Embark on a fulfilling healthcare career with the Sentara Care Partner Certification Program, a comprehensive 16-week course designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a Patient Care Technician. Offered at multiple Sentara locations, this program is your stepping stone to providing vital patient care under the guidance of registered nurses.
Launch Your Healthcare Career in Just 16 Weeks
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program at Sentara is meticulously crafted to transform aspiring individuals into certified healthcare professionals. Graduates are prepared to deliver crucial patient care, directly impacting patient well-being under a nurse’s supervision. As a PCT, you will assist patients with their daily needs, including personal hygiene and meals. Furthermore, you will be trained to perform essential clinical tasks such as monitoring vital signs, collecting blood samples, managing wound care, inserting urinary catheters, conducting EKGs, and administering other necessary medical tests and procedures. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes the operation of specialized medical equipment and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams, particularly in demanding situations. Your role will be integral in ensuring high-quality patient care within an acute care environment.
A Rich Educational Journey
Sentara College of Health Sciences provides a dynamic learning environment, blending classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, real-world clinical settings, and flexible online modules. This hybrid learning approach allows you to learn at your own pace while engaging in collaborative discussions and practical application sessions. Our state-of-the-art skills labs offer a secure space to practice and refine your abilities, simulating diverse medical scenarios you might encounter in your career. With 180 hours of practical experience embedded in the program, you will graduate exceptionally prepared and confident. Moreover, upon completion, you will be eligible to take the national Patient Care Technician certification exam, opening doors to employment opportunities across the nation. Sentara College’s commitment to innovative education solidifies its position as a leading healthcare institution in the region, giving our graduates a distinct advantage in the healthcare field.
Sentara Patient Care Technician Program: Key Highlights
- Duration: 16-week intensive program
- Schedule: Part-time classes, approximately 16 hours per week, including instruction, labs, and clinical practice
- Flexibility: Day and evening classes and clinical hours available (subject to availability)
- Hands-on Training: 180 hours of practical experience in simulated labs and clinical environments
- Start Dates: Programs commence in January and August annually
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Age Requirement: Minimum age of 18 years by the program start date
- Application Status: Accepting applications for August 2025 intake
- Career Focus: Specifically designed to prepare you for Patient Care Technician roles within the Sentara Healthcare system
- Job Market: High demand for Patient Care Technicians within Sentara and across the healthcare industry
- Placement Assistance: Career placement support offered within Sentara Healthcare
- Certification Eligibility: Graduates can sit for the national Patient Care Technician certification exam
- Financial Information: Please note that this program is not eligible for federal student aid. Payment plans and alternative financial assistance options may be available.
- View 2024-2025 tuition, fees, and total cost details
Diverse Career Paths for Certified Patient Care Technicians
Becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician opens up a wide spectrum of career opportunities in hospitals and clinics nationwide. Your patient-centered care skills and specialized communication abilities are highly valued across various healthcare settings. PCTs play a crucial role in meeting patients’ personal needs, developing a skill set that not only enhances your immediate career prospects but also establishes a strong groundwork for long-term professional growth within the healthcare sector. National certification significantly increases your employability, making you a sought-after candidate for similar positions throughout the country.
For detailed information regarding the program’s state authorizations and compliance disclosures, please click here.
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Exciting New Option: Accelerated 12-Week Summer Program
Sentara College is thrilled to introduce an accelerated version of the Patient Care Technician Program, offered each summer. This fast-paced program is specifically tailored for ambitious students aiming for careers as nurses or other advanced healthcare providers. By condensing 16 weeks of curriculum into 12 weeks, this program demands high motivation and adherence to stricter admission criteria. With limited seats and small class sizes, early application is highly recommended.
Key Differences in the Accelerated Program:
- Program Length: 12 weeks (accelerated format) vs. 16 weeks (standard program)
- Class Schedule: Daytime classes exclusively
- Next Intake: Accepting applications for May 2025 session
- Target Audience: Ideal for future nurses and healthcare professionals
- Admission Criteria: Applicants must meet all requirements for the 16-week program, plus successful completion of high school or college coursework in Biology, Anatomy, Physiology/Pathophysiology, or Microbiology with a minimum grade of “C-“.
To review the program’s state authorizations and compliance disclosures, kindly click here.
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