Patient Care Technician Certificate

If you are interested in a hands-on career helping those in a hospital, rehabilitation, or acute care setting, join the Patient Care Technician Program (PCT) at EC3. Patient Care Technicians are the direct caregivers of those needing the best care in an acute setting. Skills that will be taught are client care, phlebotomy, and ECG skills. The graduate will be able to take the National Healthcare Association Examination for PCT, phlebotomy, and ECG technician. Graduates will be able to enter the healthcare setting confident that they received the best training to be a Patient Care Technician.

Program Outcomes

The PCT Certificate prepares students for entry-level careers in patient care and nurse assisting. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association exam which provides credentialing opportunities in Patient Care Technician (CPCT). Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Effectively communicate with patients, families, and other health care team members
• Display professional conduct, appearance, and ethical behavior when providing PCT care.
• Provide basic care to patients of all age groups in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Perform PCT procedures in a safe and therapeutic manner in line with federal and state mandates.
• Implement basic safety and infection control practices in the health care setting.
• Use relevant technology in the implementation of patient care while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Career Outlook

Employment of PCTs is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030. According to the 2022 High Priority Occupations list for Northwest Workforce Development, nurse assistants (which the PCT role is included within) are anticipating a 3.6% increase to 2028, with an annual demand of approximate 330 jobs.

With the continued aging of the population, health care needs continues to grow. The labor market has yet to rebound from the exodus that occurred as a result of the COVID epidemic and early retirements within the industry. Thus, PCTs are filling roles on health care teams that they likely would not have been expected to fill previously.

This added responsibility allows for exposure to additional career opportunities for current PCTs to pursue opening up additional PCT positions for the next wave of graduates. This cycle is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.

Patient Care Technician Certificate Program Courses

REQUIRED COURSES

This information is for planning purposes only. EC3 will make every effort to offer the most updated curriculum information above but reserves the right to change, add, and cancel course offerings. Please check with your assigned advisor for the most updated class information.