing exam (if not already licensed in Florida as a CNA) prior to program completion.

Patient Care Technician FAQ’s:

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (Bureau of Labor and Statistics), the demand for Nursing Assistants is expected to grow faster than average with EXCELLENT job opportunities.

According to Payscale.com, which accumulates data on wages for different careers, Patient Care Technicians average $22,500 to $31,000 per year.

Patient Care Technicians usually work in a hospital setting, but may also be employed in a nursing home, rehabilitation center, psychiatric facility, physician office, outpatient clinic or lab, schools, correctional facility, residential facility or home care setting.

Patient Care Technicians work under the supervision of Registered Nurses or Physicians, performing personal care skills and advanced clinical skills such as Phlebotomy, EKGs, Catheters, IVs, and sterile procedures.