Launch Your Healthcare Career with a Patient Care Tech Program

Are you looking for a fast track into the healthcare field? A Patient Care Technician (PCT) program could be your perfect starting point. Patient Care Technicians are vital members of healthcare teams, working under the guidance of nurses and physicians to provide essential direct patient care. This rewarding career path offers numerous opportunities for growth and specialization within the medical field.

What Does a Patient Care Tech Program Offer?

A comprehensive Patient Care Tech Program, like the one offered at BHCLR, equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel as a PCT. These programs are designed to provide hands-on training in a variety of crucial patient care tasks. Upon successful completion of a patient care tech program, graduates are prepared to assist patients with their daily needs, perform essential clinical procedures, and contribute significantly to patient comfort and well-being.

Specifically, a quality patient care tech program will train you in:

• Basic Patient Care: Assisting patients with personal hygiene, mobility, and nutritional needs.
• Vital Signs Monitoring: Accurately measuring and recording vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
• Phlebotomy: Drawing blood samples for laboratory testing.
• Electrocardiography (EKG): Performing EKGs to monitor heart function.
• Assisting with Procedures: Supporting nurses and physicians during various medical procedures.

These skills are highly sought after in various healthcare settings, making graduates of a patient care tech program valuable assets to any medical team.

Smiling Patient Care Technician assisting elderly patient

Fast Facts About the BHCLR Patient Care Tech Program

The BHCLR Patient Care Tech program is designed for efficiency and career readiness:

• Duration: A focused 5-week program.
• Upcoming Cohorts (2025):
  • Spring: January 6th, February 17th, March 31st, May 12th
  • Fall: July 7th, August 18th, September 29th, November 10th
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Certification Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Patient Care Technician Certification exam.
• Nursing Program Advantage: PCT program graduates receive preferred admission status for BHCLR Nursing and Practical Nursing programs.

Application Deadlines for the Patient Care Tech Program

Be sure to note the application deadlines for your desired cohort:

BHCLR uses rolling admissions, so early application completion is encouraged.

Patient Care Tech Program Application Requirements

To apply for the Patient Care Tech program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Complete the application and file completion process by the specified deadlines.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED and submit official transcripts.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as the program is competitive.

Immunization and CPR Requirements

Prior to starting the Patient Care Tech program, students must provide documentation of:

• Current Immunizations
• Tuberculin skin testing results

These must remain current throughout your enrollment. Complete health information is required to participate in classes and clinical experiences. CPR certification is also mandatory before the first day of class. Failure to submit these records by the deadline will result in ineligibility to begin the PCT program. Review required immunizations here.

Career Paths After a Patient Care Tech Program

Graduating from a Patient Care Tech program opens doors to diverse healthcare settings. While Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) often find roles in long-term care, PCTs are equipped for more specialized environments, including:

• Hospitals
• Medical Offices
• Rehabilitation Units
• Urgent Care Centers
• Intensive Care Units

The advanced skills learned in a patient care tech program, such as EKG and phlebotomy, make PCTs highly versatile and valuable in acute care settings. Furthermore, the BHCLR Patient Care Tech program provides a strong foundation for those interested in advancing their healthcare careers in nursing or other allied health professions.

Tuition and Financial Opportunities

BHCLR offers a valuable opportunity for qualified Patient Care Tech program students. You may be eligible to have 100% of your tuition and fees paid in exchange for a one-year work commitment at Baptist Health Medical Center – Little Rock, Baptist Health Medical Center – North Little Rock, or Baptist Health Medical Center- Conway. This can significantly reduce the financial burden of education and provide guaranteed employment upon graduation.

For detailed information about program costs and financial aid options, please inquire during your application process.

FAQs About Patient Care Tech Programs

What is the difference between a PCT and a CNA?

While both PCTs and CNAs provide direct patient care, PCTs possess a broader skillset. PCTs are trained in phlebotomy and EKG procedures, and often assist with more complex medical procedures, allowing them to work in a wider range of acute care settings compared to CNAs who primarily work in long-term care.

How many days a week is the program?

The BHCLR Patient Care Tech program is a full-time program, requiring attendance 5 days per week.

What are the earning expectations for a Patient Care Technician?

Earnings vary based on location, experience, and healthcare setting. For detailed salary information, please visit the US Department of Labor website.

Ready to Apply to the Patient Care Tech Program?

Take the first step towards a fulfilling healthcare career! Click here to apply now!

For further inquiries about the PCT Program, please contact Courtney Walthall.

PCT Admissions: [email protected]