Launch Your Healthcare Career in Just 16 Weeks
Are you seeking a fulfilling healthcare career with a quick entry point? The Patient Care Technician Program offers a comprehensive 16-week path to becoming a vital part of the healthcare team. This program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a Patient Care Technician, working directly under the supervision of registered nurses.
Graduates of our Patient Care Technician Program are highly sought after professionals who play a crucial role in patient well-being. As a Patient Care Technician, you will provide hands-on assistance to patients with their daily needs, including bathing, dressing, and eating. Your responsibilities will also extend to monitoring vital signs, collecting blood samples (phlebotomy), performing wound care and dressing changes, inserting urinary catheters, conducting EKGs (electrocardiograms), and executing other necessary medical tests and procedures.
Beyond technical skills, this program emphasizes the importance of effective communication and patient-centered care. You will develop proficiency in operating specialized medical equipment and learn how to communicate compassionately and professionally with healthcare providers, patients, and their families, even in challenging and stressful situations. Our program prepares you to deliver high-quality patient care in a variety of acute care settings.
A Hybrid Learning Experience Designed for Your Success
At Sentara College of Health Sciences, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience. Our Patient Care Technician Program utilizes a dynamic hybrid learning model, combining the flexibility of online learning with the invaluable hands-on training of in-person sessions.
You will engage with course material online at your own pace, allowing you to learn when it best suits your schedule. Classroom sessions are then focused on in-depth discussions, collaborative learning, and reinforcing key concepts. Crucially, our state-of-the-art skills labs provide a safe and realistic environment for you to practice and master clinical skills. These labs simulate a wide range of medical scenarios, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world patient care. Throughout the program, you will accumulate 180 hours of practical, hands-on experience, making you uniquely prepared to enter the healthcare field with confidence.
Our comprehensive approach not only provides you with superior training but also positions you for national certification. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the national Patient Care Technician certification exam, a credential that is recognized and respected nationwide, significantly expanding your career opportunities. Sentara College of Health Sciences’ dedication to innovative and effective education makes us a leading healthcare education institution in the region, giving our graduates a distinct advantage in the competitive healthcare job market.
Patient Care Technician Program: Key Highlights
- Duration: 16-week program
- Schedule: Part-time classes, approximately 16 hours per week, encompassing instruction, skills labs, and clinical practice.
- Flexibility: Day and evening classes and clinical hours are offered, with scheduling on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Hands-on Experience: 180 hours of practical experience in skills labs, simulations, and clinical settings.
- Start Dates: Programs commence in January and August annually.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent is required for application.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years of age by the program’s start date.
- Application Status: Currently accepting applications for August 2025 intake.
- Career Pathways: Prepares graduates for Patient Care Technician roles within the Sentara Healthcare system and beyond.
- High Demand Profession: Patient Care Technicians are in high demand both within Sentara and across the national healthcare landscape.
- Placement Assistance: Career placement support available within Sentara Healthcare.
- National Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the national Patient Care Technician certification exam.
- Financial Information: Please note that this program is not eligible for federal student aid. However, payment plans and other forms of financial assistance may be available. For detailed information on 2024-2025 tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance, please refer to this document.
Diverse Career Opportunities for Patient Care Technicians
The skills you acquire in the Patient Care Technician program are highly transferable and valuable to a wide range of healthcare employers nationwide. Your expertise in providing patient-centered care, coupled with your specialized communication abilities, makes you a strong candidate for various roles within the healthcare industry.
Patient Care Technicians make a significant impact on patients’ lives on a personal level. The comprehensive skillset you develop in this program serves as a solid foundation for long-term career advancement in healthcare. By pursuing national certification, you significantly enhance your employability and open doors to numerous job opportunities across the country.
For information regarding program state authorizations and compliance disclosures, please click here.
Are you ready to take the first step towards a rewarding healthcare career?
Learn More About Applying
Exciting New Accelerated 12-Week Summer Program
For highly motivated individuals aiming for careers in nursing or other advanced healthcare professions, Sentara College of Health Sciences now offers an accelerated Patient Care Technician Program during the summer months. This intensive 12-week program covers the same comprehensive curriculum as the 16-week program but in a condensed format.
Designed for aspiring nurses and future healthcare leaders, this accelerated option requires a strong commitment and stricter admission criteria due to its fast-paced nature. Class sizes are intentionally small, and enrollment is very limited to ensure personalized attention and optimal learning.
Key Differences of the Accelerated Program:
- Program Length: 12 weeks (accelerated format) compared to 16 weeks (standard program).
- Class Schedule: Daytime classes exclusively.
- Application Timeline: Currently accepting applications for the May 2025 summer program.
- Target Audience: Specifically designed for students intending to pursue careers as nurses or other healthcare providers.
- Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements for the 16-week program, plus successful completion of high school or college coursework in one of the following subjects with a grade of “C-” or higher: Biology, Anatomy, Physiology/Pathophysiology, or Microbiology.
For details on program state authorizations and compliance disclosures, please visit this link.
Interested in the fast track to your healthcare career?
Explore the Accelerated Program and Apply Today
