Program Description:

The PCT Program prepares a graduate to work as an entry-level Patient Care Technician in a clinic, hospital, wound care center or long-term care facility. Graduates will be able to check vital signs, perform CPR and First Aid, assist in medical examinations and perform electrocardiogram tests (EKGs) and basic laboratory procedures. This program is taught with a combination of lecture, practical exercises in the medical laboratory and with real-world experience during the externship portion of training conducted off-campus at medical facilities.

PCT’s work under the supervision of nursing or medical staff to provide basic patient care, including assisting in planning and assessments. They help patients with nutritional needs (checking and delivering food trays), assist with feeding the patient if necessary, and refill water and ice. PCT's also assist patients with: their mobility (turning and positioning), range of motion exercises, transferring to and from the wheelchair, and assist with ambulation. The Patient Care Technician may also be called a Hospital Attendant, Clinical Support Associate or Health Care Assistant, depending on the nature of the facility.

Upon graduation students will receive a certificate of completion.

Program Courses:

Some of the courses included in this program are:

• Basic Nursing Skills
• Introduction to Long Term Care (LTC)
• Basic Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Procedures I
• Clinical Procedures II
• Medical Concepts
• Restorative Services
• Personal Care Procedures
• Social Service needs and Mental Health
• Health Issues in Aging Population

Program Length:

The Patient Care Technician program takes approximately three months to complete.

Admission Requirements:

Individuals applying for this course are required to:

• Interview with an admissions counselor;
• Be at least 17 years of age (applicants under the age of 18 require written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to enroll, and a parent or legal guardian must sign the enrollment agreement);
• Read at a tenth grade level; and
• Present proof of secondary education (high school diploma or GED certificate).

In the event that proof of secondary education is unavailable, JRT will help the applicant obtain a Texas high school diploma recognized by Job Ready Training and all public colleges and universities in Texas.

Be sure to consult with an Admissions Representative to get all the information regarding the various Job Ready Training programs.

Health and Safety Preparation

For placement purposes it is strongly suggested students in the Patient Care Technician program meet the same health and safety requirements that potential employers may require of their own employees. Even though we strongly recommend any enrolled student follow these immunizations guidelines, it is only suggested; a student may decide to refuse any of the immunizations by signing a waiver and release form.

Immunizations guidelines (proof or evidence of)

• Tetanus booster within past 10 years
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR two)
• Participants with positive tuberculosis skin test will need to provide a  negative chest X-ray and release form.
• Hepta-vax series

For placement purposes, students may be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug testing. The expenses of these requirements are additional student costs.