COURSES > patient care technician (PCT)

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Patient Care Technicians acquire a combination of CNA & Phlebotomy/EKG skills. What type of work is performed by CNAs? Some of the typical tasks provided by CNAs include taking a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate; keeping patient records in terms of food/fluid intake and output; assisting patients with grooming and personal hygiene; obtaining food trays and assisting residents with feeding; and working with residents on range-of-motion exercises and movements.

The Phlebotomy Technicians assist laboratory personnel by drawing blood. Students learn the proper technique for drawing blood, the proper way to collect blood, and understand the purpose of anticoagulants and serum blood collection. This program is a solid foundation for those who may be considering Medical Technology as a career.

EKG Technicians are responsible for performing electrocardiogram tests in order to monitor and record electrical impulses transmitted by the heart. These tests include basic EKGs, Holter Monitoring (portable EKG which records activity for 24-48 hours), 12 lead placement and stress tests (treadmill). They assist a physician in diagnosing and treating cardiac and blood vessel irregularities.

This course prepares a graduate to work as an entry-level Patient Care Technician in a clinic, hospital, or long-term care facility. Graduates will be able to check vital signs, assist in medical examinations, and perform electrocardiograms, basic laboratory procedures, and phlebotomy. This program is taught with a combination of lecture, practical exercise in the medical laboratory and with real-world experience during the externship portion of training conducted off-campus at medical facilities.

Students interested in these fields should possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.