Online Certificate

Patient Care Technician

Start a Career as a 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) is a healthcare professional who assists doctors, nurses, and other medical staff in taking care of patients. They often have more direct interaction with patients than any other medical staff, providing basic care and assisting with daily activities.

Professionals in this field play a vital role in healthcare, providing essential care that contributes to patient comfort, healthcare efficiency, and overall quality of care.

Becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician

The 100% online Patient Care Technician certificate from Arcadia University will equip you with fundamental medical knowledge and practical skills required for conducting technical diagnostic tests and providing direct patient care.

Upon completion of the certificate, you'll be ready to provide empathetic care, cater to patients' physical and emotional requirements, and maintain the utmost safety standards within healthcare environments.

You will learn

Vital Signs 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

Provided Courseroom Materials

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

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

Take the Arcadia 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 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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What You’ll Learn in the Patient Care Technician Certificate

After completing the Patient Care Technician certificate, learners will be able 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)
Describe the various health 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 healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors due to the aging population and increased need for medical services. Patient care technicians play a critical role in healthcare delivery, providing direct patient care and support to medical staff, which makes their skills highly sought after.

Careers to Explore

Patient care technicians are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and more.

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

Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Assistant
Home Health Aide
Hospital Care Technician
Patient Support Technician

High Demand 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, with 216,200 openings each year, on average, over the decade**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this certificate are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Get Certified as a Patient Care Technician & Stand Out to Employers

Upon successful completion of your Patient Care Technician courses, you will be prepared to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exams essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)

You will receive a complimentary voucher for these certification exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) assists healthcare professionals in providing direct care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical settings. PCTs perform tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and ensuring patient comfort.

Patient care technician training covers a variety of essential skills, including patient care, medical terminology, infection control, monitoring vital signs, and supporting patients with personal care tasks.

While certification may not always be required, obtaining a patient care technician certification is highly recommended. It enhances your credibility and demonstrates your ability to provide high-quality patient care.

Earning PCT certification can increase job opportunities, as it verifies your patient care and healthcare support skills. It can also provide a pathway for career advancement in the healthcare field.

Graduates of the Patient Care Technician certificate can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings, supporting healthcare teams in delivering patient care and assisting with medical procedures.

Accreditation & Licensed Certifying Bodies

Our certificates are accredited by reputable institutions recognized in the industry. We partner with accredited organizations to ensure the quality and validity of our certifications.

National Commission for Certifying Agencies

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

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