The Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is a 300 hour program. Both daytime and evening programs are available. The program combines classroom lecture, practical hands-on medical laboratory, and real-world externship experience gathered in health care facility, nursing home, or other medical facilities.
Graduates will be able to check vital signs, assist with medical examinations, learn CPR and First Aid, perform EKG’s, basic laboratory procedures, and phlebotomy. This program is a combination of lecture, practical exercises in our skills laboratory, and real-world experience during the externship portion of training conducted in local medical facilities.
To obtain the Patient Care Technician certificate, the student must complete the four (4) modules listed below: ·
What does a Patient Care Technician do?
Patient Care Technicians (PCT) care for injured, physically and mentally ill, disabled or infirm patients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, physicians’ offices or long-term care facilities. They perform routine tasks under the supervision of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals in monitoring the patient’s condition and providing basic patient care. The PCT plays a vital role in the healthcare delivery team since they often have more direct patient contact than any other team member including doctors and nurses.
Classroom instruction: 220 hours
Clinical instruction: 80 hours
For prices and schedule click here: Roanoke Campus or Charlottesville Campus.
Health Requirements
- Immunization Record
- TB Test (PPD skin test or chest X-ray no older than a year) School will administer the PPB skin test for free if the test has not been performed within the last year.
- Hepatitis B (must be waived in writing; form is available in our school administration office)
- 2 Covid Vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) or 1 Covid Vaccine (Johnson+Johnson)
Educational Requirements
People who are interested in becoming a Patient Care Technician are required to take CPR for Medical Professionals and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)training prior to starting their clinical rotation. CPR/AED Training is offered by Fast Track for an additional fee. This fee is not included in the tuition.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities are good. The role of the Patient Care Technician continues to evolve and expand. The career is also an excellent pathway into Nursing.
National Certification
Our Patient Care Technician program is approved for national certification testing.
Upon successful completion of the Patient Care Technician training program the graduate will have the option (for an additional fee) to apply and test for the National Health Career Association (NHA) Exam. The national exam is administered on-site at Fast Track Health Care Education. A high school diploma or GED equivalent are required to take the national exam.
National Certification is voluntary. It represents not only compliance with established medical standards, but also highlights the health care professional’s commitment to quality and professionalism. Having national certification demonstrates to the healthcare industry that the individual is proficient in his/her specific area of study. National certification is a competency standard and has proven to be a valuable asset in securing employment as well as advancement on any career ladder. Having NHA National Certification gives the health care professional the competitive edge he/she needs in the job search market. To employers it separates the serious from someone that is not serious, and may well be the deciding factor in obtaining a job or promotion.
Upon successful completion you will have the option to register for the
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) National Exam for the Patient Care Technician/Assistant for an additional fee.
- State of Virginia Board of Nursing-Nurse Aide Certification Exam, for an additional fee (this fee is not included in the tuition).
Examination Location: Fast Track Health Care Education
Roanoke
Charllotesville
