Selective Admission: Patient Care Technician

Grade Point Average (GPA)

No minimum GPA required for this program.

High School Diploma or GED

You must have a high school diploma or GED.

Minimum Age Requirement

You must be a minimum of 18 years of age in order to attend the clinical portion of the program.

TCC Student ID Number

First, you must apply to TCC.

Apply online with ApplyTCC (use Firefox or Chrome for the best experience)

• Application instructions: How to Apply for Admission

Once you are accepted as a student at TCC, you will get a TCC Student ID number.

You need a TCC Student ID number for your application to PCT.

Reminder

Admission to TCC does not automatically guarantee admission to the PCT program.

After being accepted to TCC, you must:

1. Meet the selective admission requirements listed below
2. Submit a separate program application to PCT
   • All applicants will be ranked based on their program applications.
   • See How to Apply to PCT for details.

Placement Test Requirements

You must meet 1 of the test requirements:

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The TSI is the state-approved placement test offered at TCC.

You must be TSI complete.

Questions?  Find out more about the TSI at TCC

or

Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

The TABE is a computer-based test that assesses skills and aptitudes in reading, math, and English.

You must earn a score of 10 or higher.

Questions?  Find out how you can take the TABE at TCC

CPR Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

We require that you submit a copy of your current CPR BLS card from the American Heart Association with your application to the program.

Performance Requirements

During your time in our program and throughout your career, you must meet these performance requirements to ensure patient safety and welfare.

Immunizations

Texas law and applicable health-care standards establish immunization requirements for students participating in health-related courses involving patient contact. Texas law also provides exemptions from certain immunization requirements for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including religious belief, and active-duty military service. Students seeking a statutory exemption must submit the documentation required by Texas law and Tarrant County College (TCC) student onboarding procedures.

Requesting a Statutory Exemption

Under Texas law and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) (opens in a new tab) regulations, you may request an exemption from required immunizations for:

• Reasons of conscience, including recognized religious beliefs
• Medical contraindications (supported by licensed physician documentation)
• Active-duty service in the U.S. military

Submitting an exemption request does not disqualify you from applying to or being considered for admission to a TCC Health Sciences program. Students seeking an exemption must submit required documentation following official TCC student onboarding procedures prior to established clinical placement deadlines.

Important Information Regarding Clinical Site Placement

While TCC honors statutory exemptions under Texas law, hands-on clinical education takes place at external hospitals, clinics, and partner health-care facilities:

• Clinical facility or other third-party clinical partner rules: External clinical affiliates establish and enforce their own independent health and safety requirements (including specific vaccination mandates such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chickenpox), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDaP), flu, or COVID-19).
• No College Guarantee: TCC cannot require an external partner facility to accept a student who has received an immunization exemption. The clinical facility makes the final determination regarding site access.
• Impact on Program Completion: Successfully completing all mandatory clinical rotation hours and competencies is required to earn your degree or certificate. If a clinical partner declines an exemption and an alternate placement cannot be secured, you may face progression delays or be unable to complete the program

New PCT Student Orientation

Attend this 1-day orientation session to get tips for success and to the program and to learn about program expectations.

Location, time and date details will included in the acceptance letter.

Health Requirements

Before starting our program:

• Physical Exam: Get a physical exam
• Influenza Immunization: Get a flu shot
• CPR Certification: Have current American Heart Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
• Health Insurance: Have health insurance throughout the program
  • TCC does not offer College-sponsored student health insurance.
• Immunization Tracking System: Submit your health-related documentation:
  • Physical exam record
  • Tuberculosis screen results
  • Required immunization records
  • Proof of health insurance coverage

Drug Screening & Criminal Background Check

Screening and background checks are at your expense. No exceptions.

After being accepted to the program—but before classes begin—you must undergo and pass:

• Drug Screening
  (urine drug screening)
• Criminal Background Check