Patient Care Technician Certificate

Cheryl Kuck, MS, Coordinator
Phone: (419) 995-8256
Email: kuck.c@RhodesState.edu
Office: TL 102H

The Patient Care Technician certificate is a short-term technical certificate designed to be completed in two semesters. This multi-skilled entry-level position is ideal for students seeking immediate employment in the health care field or to facilitate further career advancement.

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals rely on Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) to assist with the critical day-to-day care of patients in healthcare facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.

PCTs may perform the following tasks:

• Provide bedside patient care
• Distribute and administer patient care supplies
• Perform safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms
• Complete documentation about patient condition, including vital signs, mood, appetite, and any pain they are experiencing.
• Monitor a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse on a routine basis and perform basic lab procedures
• Escort patients to X-rays and other diagnostic imaging procedures
• Change patient bandages and clean affected areas

Upon completion of the course work, the student is eligible to take the Patient Care Technician certification exam offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).

Mission Statement

To prepare students to be a multi-skilled health care worker who can safely and competently deliver essential bedside care to patients.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and the legal, ethical, and professional standards within the role of the Patient Care Technician (PCT).
2. Apply the PCT knowledge and skills to function as members of a health care team to provide basic patient care to a diverse population of clients in multiple patient care settings.
3. Understand and practice infection control per CDC, OSHA, and facility guidelines.
4. Communicate effectively and appropriately in interactions with a diverse patient population and as a member of the health care team.

Technical Standards

See here for details.

Patient Care Technician

Certificate

First Year
First Semester		Hours
BIO 1000    or BIO 1110	Basic Human Structure and Function    or Anatomy and Physiology I	3-4
BHS 1390	Medical Terminology	2
BHS 1100	Patient Care Technician I	4
	Term Hours	9-10
Second Semester
BHS 1160	Medical Law-Ethics Healthcare	2
BHS 1120	Patient Care Technician II	4
	Term Hours	6
	Total Hours	15-16