Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? A rewarding career in healthcare starts with the right education, and a comprehensive Patient Care Program can be your first step towards a fulfilling profession. These programs are designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and effective care in various healthcare settings. This guide explores the opportunities available through patient care programs, specifically highlighting the Patient Care Technician and Patient Care Assistant programs.
Patient Care Assistant: Your Entry into Healthcare
The Patient Care Assistant Occupational Skills Award is an excellent starting point for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field or enhance their caregiving abilities at home. This focused program provides foundational skills and prepares students for the Nurse Aide certification exam.
Key Highlights of the Patient Care Assistant Program:
- Nurse Aide Certification: This program directly prepares you to take the Prometric certification exam, leading to placement on the Texas Department of Health Services registry for Nurse Aides. This certification is a crucial first step for many healthcare roles.
- Essential Care Skills: You will gain practical skills and knowledge necessary for caring for residents in long-term care facilities, focusing on their daily needs and comfort.
- Pathway to Further Education: The courses NURA 1401 and NURA 1160 are transferable to the Patient Care Technician program, allowing you to build upon your initial training and advance your career.
This program is ideal for those who want a quick entry into healthcare, providing immediate job opportunities as a Certified Nurse Aide while also laying the groundwork for further specialization.
Patient Care Technician: Expanding Your Healthcare Skillset
For those seeking a more comprehensive healthcare education and a wider range of career options, the Patient Care Technician Certificate program is the next step. This 16-credit hour program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice, preparing you to provide holistic care to patients of all ages.
What the Patient Care Technician Program Offers:
- Comprehensive Patient Care Training: You will receive in-depth instruction and clinical experience in basic nursing care for adults, children, infants, and the elderly, covering diverse patient populations and healthcare needs.
- Specialized Certifications: In addition to Nurse Aide certification, the program includes training for three professional Alzheimer’s care certificates, addressing the growing need for specialized dementia care.
- Advanced Technical Skills: The curriculum extends beyond basic nursing care to include entry-level skills in phlebotomy (blood drawing), EKG (electrocardiogram) technology, and cardiac monitoring. These skills are highly sought after in various healthcare settings.
- Nationally Recognized Certifications: Before graduation, students are prepared to take and expected to pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams for Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A), Phlebotomist (CPT), and EKG Technician (CET), enhancing their credentials and employability nationwide.
- Versatile Career Paths: Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in home health agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities, reflecting the broad skillset acquired in the program.
The Patient Care Technician program is designed to meet the increasing demand for qualified professionals who can provide restorative, person-centered care. It emphasizes a holistic approach to patient well-being, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health.
Program Entry Requirements for Patient Care Technician
To ensure student success and patient safety, the Patient Care Technician program has specific entry requirements:
- Information Session: Prospective students must attend a required information session at the Nursing & Allied Health Campus. Schedules are available on the Patient Care Technician Program website.
- College Admission: Applicants must be admitted to South Texas College as high school graduates or GED equivalent (excluding dual credit students).
- Academic Standing: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for all courses completed at South Texas College.
- Health and Background Checks: Students must pass a criminal background check, a 10-panel drug screen, and complete all required immunizations, including the Hepatitis B series. Detailed information is available on the Clinical Affairs website.
- Functional Abilities: Applicants must meet the NAH Functional Abilities Standards, outlined on the NAH Clinical Affairs website.
Program Application Information
For more information about the application process or to schedule an appointment with program faculty, please contact the PCA Program office at 956-872-3192. Additional application details can be found on the program web page.
Graduation Requirements for the Patient Care Technician Certificate
To successfully earn the Patient Care Technician Certificate, students must fulfill all college graduation requirements and complete all program coursework with a minimum grade of 78%.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Patient Care Technician program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate fundamental nursing skills, provide assistance with activities of daily living, and deliver specialized dementia care.
- Adhere to ethical principles and legal guidelines in all aspects of patient care delivery.
- Obtain the Texas Nurse Aide Certificate, demonstrating competency in basic nursing care.
- Achieve the National Healthcareer Patient Care Technician Certificate (CPCT/A), validating advanced patient care skills.
- Earn the National Healthcareer Phlebotomy Certificate (CPT), showcasing proficiency in blood sample collection.
- Secure the National Healthcareer Electrocardiogram Certificate (CET), demonstrating expertise in EKG procedures.
Embark on Your Patient Care Journey
Choosing a patient care program is a significant step towards a rewarding and in-demand healthcare career. Whether you start with the Patient Care Assistant Occupational Skills Award or directly enter the Patient Care Technician Certificate program, you will gain valuable skills, recognized certifications, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Contact us today to learn more and begin your journey in patient care.
