Patient Care Technician Programs & Colleges (US)

The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, and there is a high demand for trained healthcare professionals across various specialties. Among these specialties, patient care technicians (PCTs) are essential members of healthcare teams, providing direct care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and other healthcare environments. A patient care technician is responsible for performing a wide range of tasks, such as taking vital signs, assisting patients with daily activities, administering basic medical treatments, and supporting nursing staff in patient care. To meet the growing demand for skilled patient care technicians, several U.S. colleges and universities offer specialized training programs. These programs equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and certification needed to work in healthcare settings effectively.

Some of the leading institutions offering patient care technician programs in the U.S. include Edmonds Community College, York College / CUNY, Piedmont Technical College, North Florida Community College (NFCC), and Atlanta Technical College. Each of these colleges offers distinct programs designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare and ensure they meet industry standards for patient care technician roles.

Edmonds Community College

Located in Edmonds, Washington, Edmonds Community College offers a Patient Care Technician program that prepares students to work in healthcare environments such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. The program focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to assist in patient care under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Students in the program learn essential skills such as taking vital signs, monitoring patient health, assisting with patient mobility, performing routine diagnostic tests, and providing personal care to patients.

Edmonds Community College's Patient Care Technician program is designed to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals with specialized training. The program provides hands-on experience through clinical placements and partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers. These practical experiences ensure that graduates are ready to enter the workforce immediately upon completion of their training. Additionally, Edmonds Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, further ensuring the program’s credibility and quality.

Graduates of the Patient Care Technician program at Edmonds Community College are well-positioned for employment opportunities in various healthcare settings. Whether in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or placement agencies, students can find a range of career paths upon certification.

York College / CUNY

York College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a specialized Patient Care Technician Certificate program that builds upon the foundational skills learned in a nurse aide training program. This certificate program is designed for individuals who want to enhance their qualifications and become certified as a Patient Care Technician. The program covers advanced patient care skills, such as performing EKGs, administering blood draws, assisting with patient mobility, and providing basic patient monitoring and care.

One of the significant benefits of the program at York College is its partnership with the National Health Career Association (NHA). After completing the coursework, students are eligible to sit for the certification exam and earn the designation of Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT). This certification is a highly valued credential in the healthcare industry, allowing graduates to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to patient care. The program is also designed to meet the workforce needs of New York City’s diverse healthcare system, providing students with the skills necessary to thrive in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare services.

York College's program is part of the CUNY network, which is known for its diverse student body, comprehensive academic support, and affordable tuition. CUNY’s reputation as a public university system that serves a wide range of students from different backgrounds contributes to the accessibility and quality of its patient care technician program.

Piedmont Technical College

Located in Greenwood, South Carolina, Piedmont Technical College offers a Patient Care Technician Certificate program designed to train students to work in healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed professionals. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers clinical skills, patient care procedures, and essential healthcare practices such as basic pharmacology, infection control, and patient communication.

One of the unique features of Piedmont Technical College’s program is the focus on certification. Upon completing the Patient Care Technician program, graduates are eligible to sit for several certification exams, including the National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) exam and the Phlebotomy (NCPT) exam. These certifications are recognized across the country and help increase the employability of graduates, making them more competitive candidates in the job market.

The program at Piedmont Technical College includes both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training. Clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities allow students to apply their learning in real-world settings, ensuring they are ready to work with patients and healthcare teams upon graduation. Piedmont Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which ensures that the program meets high educational standards and provides students with a quality learning experience.

Graduates of Piedmont’s program are qualified to work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. With the combination of clinical experience and certification, students leave the program fully prepared for the responsibilities of a patient care technician.

North Florida Community College

North Florida Community College (NFCC), located in Madison, Florida, offers a Patient Care Technician program that prepares students to provide direct patient care in various healthcare settings. The NFCC program focuses on developing essential skills required for working with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare environments. Students in the program receive training in patient care, phlebotomy, EKGs, and other healthcare procedures. The goal of the program is to provide students with the clinical expertise necessary to assist licensed healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care to patients.

One of the highlights of NFCC’s program is its emphasis on preparing students to work in diverse healthcare settings. This includes practical training experiences, such as clinical placements and internships, which allow students to gain real-world experience and develop the skills needed to manage patients' needs effectively. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for certification exams and can pursue national certifications in phlebotomy and patient care. Additionally, NFCC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which ensures that its programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards.

NFCC's Patient Care Technician program is designed for students seeking a fast-track career in healthcare. With a focus on hands-on training and direct patient interaction, students graduate from the program ready to enter the workforce as qualified patient care technicians.

Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College in Georgia offers a comprehensive Patient Care Technician program that combines theory, clinical experience, and practical application. The program prepares students to work as patient care technicians in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Students in the program receive training in vital skills, such as taking patient vital signs, assisting with patient mobility, performing EKGs, providing personal care, and supporting other healthcare providers.

Atlanta Technical College is committed to providing a well-rounded education that equips students for employment in a variety of healthcare positions. The college places a strong emphasis on developing both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring that graduates are prepared not only to perform the tasks required of a patient care technician but also to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams. The program is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of academic quality and practical relevance.

The combination of classroom education, hands-on training, and industry certification makes Atlanta Technical College’s program highly regarded among employers in Georgia and beyond. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent, certified patient care technicians who can contribute to improving patient outcomes in various healthcare environments.

Conclusion

Patient care technicians play a crucial role in delivering high-quality healthcare to patients across the U.S., and the demand for trained professionals in this field continues to grow. Colleges such as Edmonds Community College, York College / CUNY, Piedmont Technical College, North Florida Community College, and Atlanta Technical College provide specialized programs that equip students with the skills, knowledge, and certifications necessary for success in the healthcare industry. These programs offer a combination of classroom learning, practical clinical experience, and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared to enter the workforce and meet the challenges of modern patient care.

Whether through a focus on phlebotomy, patient monitoring, or hands-on clinical training, these institutions are at the forefront of providing essential education that helps students become skilled, compassionate, and capable patient care technicians. With their strong emphasis on quality education and workforce readiness, they offer students the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to healthcare while building successful careers in an in-demand field.