For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) looking to elevate their skills and career prospects, a Patient Care Technician (PCT) program offers a significant advancement opportunity. This comprehensive 12-week program is designed to expand your healthcare knowledge and abilities, providing specialized training that is highly valued in various healthcare settings, including critical care environments.
The PCT program delivers in-depth instruction covering the anatomy and physiology of major body systems, essential medical terminology, and crucial legal and ethical considerations in patient care. Furthermore, the program emphasizes hands-on skills training, equipping you with proficiency in areas such as catheter care, phlebotomy (blood drawing), electrocardiograms (EKGs), glucose monitoring, basic wound care, and much more. These skills are not only vital for general patient care but are particularly relevant in critical care units where precise monitoring and intervention are paramount.
Upon successful completion of this program, you will possess a robust skill set that can smoothly transition into a rewarding career within a hospital setting. The demand for skilled patient care technicians is consistently high, and this program positions you to meet that demand effectively.
Patient Care Technician Program Requirements
To enroll in the Patient Care Technician program, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:
- Hold an active Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) license.
- Be in good standing with the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).
- Achieve a score of 236 or higher on the Reading Accuplacer Test.
- Register for both PCT Part 1 and PCT Part 2 of the program.
- Complete course payment.
- Successfully finish all program components.
- Upon program completion, candidates will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) PCT state exam, further enhancing their credentials.
Program Costs
Investing in your future as a Patient Care Technician is a valuable step. Here is a breakdown of the program costs:
- HES-706 PCT Part 1: $525
- HES-707 PCT Part 2: $625
- Required Textbook: Townsend Fundamental Concepts & Skills for the Patient Care Technician (available at the Prince George’s Community College Bookstore)
- American Heart Association approved Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification card.
- Medical Records: Documentation of a recent PPD/TB skin test, COVID-19 vaccination card, and recent Flu vaccine.
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) PCT State Exam fees are separate.
Spring 2025 Schedule
Plan your training with the upcoming Spring 2025 schedule:
HES-706-14982: PCT Part 1
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Dates: February 4, 2025 – February 27, 2025
Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Largo CHS 2211
HES-707-14985: PCT Part 2
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Dates: March 4, 2025 – March 27, 2025
Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Largo CHS 2211
Patient Care Technician Apprenticeship Opportunity
For residents of Prince George’s County, an exceptional opportunity exists through the Patient Care Technician Apprenticeship program at Prince George’s Community College. This apprenticeship is a collaborative effort between Prince George’s Community College, TranZed Apprenticeship Services, Employ PG AIP, the Health Wellness and Hostility Division, and the Nursing Department, aiming to provide career pathways for unemployed or under-employed individuals within the county.
This accelerated 6-week apprenticeship program delivers focused training in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, legal and ethical guidelines, and essential PCT skills. Similar to the longer program, it covers catheter care, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, glucose monitoring, basic wound care, and other critical competencies needed in patient care, preparing individuals for roles that support various medical environments, potentially including critical care support.
Apprenticeship Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the Patient Care Technician Apprenticeship, applicants must:
- Possess an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.
- Be in good standing with the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).
- Be a resident of Prince George’s County.
- Complete Employ PG AIP registration.
- Provide all necessary documentation as requested by apprenticeship services.
- Be available to participate in on-site training at a local hospital.
Apprenticeship Course Requirements
- HES-729 PCT Apprenticeship Theory
- Required Textbook: Townsend Fundamental Concepts & Skills for the Patient Care Technician (available at the Prince George’s Community College Bookstore)
- National Healthcareer Association PCT State Exam (optional)
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the PCT/CNA Program or apprenticeship opportunities, please contact:
PCT/CNA Program
Phone: 301-546-0745
Email: [email protected]
