This comprehensive program is designed to provide students with the skills and procedures necessary to become an effective Patient Care Technician (PCT). Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals rely on PCTs to assist with the critical day-to-day care some patients require. As a Patient Care Technician, you may be able to perform some or all of the following tasks: provide basic patient care (bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc.); acquire, distribute, and administer patient care supplies; perform safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms; accommodate any additional patient needs; obtain EKG readings and monitor vital signs; perform phlebotomy procedures.
Entrance Requirements: Completion of a Patient Care Technician Application, an unofficial copy of a high school diploma or equivalency (GED or HiSET), a copy of a valid driver’s license or government issued ID, a copy of a social security card, and a copy of a current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) (this is included in tuition cost of the training; however, if you hold a current BLS CPR card, please contact us).
Required Immunizations: The immunizations listed below are not required by WCJC to attend the college; however, they are required by all clinical facilities in order to attend and successfully complete the training. MMR (proof of two (2) vaccines or blood work showing immunity, Hepatitis B Series (proof of all three (3) vaccines or blood work showing immunity), Varicella (proof of two (2) vaccines or blood work showing immunity), Tetanus (must be within the last 10 years and valid through the whole training), TB Skin Test (must be the skin test or x-ray showing negative and within 60 day of the first day of class), proof of Flu Vaccine (must be from the current flu season) or Vaccine Exemption Letter, and COVID-19 Vaccine. All immunization records must be received no later than one (1) week prior to the start of class.
Materials Needed: Textbooks will be included in the cost of tuition. Students are responsible for the purchase of scrubs (top and bottom), non-skid shoes, watch with a second hand, and stethoscope.
Clinical Information: A 40-hour clinical is required. Students will be assigned to an approved clinical site and completion of clinical hours will be under the supervision of the instructor. The clinical schedule is Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no exceptions or flexibility. No absences are allowed during the week of clinical.
Practicum Information: A 112-hour practicum is required. Students will be assigned to an approved Health Care Facility. The practicum schedule will be determined by WCJC and the Health Care partner. No absences are allowed during the week of practicum.
Certification Information: Upon successful completion of 346 hours of the Patient Care Technician Program, WCJC will recommend each student for state testing. The Certified Nurse Aide will be one of four certifications for those who complete the Patient Care Technician. The exam is taken through Health and Human Services. Other certifications include, Certified Phlebotomist, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Patient Care Technician which are all taken through National Healthcare Association. Please be aware that in order to practice as a Certified Nurse Aide in the state of Texas, individuals must successfully pass the state exam. It is the responsibility of the student to register for all state testing through the testing providers. The cost of the exam for the Certified Nurse Aide Training is approximately $25, Certified Phlebotomist $129, Certified EKG Technician $129, and Certified Patient Care Technician $165. Please consider the additional cost when applying for the training.
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