Health Care Tag (6-9 Months)

Patient Care Technician Program

Become a Critical Part of the Healthcare Team

Train to provide hands-on patient care support in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and other health settings. As a Patient Care Technician (PCT), you’ll develop both clinical and soft skills to assist nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals in delivering compassionate, quality care.

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Program Highlights

Feature	Detail
Duration	~24 weeks (part-time, online blended with clinical labs)
Weekly Commitment	~ 15-20 hours
Format	Online/theoretical modules + hands-on lab/clinical assignments
Certifications Offered	Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT); also elective/optional certification preparation in Phlebotomy and EKG Technician roles
Clinical Requirements	Live hands-on experience: EKGs (on live persons), blood draws (venipunctures & capillary sticks), patient care lab tasks, etc. Georgia clinical/site requirements to be met.
State Compliance	Meets Georgia state requirements for patient care technician roles. Clinical site standards (background checks, immunizations, drug screen) must be satisfied.

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What You’ll Learn

• Medical terminology, anatomy & physiology fundamentals
• Patient hygiene and basic daily living support (bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc.)
• Vital signs monitoring, EKG theory & practice
• Phlebotomy procedures: blood collection & specimen handling
• Lab safety, infection control, medical law & ethics
• Communication, professionalism, patient interaction, diversity & cultural sensitivity

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Outcomes & Career Path

After successful completion, you will be prepared to:

• Sit for the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam through a recognized certifying body
• Potentially obtain certifications in EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician where electives or additional clinical work available
• Work in settings such as hospitals, medical offices, long-term care facilities, home health agencies
• Assist with critical patient functions & clinical tasks, increasing employability and career mobility

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Financial Aid & Funding Options

We believe financing your education should not be a barrier. The following assistance and funding pathways are available for eligible students in Georgia:

• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants and funding
• Financial Aid, including federal/state grants (Pell etc.) for those who qualify
• MyCAA (for military spouses) assistance, if eligible
• Other State Workforce Grants / Local assistance programs

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Exams & Certifications

• Primary Exam: CPCT – Patient Care Technician certification through a national certifying body
• Electives: Optional exams for EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician (if you complete required clinical hours and lab work)
• All exam fees included or reimbursable through eligible funding, when criteria are met
• Lab/clinical proficiencies must meet live experience minimums for certain certificates (e.g. blood draws, EKGs)

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Admission & Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Proof of immunizations & ability to meet clinical site health/safety requirements (background check, drug screening etc.)
• Internet-capable device for online coursework; reliable internet access
• English proficiency sufficient for coursework, patient communication, and test taking

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Career Outlook & Salary

• Job Growth: Healthcare support roles, especially patient care roles, continue to be in high demand in Georgia and nationally
• Typical Employers: Hospitals; ambulatory care clinics; long-term care & assisted living facilities; home health agencies
• Estimated Earnings: Entry-level PCTs often start in the lower $30,000s to mid-$30,000s (varies by county, employer, shift), with room for increases as additional certifications or experience are added

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Enrollment

• Rolling or term-based enrollment options
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate working students or those with family obligations
• Academic counseling available to guide planning & course selection

Do I need to have prior medical experience to enroll?

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