Launch a Rewarding Healthcare Career Today
Patient care technicians play a critical role at healthcare facilities, assisting with inpatient treatment and helping provide quality of life. The 100% online course will prepare you to work as a patient care technician. Prepare for either the CPTC/A certification exam from NHA and begin your career as a patient care technician (PCT). Enroll today!
This patient care technician (PCT) certification course provides a comprehensive overview of the PCT role, preparing you for a hands-on position focused on direct patient care and support. You will learn to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to deliver individualized basic nursing care to a diverse patient population. You will develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities within the PCT scope of practice while promoting safe, compassionate care and positive patient outcomes.
This comprehensive, all-inclusive PCT training will assist you in pursuing a new career as a PCT and includes a complimentary voucher to sit for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), upon eligibility.
The medical terminology course component introduces key concepts of medical language and human anatomy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body systems in health and disease. Students with prior knowledge can optionally test out by achieving a minimum score of 80%, replacing course content if desired. It is important to understand that this course feature only applies to the online Medical Terminology course.
Upon successful completion of this PCT course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to work within a hospital, clinic, long-term care facility, or home health care setting.
Funding Disclaimer: For Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded students, please consult with your funding source representative before taking advantage of the Medical Terminology test-out feature. Different funding programs may have specific requirements and/or restrictions. If you attempt the test-out feature(s) in the Medical Terminology course without getting approval, your funding benefits may be jeopardized.
Job Outlook for Patient Care Technician
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to continue to grow through 2034. On average, about 1.9 million job openings are projected each year in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who retire.
The average patient care technician (PCT) salary in the U.S. is $56,189, according to Indeed, as of 2026. Variations in salary depend on your education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have worked in the profession.
FAQs about Patient Care Technicians
As a patient care technician, you will support other healthcare personnel, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, in the care of patients. You will play a direct role in the care of patients in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Your primary role as a patient care technician is to improve the well-being of the patient. You will communicate what the patient is feeling, as well as their medical condition. Ultimately, you will play a very important role in the healthcare sector. Some specific duties and responsibilities may include:
- Regularly monitor and record the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse
- Listen to patient concerns, answer questions, and provide guidance
- Monitor conditions and provide updates to other members of the healthcare team
- Move, reposition, or turn patients as needed
- Assist patients with dressing and bathroom use
- Monitoring the patient’s fluid and food intake
- Accompany patients for tests or procedures in other areas of the medical center
Your training consists of 325 course hours and can be completed in 12 months.
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate characteristics of a healthcare professional by communicating using proper medical terminology with the interdisciplinary team
- Obtain knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and the legal, ethical, and professional standards within the role of the PCT
- Gather the knowledge and skills to provide individualized basic nursing care to a diverse population of patients
- How to apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills within the PCT scope of practice and in coordination with team members to foster positive patient outcomes
- Knowledge needed to pass the NHA’s Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you must possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency and must have completed a patient care technician training or education program.
This program is designed to meet the educational requirements to apply for professional licensure or certification in all states.
Each state’s licensure or certification authority is responsible for establishing the requirements for professional licensure or certification in its state. Completing this program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing authority to confirm the requirements for licensure or a certificate in the state where they live, work, or intend to live or work.
Curriculum
- Introduction to patient care
- Infection control and standard precaution
- Legal issues in healthcare
- Introduction to anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Physical assessment and examination
- Patient positioning and bed mobility techniques
- Range of motion
- Therapeutic exercises
- Gait
- Assistive devices
- Orthosis and prosthesis
- Transfer techniques
- Wound care and pressure sores
- Wheelchair management
- Patient care competency
- Special topics
Instructors
Rox Ann Sparks
Dr. Rox Ann Sparks is an experienced nurse who has cared for patients and students in nearly every healthcare setting, with 35 years of practice in emergency medicine. Her nursing career has taken her from earning her CNA, LVN, RN, and MSN to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Dr. Sparks has experience as a nursing faculty floor nurse. She has developed many different healthcare programs from PCT to BSN. She has also been a consultant in nursing program accreditation and has presented numerous educational programs from natural health to chronic disease. These experiences led her to become a Certified Nurse Educator.
Dr. Sparks is currently the CEO of Sparks Nursing Consulting, which helps patients become healthier by coaching them to improve their health. He works with multiple law firms in defending nursing standards. He also developed an NCLEX review book and RN app to use the questions and multiple online courses for nurses and healthcare support staff.
Sandra Isaak, MSN,
Sandra Isaak is an ANCC-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) currently working as a Nurse Practitioner in the emergency room of a local hospital. She has worked in this position for over 14 years and has spent the last 16 years teaching classroom courses and clinical rotations for Certified Nursing Assistants, LVN to RN, RN, BSN, and MSN students. She has also taught and mentored students as the FNP program director at a local private university.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See the full list of these instructors here.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
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