Health care is changing at a rapid pace; new or varied approaches to patient care are emerging. One such approach is the use of multi-skilled individuals as patient care technicians (PCTs) who are part of the health care team.

In addition to basic patient care skills, the PCT curriculum includes: medical surgical asepsis, basic anatomy and physiology, cardiac monitoring, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, clerical skills related to patient care, and professional and interpersonal concepts. The PCT program consists of classroom and lab instruction as well as supervised preceptor clinical activities.

Graduates from the Patient Care Technician program will hold a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and be qualified to sit for the National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) exam, the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam, and the National Electrocardiography (NCEKG) exam. Employment opportunities are available at hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long term care and assisted living facilities, home health, as well as other health care facilities.

To become eligible for entry into the Patient Care Technician program, applicants must be at least 18 by the date of program entry.

Notes:

1. Drug Testing and background check will be completed upon admission to the program.
2. Students are required to maintain a current American Heart Association “Basic Life Support” certification throughout the program.
3. Students are required to provide and maintain current immunization records.
4. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
5. Fees for Castlebranch medical documentation and Care Learning modules will be required upon admission to the program. 
6. Drug screening, Castlebranch, CPR and required health records must be completed in full prior to the first date of class.

Major Studies Courses: The Patient Care Technician program is a one-semester certificate program taught on the Newberry campus in both fall and spring.

Requirements

Course List

Courses	Course Title	Credit Hours
Required Course Information
AHS 110	Patient Care Procedures	2
AHS 144	Phlebotomy Practicum	5
AHS 163	Long-Term Care	5
AHS 177	Cardiac Monitoring Applications	4
Subtotal		16
Total Hours		16

Graduation Plan

Fall Start

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall Semester		Hours
AHS 110	Patient Care Procedures	2
AHS 144	Phlebotomy Practicum	5
AHS 163	Long-Term Care	5
AHS 177	Cardiac Monitoring Applications	4
	Hours	16
	Total Hours	16

Spring Start

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Spring Semester		Hours
AHS 110	Patient Care Procedures	2
AHS 144	Phlebotomy Practicum	5
AHS 163	Long-Term Care	5
AHS 177	Cardiac Monitoring Applications	4
	Hours	16
	Total Hours	16

Application and Advising

If you are ready to start your education, there are a few simple steps involved in enrolling at Piedmont Technical College.

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Advising Information

The following information provides a guide for advisors who are helping students enroll in this program.

Fact Sheet

Fact Sheets are designed for students and advisors to review program-specific requirements and program application procedures. Please make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your academic goals and progress, and to develop your individualized degree plan.

Review the Fact Sheet

Health Care Division Handbook 

This handbook is  designed to be utilized in conjunction with the PTC Academic Catalog, PTC Student Calendar and Handbook and PTC Health Care webpages. Please refer to them for additional information.

Read the Handbook

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Purpose Statement

The Patient Care Technician program is committed to the development of a multi-skilled health care provider. Through didactic and clinical experience the students will be prepared in the medical and surgical asepsis, basic anatomy and physiology, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, law and ethics issues.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA and CDC requirements.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy.
3. Perform within the legal and ethical boundaries of a patient care technician.
4. Apply basic principles of electrocardiogram interpretation.
5. Perform emergency procedures.
6. Provide proper patient care.
7. Apply laboratory safety rules.