Perform Clinical Skills
Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a highly trusted profession and a vital part of the healthcare system. A PCT can have a direct impact on people’s lives and health. Careers as a PCT offer diverse opportunities and excellent earning potential. PCT’s work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse and are trained to perform a variety of tasks including:
- Basic clinical skills
- Patient hygiene
- Vital signs
- Blood collection
- EKG’s
Upon completion of the Patient Care Technician Program, you would be qualified for jobs in the following areas:
- Nursing Assistant/Acute Care Nursing Assistant
- Patient Care Technician/Emergency Room Technician
- Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician/Cardiac Monitor Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
Graduates of the Patient Care Technician Certificate at Edmonds leave our program with extensive classroom and skills lab training, as well as hands-on experience in a healthcare simulation setting. There is tremendous demand for PCTs, and graduates are able to quickly find employment in this field!
AAS-T degree
Students who seek to continue their studies beyond the Patient Care technician Certificate may apply that coursework toward one of our program’s AAS-T (Associate of Applied Science - Transfer) degrees:
- Allied Health Education AAS-T (recommended for students pursuing future healthcare studies)
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of patient care technicians
is projected to grow 19% between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations.
The job outlook for these positions is growing due to the long-term care needs of
the increasing elderly population. Pay varies by experiences, employer and locality.
For current available jobs and pay information in Washington, visit www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com.
Patient Care Technician Program Qualifications
- Ability to multi-task,
- High degree of attention to detail,
- Completion of immunizations record, and
- Completion of prerequisites, transfer students — see which prerequisites transfer.
Patient Care Technician Curriculum
The Patient Care Technician program requires a total of 44 credits as outlined or a minimum of 38 credits with documentation of a valid CNA license in Washington state for completion. Review our Patient Care Technician Planning Sheet to help you map out your plan.
Advising
For additional Patient Care Technician program information and questions please contact our Patient Care Technician program advisors:
- Krystal Nash Email: krystal.nash@edmonds.edu
- Erika Ferreri Email: erika.ferreri@edmonds.edu