Patient Care Technician

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. 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:

1. describe the additional duties expected from a Patient Care Technician
2. demostrate advanced techniques such as EKG, venipuncture, catheter insertion, wound care, surgical prep; and
3. demonstrate preparedness to sit for the CPCT/A certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA);

CCBC Pathway & Track

Health Professions Pathway: Health Professions Track - 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*

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.

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 both classes within 12 months of the start of the program.

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:

Students are responsible for the cost of screenings, medical testing (if needed), additional scrubs (one set provided) and miscellaneous supplies.

The fee for the CPCT/A certification exam is $160.

Career Opportunities:

Many hospitals in the metropolitan areas of Maryland and Washington DC 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/.

Program Contact Information

For further information please e-mail Jennifer Jurch at jjurch@ccbcmd.edu

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:

1. 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