Program Overview

Our Patient Care Technician / Assistant (PCT/PCA) program in Dallas, Texas prepares students with the practical clinical and patient care skills needed to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings.

This program is designed for students who want broad, career-focused training in direct patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control, vital signs, communication, and clinical support responsibilities. The program also prepares students for the NHA CPCT/A certification exam.

Certification Issuing Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide basic nursing care and assist with activities of daily living
• Perform phlebotomy and electrocardiograms (EKG)
• Observe patient conditions and measure basic vital signs
• Support infection control, safety, and patient communication
• Assist healthcare teams in patient care and clinical support settings

Program Information

• Total Program Hours: 200 hours
• Program Length: 12–14 weeks recommended completion timeline
• Program Start: Start anytime with flexible online coursework
• Delivery Method: Hybrid program
• Online Coursework: 140 hours
• Hands-On Lab Training: 20 hours
• Clinical Externship: 40 hours
• Hands-On Training: Patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control, vital signs, safety, and clinical skills training
• Practice Exams: Six full-length practice exams provided for certification exam preparation
• Registration Fee: $50

* Textbooks are provided at no cost. A $12 shipping fee applies if books are mailed. Students near Carrollton, Texas may pick up their books at the school free of charge.

Class Schedule and Enrollment

Students can begin online coursework at any time. This flexible structure allows students to start learning without waiting for a traditional semester start date.

The program combines online coursework with required hands-on lab training and clinical externship. While online coursework can begin flexibly, hands-on training and clinical requirements must be completed according to available school schedules and approved site availability.

Skills training sessions must be scheduled separately after enrollment. Students can select an available hands-on training date through the Skill Schedule page.

Tuition Information

• Tuition: $2,800
• Tuition includes online coursework, hands-on training, textbooks, liability insurance, required consumable supplies, and six full-length practice exams
• Textbooks are provided at no cost. A $12 shipping fee applies if books are mailed. Students near Carrollton, Texas may pick up their books at the school free of charge.
• Registration Fee: $50
• AHA BLS (CPR) Certification: $95 required separately
• Certification Exam Fee: Not included
• Payment plans available (credit approval required)

Certification Exam

• Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NHA CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) certification exam.
• Six full-length practice exams provided
• The exam evaluates patient care, infection control, phlebotomy, EKG, safety procedures, communication, and professional healthcare skills.
• The exam consists of 120 questions (100 scored questions and 20 unscored pretest questions).
• Students are given 2 hours to complete the examination.
• A minimum scaled score of 390 out of 500 is required to pass.
• Candidates who do not pass may retake the examination according to current NHA retake policies.

Hands-On Skills Training

Hands-on training is an important part of the PCT/PCA program. Students build practical experience in patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control, vital signs, and related clinical support skills.

After enrollment, required skills training should be scheduled separately through the Skill Schedule page to select an available session.

This step-by-step structure helps students complete the program with clearer guidance and stronger hands-on preparation before certification and employment.

Admission Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age, or have parental/guardian consent if under 18
• Government-issued photo identification or passport
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent documentation
• Vaccination records may be required for clinical practice
• Must pass a criminal background check
• BLS (CPR) certification must be submitted prior to graduation

Career Opportunities

• Hospitals
• Clinics and outpatient centers
• Long-term care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Medical offices and patient support settings

After certification, PCT/PCA graduates may pursue entry-level patient care roles in a variety of healthcare environments.

Average Salary in Texas

Patient Care Technicians in Texas typically earn about $18–$25 per hour, depending on experience, employer, work setting, certification status, and location.

Why Students Choose DMS Care Training Center

• Integrated training in patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control, and vital signs
• Comprehensive preparation for the NHA CPCT/A certification exam
• Flexible online coursework with scheduled hands-on skills training
• Korean-language support and structured coursework
• Career-focused training for entry into healthcare support roles