Online Certificate

Patient Care Technician Certification Training Course

Start a Career as Patient Care Technician

4-6 Months*

To Complete

8-10 Hours

Weekly Commitment

Anytime

Enrollment

What is a Patient Care Technician?

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) assists healthcare professionals by providing direct care to patients in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, helping with daily activities, basic bedside care, assisting in medical procedures, and providing emotional support to patients. PCTs typically undergo specialized training and may hold certifications in areas like phlebotomy or EKG monitoring.

Become a Certified Patient Care Technician

The fully online Patient Care Technician program at Reinhardt equips you with essential medical knowledge and practical skills for conducting diagnostic tests and providing direct patient care. By the end of the program, you'll be ready to offer compassionate care, support patients' physical and emotional well-being, and maintain top safety standards in healthcare environments.

You will learn

Vital Sign Monitoring

Personal Hygiene Assistance

Mobility Support

Infection Control

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with common software applications
Proficiency in English

Key Course Features

Expert-led video based training
Competency assessments
National Certification exam fees

Is a Career as a Patient Care Technician Coach Right for You?

Take the Reinhardt University “Patient Care Technician Certificate Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and provides you with a personalized report to find out if a short-term online certificate program is right for you. The report identifies your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

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Skills You Will Learn

Upon total completion of the Patient Care Technician program, you will be equipped with the knowledge to:

Explain the role of the Patient Care Technician
Understand confidentiality and HIPAA
Recognize Medical Terminology & Anatomy and Physiology
Know the function of the patient care department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, mobile service, long term care facilities)
Demonstrate care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects and work ethics
Communicate effectively in a professional healthcare environment
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and human behavior
Describe the anatomy of each of the body systems to include the heart, conduction system, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
Describe aseptic technique and infection prevention
Understand the nursing process
Understand bed making, personal hygiene and grooming
Describe concepts of urinary, bowel elimination, nutrition, and fluids
Describe basic respiratory care
Describe disease states and wound care
Understand rehabilitation and restorative care
Measure vital signs
Observe and report patient condition
Understand mobility and body position
Describe toileting, incontinence and catheter care
Perform documenting intake and output

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What Can You Do with a Patient Care Technician Certificate?

The growing need for patient care technicians is largely fueled by the aging population and the rise in chronic health conditions. As more people enter older age, the demand for care services in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings continues to increase.

Careers to Explore

Patient Care Technicians have a wide range of career opportunities:

As a graduate of this program, you may find employment as a:

EKG Technician
Phlebotomist
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Home Health Aide
Health Unit Coordinator
Rehabilitation Technician

Demand is High for Patient Care Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills and tools to enter a career with high demand and plenty of opportunities.

Optional Externship Volunteer Opportunity

Upon finishing the program through Reinhardt, students can take part in an optional volunteer externship with a local business, agency, or organization, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

Get Certified as a Patient Care Technician & Become a Top Standout to Employers

Upon successfully completing the Patient Care Technician course through Reinhardt, you will be ready for the national/industry's leading certification exam, a key step toward securing employment in this rapidly expanding field, including:

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMAC)
Certified Personal Care Assistant (CPCA)

You will receive a complimentary voucher for this certification exam.

How Much Does a Patient Care Technician Certificate Cost?

$4,000

Total Tuition

Connect with an Admissions Representative to explore payment plans available to you.
Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) assists with patient care. This includes vital signs monitoring, personal hygiene, mobility support, and technical tasks like EKGs and phlebotomy. PCTs work closely with nurses and doctors in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

In order to enroll in this course, you will need the following: a high school diploma or equivalent, basic computer literacy, and proficiency in English.

Classes include infection control, EKGs, phlebotomy, vital signs, personal hygiene, and mobility care. Schools like Reinhardt University offer complete training to prepare students for national certification and roles like critical and clinical care technician.

When comparing a patient care technician vs. a medical assistant, PCTs focus on direct patient care, such as helping with mobility and hygiene, while medical assistants handle administrative and clinical tasks. Both roles are important to healthcare.

Yes, this PCT certification online program includes flexibility with self-paced learning, expert-led training, and certification exam fees. These programs prepare you for roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Patient Care Technician Right for You? Get More Info…

At Reinhardt University, we’re committed to helping you achieve real work for the good life. Gain the skills to make a positive impact while advancing your career. Get the details and see how Reinhardt University can support your journey forward.

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