PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the program is to prepare students for a variety of job opportunities in the health occupations areas and is designed to meet the need for cross training of employees in health care facilities. The student is trained for entry-level positions in a variety of medical settings including hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other medical facilities.
Employment opportunities include performing duties as nursing assistants, home health aide, patient care assistants, electrocardiograph aides, phlebotomist, allied health assistants, and dialysis patient care technicians. Students are eligible to challenge the state administered CNA Exam.
Our program is designed to train you in all the necessary practices and procedures, as well as proper recognition of laws and regulations, to exercise as a competent healthcare professional. Job assistance is provided to all graduates.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Patient Care Technician program is taught via a combination of lecture, practical exercises in the laboratory, and real-world situations in an externship environment.
The 900 hour program includes, but it is not limited to, basic anatomy and physiology, related medical terminology, communication skills, ethical and legal aspects, infection control, nursing assistant procedures (including hospital settings), advance geriatric care, home health services, vital signs and safe clinical skills, medical records (charting and obtaining health histories), specimen collection, phlebotomy procedures, EKG procedures, and assistance with feeding and bedside care. Upon graduation a Diploma will be awarded.
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) program trains in all aspects of a normal patient care technician but is further enhanced by hemodialysis training. The program will prepare you in the following:
ECG Techniques Blood Draws & Venipuncture Certified Nursing Assistant Board Certified CHT
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of all require course assignments.
- Maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
- Fulfillment of all obligations to the school.
CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM LENGTH
- Total Clock Hours: 900
- Weeks: 30
- Externship Hours: 75
PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN COURSES
This course provides an introduction to the structure and functions of the human body, including cells, tissues, organs, and body systems. Students will study the musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, along with common diseases and disorders affecting these systems. The course establishes the foundational anatomical and physiological knowledge required for patient care.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HS-1021
Structure & Function of the Body I
75
-
75 H / 3.5 C
This course continues the study of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the respiratory, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, and immune systems. Students will examine common diseases, disorders, and treatments associated with each system and develop a deeper understanding of the body’s integrated functions.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HS-1022
Structure & Function of the Body II
75
-
75 H / 3.5 C
This seminar fulfills the Florida Board of Nursing HIV/AIDS education requirement. Students will learn about HIV infection, transmission, prevention strategies, universal precautions, bloodborne pathogens, risk factors, testing, treatment options, and the healthcare professional’s role in patient education and infection control.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HS-1023
HIV/AIDS Seminar
4
-
4 H / Credits Included in Program Hours
This course introduces students to the fundamental skills required for patient care. Topics include patient safety, infection control, vital signs, positioning and transferring patients, personal care procedures, communication techniques, and professional conduct. Students develop the knowledge necessary to assist patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
NA-1350
Nursing Assistant Procedures I
75
-
75 H / 3.5 C
This course builds upon foundational nursing assistant skills through practical laboratory applications. Students perform patient care procedures including mobility assistance, specimen collection, feeding techniques, restorative care, and observation of patient conditions. Emphasis is placed on safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
NA-1360
Nursing Assistant Procedures II
45
30
75 H / 3.0 C
This course introduces students to basic electrocardiography and radiology concepts. Students learn cardiac anatomy and physiology, ECG equipment operation, rhythm interpretation, patient preparation, safety procedures, and the role of diagnostic imaging in healthcare. Laboratory activities provide hands-on experience with electrocardiography procedures.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HS-1040
Principles of Electrocardiography & Radiology
45
30
75 H / 3.0 C
This course prepares students to perform basic phlebotomy procedures in healthcare settings. Topics include anatomy of the circulatory system, specimen collection techniques, infection control, patient identification, safety procedures, venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen handling, and quality assurance practices.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HS-1041
Principles of Phlebotomy
45
30
75 H / 3.0 C
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of hemodialysis. Topics include kidney anatomy and physiology, renal failure, dialysis equipment, water treatment systems, infection control, patient monitoring, and safety procedures. Students develop foundational knowledge of dialysis treatment and patient care.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HE-2021
Principles of Hemodialysis I
75
-
75 H / 3.0 C
This course expands upon basic dialysis concepts through practical laboratory experiences. Students learn dialysis machine setup, treatment initiation and termination, vascular access care, monitoring procedures, patient assessment, and documentation requirements. Emphasis is placed on quality patient care and treatment safety.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HE-2022
Principles of Hemodialysis II
41
30
75 H / 3.0 C
This course provides advanced instruction in hemodialysis procedures and patient management. Students study complications of dialysis treatment, emergency procedures, laboratory values, quality assurance, interdisciplinary communication, and professional responsibilities. Laboratory activities reinforce technical competency and critical thinking skills.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
HE-2023
Principles of Hemodialysis III
45
30
75 H / 3.0 C
The externship provides supervised clinical experience in an approved healthcare facility. Students apply classroom and laboratory knowledge in real-world settings while performing patient care activities under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication, patient safety, infection control, phlebotomy, EKG procedures, and dialysis-related patient care skills.
Course ID
Course
Lecture Hrs
Lab Hours
Total Hours & Credits
PC-1830
Externship for PCT
-
75
75 H / 1.5 C
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
ECG TECHNIQUES
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
PHLEBOTOMY
BLOOD DRAWS & VENIPUNCTURE
ECG TECHNIQUES
Did you know that the main cause of death for renal patients is heart failure? Learning to take and read an ECG is crucial for the PCT to prevent heart complications that are commonplace in a dialysis setting You will learn to set a 12-lead ECG machine on a patient and take accurate readings of the heart’s electronic rhythm and distinguish irregular patterns.
PHLEBOTOMY
BLOOD DRAWS & VENIPUNCTURE
Did you know that the main cause of death for renal patients is heart failure? Learning to take and read an ECG is crucial for the PCT to prevent heart complications that are commonplace in a dialysis setting You will learn to set a 12-lead ECG machine on a patient and take accurate readings of the heart’s electronic rhythm and distinguish irregular patterns
PATIENT CARE
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
HEMODIALYSIS
BOARD CERTIFIED CHT
PROGRAM COST
PROGRAM COSTS
Tuition Fee: $12,100
Books & Supplies: $450
Registration & Photo ID Fee: $150
Exam Fees: $205
This covers the cost of appearing for your final examinations at the end of the course.
Total Cost: $12,905
FINANCIAL AID
FINANCIAL AID
MAXIMUM AID AVAILABLE FOR PCT STUDENTS
The following amounts are the maximum amounts available. These are based on the lowest EFC amounts and may vary by individual. Each person, particularly a high income earner, may qualify for less.
Maximum Pell Grant: $7,395.00
Maximum Subsidized Loan: $3,500.00
Maximum Unsubsidized Loan:
$6,000.00 (Independent Student)
$2,000.00 (Dependent Student)
Total Maximum Aid Available:
Independent Student: $16,895.00
Dependent Student: $12,895.00
Program Costs: $12,895.00
Money leftover for student expenses:
Independent: $6,295.00
Dependent: $2,295.00