Patient Care Technician (NHA PCT)

This program is designed to prepare students with the practical skills required to work as a Patient Care Technician/Assistant (PCT/PCA), with a focus on earning the NHA CPCT/A certification and securing employment in healthcare settings.

* Certification Issuing Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide basic nursing care and assist with activities of daily living
• Perform phlebotomy, injections, and electrocardiograms (EKG)
• Observe patient conditions and measure basic vital signs
• Enter data into Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and support administrative tasks

Program Information

• Total Program Hours: 200 hours
• Program Length: 12–14 weeks
• Delivery Method: Hybrid (140 hours online + 20 hours lab + 40 hours clinical)
• Hands-On Training: Integrated patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control, vital signs, and clinical skills training
• Practice Exams: Six full-length practice exams provided for certification exam preparation

* 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.

Tuition Information

• Total Tuition: $2,800
• Tuition includes online coursework, hands-on training, textbooks, liability insurance, required consumable supplies, and six full-length practice exams.
• Registration Fee $50 / AHA BLS (CPR) Certification $95 required separately / Certification exam fee not included
• Payment plans available (credit approval required)

Certification Exam

• Six full-length practice exams provided
• Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NHA CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) certification exam.
• 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.
• The certification is recognized nationwide and may improve employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Admission Requirements (Summary)

• 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