Patient Care Technician

Gain cross-trained skills for hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Complete this certificate in ~1–2 months with 100 total hours combining CNA-level patient care with phlebotomy and EKG fundamentals.

CIP: 51.2699 Credential: Certificate of Completion Clock Hours: 100 Trade Credits: 7 Completion: ~1–2 Months

Program Overview

This accelerated program prepares you to support nurses and clinical teams with direct patient care, basic diagnostic tasks, and frontline communication. Training blends vital signs, ADLs, infection control, specimen collection support, and introductory ECG skills.

Completion~1–2 months, based on schedule.

Hours100 total (≈7 trade credits).

FormatGuided online coursework with skills practice; local labs/clinicals may be arranged where available.

OutcomesPatient care technician, nurse aide support, hospital/clinic tech (entry level).

What You’ll Learn

Patient Care Foundations: vital signs, ADLs, positioning/transfer, infection control.
Phlebotomy Basics: safety, order of draw, labeling, specimen handling support.
EKG Fundamentals: patient prep, lead placement, basic rhythm awareness.
Clinical Communication: documentation, team handoffs, patient-centered service.
Professionalism: ethics, HIPAA awareness, cultural sensitivity.
Career Readiness: resumes, interviews, workplace expectations.

Sample Curriculum

Module	Topics
Patient Care Skills	Vitals, hygiene/ADLs, mobility, safety, infection control
Phlebotomy Basics	Anatomy for venipuncture, order of draw, labeling, specimen handling
EKG Fundamentals	Lead placement, patient prep, artifact reduction, basic rhythms
Clinical Communication	Documentation, HIPAA awareness, teamwork, de-escalation
Career & Professional Practice	Customer service, resumes/interviews, workplace conduct

FAQ

Is there an externship or skills lab?

Skills practice is highly recommended. GMCTA may coordinate local labs/clinicals where available; availability varies by region and partner sites.

Does this lead to CNA licensure?

This PCT certificate includes CNA-level skills but licensure requirements vary by state. Always verify your state’s current CNA/PCT criteria and testing.

Where can I work after graduation?

Hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and physician offices—role titles and duties vary by employer.