A Patient Care Technician (PCT) does more hands-on care than almost anyone on a hospital unit. If you want to work at the bedside, draw blood and run EKGs, a PCT certification is one of the fastest ways to get there, and in Texas you can train for it in about three months.
Here's what PCTs do, what the training looks like, and how to choose the right path for you.
PCT at a glance
- Certification: NHA CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant), recognized nationwide
- Exam: 120 questions, 2 hours
- DMS training: 200 hours over 12–14 weeks
- Where PCTs work: hospitals, rehab centers, dialysis and long-term care
What does a PCT do?
PCTs work under nurses and support patients through the day. A typical shift can include:
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Helping patients bathe, eat, move and get out of bed safely
- Drawing blood and collecting specimens
- Running 12-lead EKGs
- Noticing changes in a patient and reporting them to the nurse
PCT vs. CNA: what's the difference?
| CNA | PCT | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Daily care: bathing, feeding, mobility | Daily care plus phlebotomy and EKG |
| Credential | Texas Nurse Aide Registry (state) | NHA CPCT/A (national) |
| Common settings | Nursing homes, home health, hospitals | Hospitals, dialysis, rehab |
Already a CNA? The CNA–PCT Bridge Program adds the PCT skills without starting over. New to healthcare? You can start with Texas CNA or go straight into PCT. For a deeper comparison, read CNA vs PCT: which is right for you?
PCT salary and job outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track PCTs as a separate job. It groups them with nursing assistants, who earned a median of $41,870 a year in May 2025 ($42,310 in hospitals). The field expects about 203,300 openings every year through 2035.
Pay depends on the employer, shift and city. Because PCTs can also draw blood and run EKGs, they are often a strong fit for hospital roles that need more than basic care.
How PCT training works at DMS in Dallas, Texas
- Tuition $2,800, including textbooks, liability insurance, lab supplies and six full-length practice exams
- Payment plans available (credit approval required). See payment options
- High school students may start early through the NHA provisional pathway
- AHA BLS (CPR) is required before graduation, and you can take it at DMS (AHA BLS course)
PCT training: common questions
Do I need to be a CNA first?
No. The DMS PCT program starts from the basics. If you are already a CNA, the CNA–PCT Bridge Program is a shorter option.
How long does it take to become a PCT?
The DMS program is 200 hours, and most students finish in 12–14 weeks. The online part is self-paced, so it can fit around work or family.
How much does PCT training cost?
Tuition is $2,800 and includes textbooks, liability insurance, lab supplies and six practice exams. Separately you'll need the $50 registration fee, AHA BLS (CPR) and the NHA exam fee. Payment plans are available.
Is the PCT certification valid outside Texas?
Yes. The NHA CPCT/A is a national certification recognized by employers across the U.S.
Can high school students become a PCT?
Yes. Current high school or GED students may take the NHA exam through the provisional pathway when they will graduate within 18 months of passing.
Start your PCT training
Online coursework, nurse-led skills lab, and a clinical externship in one program.
View the PCT program Apply nowQuestions? Call 469-237-9852
