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Patient Care Technician
Career
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What does a Patient Care Technician do?
A patient care technician is a professional who works with doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals to provide primary care to patients. Patient care technicians typically work on the front lines providing patient care. They assist with the critical day-to-day care some patients require.
Patient care technicians have a wide range of responsibilities from medical tasks, such as taking vital signs, to basic care tasks, such as feeding and bathing patients. Two of the most important responsibilities a patient care technician has are providing emotional support to patients and families, and assisting with communication regarding patient care needs.
Where Can You Work?
Certified patient care technicians work alongside other healthcare professionals in hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and long-term care facilities.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBooks: Phlebotomy Worktext and Procedures Manual
- eBooks: Electrocardiography for the Healthcare Professional
- eBooks: Fundamental Concepts and Skills for the Patient Care Technician
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Patient Care Technician
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this program, you’ll learn a number of skills, including:
- Knowing medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy, and physiology
- Understanding the responsibilities of basic patient care — bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc.
- Performing safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms
- Recognizing the importance of special care, concerns, and settings
- Understanding EKG readings and monitoring vital signs
- Performing phlebotomy procedures, lab tests, blood glucose tests and exercise/nutrition/diet monitoring
- Understanding the responsibilities of communication and professionalism
- Administering medication, assisting with minor procedures, and handling laboratory specimens
- Assisting doctors and nurses with physical examinations
Courses - 24 Weeks
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Phlebotomy |
Electrocardiography |
Fundamentals of Patient Care |
Program Preview
Patient Care Technician Job Possibilities
HIDDEN
Home Health Aide
ESTIMATED SALARY
HIDDEN
Certified Nursing Assistant
ESTIMATED SALARY
HIDDEN
Personal Care Aide
ESTIMATED SALARY
Certification Information
Upon completion of this program, you’ll have met the training requirements for 3 certifications: the Certified Patient Care Technician certification, the Certified EKG Technician certification, and the Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification.
CPCT
Certified Patient
Care Technician
Earning this certification will ensure that they understand and are able to provide basic patient care.
CET
Certified EKG Technician
Earning this national certification demonstrates to future employers that you have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to work successfully as an EKG technician.
CPT
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
The CPT ensures you are knowledgeable and fully prepared to work as a phlebotomy technician in a clinical environment.
Issuing Authority
Payment Options
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Program Comparisons
Emerge Education | Community College | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 average | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Job Ready In | 3–6 months | 24–48 months |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist
Lauren Holubec is your Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Lauren to learn more about the program and how to achieve your career goals. If you are a manager interested in group enrollment, please contact Lauren directly so she can assist you with the enrollment process.
FAQ
You will complete the courses in this program over 24 weeks, making students job-ready in 5.5 months. The program is flexible, allowing for assignments to be completed anytime, from anywhere, 24/7.
No, these courses do not count for college credit.
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.
Inquire Today
Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Training Specialist today!
Interested in Another Program?
Shippensburg University has a long history of academic excellence, dating back to its founding in 1871. The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, engineering, and the sciences. Partnering with Emerge Education, they are bringing essential healthcare and IT certification courses to you when and where you need them.
