Patient Care Technician

The Patient Care Technician program prepares students for a rewarding career providing essential care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. This comprehensive program covers a variety of skills, including taking vital signs, assisting patients with daily activities, performing basic medical procedures, and providing compassionate support.

With hands-on training and clinical experience, students are equipped to provide quality patient care while working alongside healthcare professionals. Graduates of this program will be ready to take on a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and ensuring comfort and safety in healthcare environments.

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Program Overview:

Campbellsville University offers a Patient Care Technician (PCT) program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required in hospital and other healthcare settings. Graduates are trained to perform a variety of tasks delegated by nurses and physicians, including bt not limited to:

Measuring vital signs
Phlebotomy
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Record keeping
Direct patient care activities

Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) exam to obtain national certification.

Program Highlights:

4 Months in Length: A quick and high-quality path, with 150 clock hours and is scheduled in one semester
Classroom and Clinical Hours: Includes both theoretical learning and hands-on clinical practice.
Clinical Hours: Clinical training is scheduled near the end of the course, with 8-hour workdays for practical experience.
National Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the NCCT certification exam to become a certified Patient Care Technician (PCT).
Small Class Size: 15 students are accepted per class, ensuring personalized attention and a focused learning environment.
Flexible Career Paths: Prepares students for roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Choosing Campbellsville University’s Patient Care Technician program means joining a community dedicated to your success in the healthcare field. Our program offers:

Accelerated Learning: In just 4 months, you’ll gain the skills and certification needed for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Personalized Attention: With small class sizes (only 15 students), you’ll receive individualized support and hands-on learning.
Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who bring real-world healthcare experience to the classroom.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Benefit from a blend of classroom instruction and clinical hours that prepare you for the NCCT certification exam and real-world patient care.
Career-Focused Training: Our program is designed to ensure you're job-ready, with the skills necessary to excel in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

At CU, we’re committed to helping you achieve your career goals and preparing you for success in the growing healthcare industry.

Campbellsville University’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is available at both at the Campbellsville and Harrodsburg campus. This flexible option allows students to choose the location that best fits their needs while receiving the same high-quality education and hands-on training. Both campuses offer the same comprehensive curriculum, ensuring that students are fully prepared for certification and a successful career in healthcare.

To be admitted into the Patient Care Technician (PCT) program at Campbellsville University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years old.
Possess a high school diploma or GED.
Present a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID.
Consent to a background check and drug screening prior to clinical externships.
Must not have been found guilty of, entered a guilty plea, or an Alford plea to a felony offense or have completed a diversion program for a felony offense (KRS Chapter 335B).
Must not have been subjected to discipline that would prevent certification at the time of application.
Have a valid and current vehicle operator's license for the United States or its territories.
Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or otherwise lawfully present in the U.S., as evidenced by submission of appropriate documentation (e.g., Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, or other legal authorization).

These requirements ensure that students are prepared for the program and meet the standards for working in healthcare environments.

The demand for Patient Care Technicians is anticipated to grow in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nursing assistants and orderlies, roles closely related to PCTs, is projected to increase by 4% from 2023 to 2033, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 64,700 new positions during this period.

As of May 2023, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $38,200, while orderlies earned a median annual wage of $36,830. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, certification, and geographic location.

Graduates of Campbellsville University's PCT program are well-prepared to pursue employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing care facilities, and outpatient clinics. The comprehensive training ensures that students are equipped to handle both clinical and administrative tasks, making them valuable assets in the healthcare industry.

Careers in Patient Care Technician (PCT):

Patient Care Assistant
Emergency Department PCT
Health Care Unit Clerk
EKG Technician

Campbellsville University’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is accredited by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), ensuring the program meets high industry standards. Additionally, Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which further validates the quality and recognition of the education provided. This accreditation ensures that students are well-prepared for certification and successful careers in healthcare.