Are you looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare? Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) play a vital role in patient care, working under the guidance of nurses and physicians to provide essential support and direct assistance to patients. If you’re searching for a “Patient Care Technician Training Program Near Me,” Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR) offers a comprehensive and fast-track program to launch your healthcare career. This program equips you with the skills and certifications needed to excel as a PCT.
Fast Facts About Our PCT Program
Our Patient Care Technician program is designed to get you career-ready quickly. Here are some key details:
- Accelerated 5-Week Program: Complete your training in just five weeks, allowing you to enter the healthcare field sooner.
- Multiple Start Dates in 2025: We offer flexible scheduling with cohorts starting in Spring 2025 on January 6th, February 17th, March 31st, and May 12th, and in Fall 2025 on July 7th, August 18th, September 29th, and November 10th. Find a start date that fits your schedule and begin your patient care technician training near you.
- Full-Time, Intensive Schedule: The program runs five days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing focused and immersive learning.
- Certification Eligibility: Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Patient Care Technician Certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), a nationally recognized credential that enhances your job prospects.
- Pathway to Further Education: Graduates of the BHCLR PCT program receive preferred admission status into our esteemed Nursing and Practical Nursing programs, making this a great stepping stone for advancing your healthcare education.
Patient care technician training program near me at Baptist Health College Little Rock provides hands-on healthcare skills.
Application Deadlines for PCT Training
Planning ahead is crucial. Be sure to note these important application deadlines for our upcoming cohorts:
| Spring Cohort Start Date | Application Deadline | File Completion Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2025 | November 1, 2024 | November 15, 2024 |
| February 17, 2025 | November 1, 2024 | November 15, 2024 |
| March 31, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| May 12, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Fall Cohort Start Date | Application Deadline | File Completion Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| July 7, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| August 18, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| September 29, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 15, 2025 |
| November 10, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 15, 2025 |
BHCLR utilizes a rolling admissions process. Complete your application early, as files are reviewed as they become complete and admission is based on available space, especially for applications near the deadline.
PCT Program Application Requirements
To apply for our Patient Care Technician program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Complete the application and file completion process by the published deadlines.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED and submit official transcripts.
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the competitive program. Selection is based on a review of the applicant’s academic history. It is your responsibility to ensure all required application materials are submitted. Check your MyBHCLR portal for any additional requirements.
Immunization and CPR Requirements for PCT Students
Ensuring patient safety is paramount. Therefore, all PCT students must provide documentation of current immunizations and tuberculin skin testing before enrollment and maintain them throughout the program. Complete health information is mandatory to participate in classes, labs, and clinical experiences.
Submit all immunization and CPR records before the first day of class. Failure to meet this deadline will result in ineligibility to begin the PCT program. You can review the detailed immunization requirements here.
FAQs About Patient Care Technician Careers
What is the difference between a PCT and a CNA?
While both roles provide patient care, Patient Care Technicians have a broader scope of practice compared to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). PCTs are trained in more specialized skills, including performing Electrocardiograms (EKGs) and phlebotomy (drawing blood). PCTs may also assist with sterile procedures and dialysis, skills typically outside the CNA scope. CNAs often work in long-term care, while PCTs are frequently employed in hospitals, medical offices, urgent care centers, rehabilitation units, and intensive care units.
Why choose BHCLR’s Patient Care Technician program?
Our program provides a structured learning environment with dedicated full-time faculty and comprehensive student support. It’s an excellent entry point into healthcare and can serve as a foundation for further studies in nursing, practical nursing, or other allied health fields. Qualified students may also be eligible for 100% tuition and fees coverage in exchange for a work commitment at Baptist Health facilities.
What are the earning prospects for PCTs?
Earnings for Patient Care Technicians vary based on factors such as work setting, experience, and location. For detailed earnings information, please visit the US Department of Labor website.
Ready to Apply?
Take the first step towards your healthcare career today! Click here to apply now for our Patient Care Technician training program near you. For questions, contact Courtney Walthall. Reach out to PCT Admissions at [email protected].
