Patient Care Technician

About

Patient Care Technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They assist doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel in caring for patients. As a Patient Care Technician, you have multiple employment options. PCTs are most frequently observed in hospitals. Employment is sometimes available in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and long-term care or hospice facilities.

It is the responsibility of patient care technicians to assist patients who require assistance with areas of care needs such as bathing, toileting, ambulating, and eating. Although you are not the sole provider of care to the patient, you will be one of the primary care providers.

Length of Study

12-18 weeks (for both program completions)

Prerequisites

The mandatory Jump Start course Human Touch Healthcare™ must be successfully completed. Must be 16 at the time of enrollment. Must hold a current CPR/ BLS provider card.

Learning Outcomes

Promote quality of patient care

• Learn the role of the patient care technician in the healthcare environment.
• comprehend the current employment outlook for the PCT.
• Understand the differences between a PCT and a CNA.

Online Type

Live/ In Classroom
Some providers will offer online coursework where other providers will offer live 100% instruction. All clinical are 100% on site.

Credential Awarded

Certificate of Completion

Occupation

Patient Care Technician – the general recommendation is that the PCT holds a current certification for CNA, with additional training for Acute Care CNA or Patient Care Technician training.

Career Level

Gateway/ Entry Level

Student Support

• Each of our educational partners will offer student support services, and you will have access to their respective student handbooks.
• Along your scholar journey, your assigned Futuro Health Coach will give you more coaching and help.

Student Cost

• Futuro Health supports the mission to expand the broadest network of healthcare professionals through our generous annual financial support.
• The Futuro Health Scholarship Fund will pay the entire tuition for scholars who enroll in this program in 2023.
• There will be some minimum out-of-pocket expenses for the application and enrollment processes for scholars. Here is a list of these expenses:
  • $150 non-refundable application fee for Jump Start coursework and gateway bundle training programs.
  • $77–$119 Background Check and Drug Screen cost. A one-time background check and drug screen are required for those enrolling in programs that include clinical externships.
  • Up-to-date Immunization costs. Current immunizations are required for those enrolling in clinical programs. Some healthcare providers require payment for immunizations, while others may cover the cost with insurance.
• For additional optional benefits, students can join SEIU-Healthcare UHW's Justice Division. The monthly fee for this SEIU-UHW membership is $20. Current SEIU-UHW members are exempt from paying this $20 monthly fee.

Scholarship Award Amount

Total program scholarship award amount: $6000.00

• (Scholars will not receive scholarship funds directly, all tuition costs are provided directly to education providers by Futuro Health on behalf of Futuro Health Scholarship recipients)

Fast Facts

Enrollment

Minimum Qualifications

• Upon acceptance to a program with Futuro Health, will you seek a job in the field for which you are being trained?
• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Are you able to provide proof of high school diploma/GED or equivalency?
• Are you legally allowed to work in the United States?
• Are you able to pass a background check with no felony conviction?
• Are you willing to commit 3-5 hours per day (estimated at 20+ hours per week) of study time for your coursework?
• Do you have regular access to high-speed Internet?
• Do you have regular access to a computer or laptop less than seven years old?
• Do you have proficiency in English fluency reading and comprehension?
• If applicable, are you comfortable working with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and mucus?
• Are you willing to take a drug test if needed?

ALL CLINICAL OR EXTERNSHIPS PROGRAMS

• Many providers may require the following immunizations:
• 2 x MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) or titer immunity in the last 3 months;
• 2 x Varicella (chickenpox) or titer immunity in the last 3 months;
• 3 x Hepatitis B or titer immunity in the last 3 months;
• A PPD Mantoux test (TB), Blood titer, or chest X-ray showing non-infection is required– Most often, this is not required until nearing your externship start date (typically within 6 months). This is either a one or two-step PPD Mantoux test.
• 2 x COVID-19 (Proof of injections-NOTE: there is a 3-week gap needed between the 1st and 2nd immunization) or possible booster. Students may need COVID boosters prior to the start of their externship;

Are you willing to complete and provide proof of all immunizations and vaccinations? (Please note that completing immunizations could take up to 6 months for unvaccinated individuals).

• Yes/ No

This program requires a full-time clinical externship to complete the program, which may require you to: Coordinate your work and family obligations, as applicable (i.e., childcare, transportation, work schedule, etc.); Have availability up to 40 hours per week until your externship hours are fulfilled; Maintain flexibility to attend externships based on available locations and external site offerings provided to you by your educational provider. Are you able to commit to these requirements?

• Yes/ No

Preferred Qualifications

• Family or friend referred by a member of SEIU-UHW who is in good standing.
• How would others describe your level of attention to detail on written documents?
• How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? I see myself as dependable/self-disciplined.
• How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? I see myself as disorganized/careless.

Additional Requirements

This is a pathway bundle. To complete the PCT Pathway, the scholar must complete the certified nursing assistant program with certification and the acute care CNA training program in their entirety.