Patient Care Technician

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a nurse or physician. A PCT does not give orders or make clinical decisions without the assistance of a nurse or physician. A PCT responds to patient calls and requests, assists patients with personal hygiene tasks, tidies patient rooms, serves meals and feeds patients, monitors vital signs, draws laboratory specimens, performs EKGs and other clinical tasks, sets up equipment, and assists the physician or nurse with therapies.

Course Information
Students will spend 160 hours in the classroom (96 lecture and 64 lab hours) to obtain the skills necessary for performing the duties of a Patient Care Technician (PCT). 

Occupation Overview
Graduates of this program may find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and private homes. Many PCTs use their knowledge and training as a stepping stone toward becoming an LVN, LPN, or RN. 

Employment Outlook
According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for PCTs in the state of Texas is $29,500. 

Program Cost $1,900