Program Description
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) is the next step in the career path of a CNA. The PCT works mostly in hospitals and collaborates closely with the healthcare team to ensure that every patient receives the direct and proper care they need. The PCT performs delegated nursing functions that require a higher level of technical ability and skill. In addition to the normal CNA tasks, the PCT performs venipuncture, specimen collection, basic EKG, as well as catheter, ostomy, tracheostomy, and wound care.
The Patient Care Technician program builds on the skills learned during CNA training. It trains the student in advanced nursing skills, for example venipuncture and EKG in a lab setting as well as in an actual hospital setting during the clinical portion of the program. It provides the student with a broad overview of the rules and policies in healthcare, human anatomy and physiology, and basic and advanced nursing skills. At the end of the program the student will be eligible to sit for the national CPCT/A certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (https://www.nhanow.com).
Students entering this program need to be dedicated to their studies, attend all in-person classes, and have computer and Internet access for their homework. The Patient Care Technician needs to be able to be on their feet for long periods of time caring for patients at the bedside and transferring and/or positioning patients while always exercising safe practices. Their duties also require them to function quickly with accuracy while being detail-oriented. A high level of manual dexterity, psychomotor skills, and personal integrity are vital.
Patient Care Technicians have an excellent career outlook. Demand for certified technicians has been consistently high as the healthcare industry is growing while a large portion of healthcare support staff is ageing out of the field.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:
- sit for the CPCT/A certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA);
- expand their nursing skills to include advanced techniques such as EKG, venipuncture, catheter insertion, wound care, surgical prep; and
- move into PCT positions predominantly in hospital settings that come with a greater variety of tasks, higher pay and better chances of career advancement.
CCBC Pathway
Health Professions Pathway. Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.
Program Credentials
CCBC Credential: Students will receive a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). Students will be prepared to take the national certification exam for Patient Care Technician.
Certifying Organization: National Healthcareer Association www.nhanow.com. Exam Cost: $160
Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.
Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students. Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program.
Length of Training
*Cohorts Timeframe subject to change*
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Cohort Timeframe
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Location
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Class Timeframe
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Cohort Length
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March to July
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Essex
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Evening
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4 months
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September to February
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Randallstown
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Evening
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4 months
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Program Requirements
Requirements
Student must have an active CNA license with the Maryland Board of Nursing. Student must have CPR (BLS) for Healthcare Providers with the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross. A High School Diploma or GED is required for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam and employment. Student must be computer literate and and have Internet access.
Students must have the following paperwork uploaded to https://discover.castlebranch.com prior to the start of Part II: Clinical. Students will receive instructions on how to upload their documents to CastleBranch on their first day in class.
- Copy of active CNA license
- Medical Exam Report signed by your physician
- N95 Mask Questionnaire signed by your physician
- Negative Tuberculosis test (PPD or blood test) or negative chest x-ray (not older than one year)
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella vaccination or positive titer
- Current flu vaccination
- Hep B vaccination or positive titer (vaccination series in progress accepted)
- Tetanus shot (less than 10 years)
- Covid-19 vaccination
- Health insurance card
- CPR (BLS) for Healthcare Providers verification
- Drug test
- Background check
- Valid government issued picture ID
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Non-Credit Workforce Training Certificate application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.
Provisional Entry: Students must provide verification of active CNA license with the Maryland Board of Nursing before or during first day of class.
Program Course Sequence
To complete this program students must take all three classes within 12 months of the start of the program.
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Course Number
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Course Title
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Course Hours
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Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change)
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Costs
T=Tuition/F=Fees
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AHL 936
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Patient Care Technician Theory and Skills
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92
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Fundamental Concepts and Skills for the Patient Care Technician by Townsend, 2nd edition
Textbook - ISBN: 978-0-323-79485-5, $105
Workbook - ISBN: 978-0-323-83128-4, $41.99
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$1,369
T-$411/F-$958
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AHL937
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Patient Care Technician Clinical
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59
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None |
$825
T-$248/F-$577
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AHL940
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PCT Exam Review
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8
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None |
$110
T-$33/F-$77
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Program Series Total:
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159
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$146.99 |
$2,304
T-$692/F-$1,612
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Additional Information
Additional Expenses:
Students are responsible for the cost of screenings, medical testing, scrubs and miscellaneous supplies.
The service of CastleBranch including the background check and drug test is $107.50
The fee for the CPCT/A certification exam is $160.
Career Opportunities:
Most hospitals in the metropolitan areas of Maryland and Washington D.C. hire patient care technicians.
Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards for CCBC’s Nursing Support/Patient Care Technician Training Series
The primary goal of The Community College of Baltimore County’s Nursing Support Technician Training is to adequately prepare students for a position as a Nursing Support Technician at the bedside under the direct supervision of a registered nurse in an acute care hospital or in a physician’s office, urgent care center, ambulatory care facility, long-term care center or other health care facility.
Nursing Support Technicians are required to be on their feet for long periods of time, caring for patients at the bedside, transferring and/or positioning patients. They need to exercise safe practices while exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, materials and communicable diseases. Their duties also require them to function quickly with accuracy while being detail-oriented. A high level of manual dexterity, psychomotor skills, and personal integrity are vital.
The following is a partial listing of the types of skills usually required for adequate job performance:
Physical Requirements:
A. Sufficient strength and mobility to:
- Work/or stand on feet for up to 12 hours
- Lift at least 50 pounds or more and position patients
- Move swiftly within close quarters while maintaining sterile field
- Assist with minor procedures
B. Adequate vision to:
- Read patient ID bracelets for correct administration of care
- Read instruction sheets and computer screens
- Read medical measuring equipment, scale, thermometer, graduated cylinder, sphygmomanometer
C.Sufficient hearing to:
- Hear and understand verbal instructions
- Properly use of stethoscope
- Hear machines/equipment or room bells
Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:
- Have the ability to:
- Interact with other health professionals in a polite and professional manner
- Respect patient confidentiality and rights
- Adhere to all policies of CCBC and/or clinical externship facility
- Work in a professional manner as part of a team
- Interact in a professional with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many different backgrounds
B. Sufficient communication skills to:
- Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
- Carry out all written and verbal instructions
- Follow proper channels of communication
- Communicate in a calm and professional manner
- Accurately interpret patient needs
- Provide patient/public education related to the Nurse Support Technician profession
Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:
- Exercise independent judgment within the practice to properly care for patients
- Accurately identify and carry out tasks delegated by registered nurses
- Work calmly and efficiently in stressful situations
- Maintain calmness during an emergency situation
- Complete program requirements
Environmental Requirements:
- Wearing gowns, caps, masks, gloves, and eye protection
- Working in an environment that may be noisy at times
- Working in an environment that exposes one to potentially hazardous materials including cleaning agents and chemicals, body fluids
- Working in an environment with unpleasant odors
- Provide proof of recent immunizations against infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and tetanus
- Receive Hepatitis B vaccinations and/or sign a waiver