Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Program Description

What do patient care technicians (PCTs) do?

PCTs work directly with patients and collaborate with nurses.

PCTs may:

• Measure vital signs
• Draw blood & collect specimens for diagnostics
• Manage patient food & fluid intake
• Perform basic laboratory work
• Perform electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• Monitor patient safety & protect patient rights
• Offer emotional support to patients & their loved ones

PCTs work in a variety of settings, such as:

• Hospitals
• Doctors’ offices
• Long-term care facilities
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation Clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Cancer clinics
• Blood banks

About Our Program

Learn how to become a PCT.

You will learn the basics of patient care and how to work effectively with members of the healthcare team.

We have carefully planned our program to teach you the skills and knowledge you need to become an invaluable asset to the healthcare team.

Course topics include:

• Medical terminology
• Basic health profession skills
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Phlebotomy
• Basic electrocardiography

Clinicals: Learn in the Field

In addition to course work, you will gain experience with direct patient encounters during clinicals.

Credentials in Detail

After successfully completing our program, you will be eligible to apply for the following certification exams:

Through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA):

• Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)

Through the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)

• Certified EKG Technician (NRCEKG)
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NRCPT)—after taking additional clinical hours

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history.

For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements

Continue your studies

After completing our Patient Care Technician (PCT) program and working in the field, you may be interested in a credit certificate or degree.

Explore our credit options:

• Medical Assistant  
• Nursing
• Patient Care Technician (PCT)
• Vocational Nursing

Eligibility Requirements & Prerequisites

You must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED certificate
• Pass the Test of Adult Education (TABE) with a score of 10 or higher, if applicable
  • Find out how to take the TABE at TCC
• Have:
  • Current driver’s license or government-issued identification
  • Social security card with signature
  • Current health insurance card
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) healthcare provider CPR card from the American Heart Association
• Provide documentation of immunizations
  • Chicken pox (Varicella)
  • Measles / Mumps / Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (3 shot series)
  • Hepatitis A (2 doses)
  • Tdap
  • Influenza (seasonal from September–March)
  • Negative TB Test
  • COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged
    • COVID-19 protocols will be contingent upon CDC & facility guidelines at the time.

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

Post-Acceptance Requirement

After being accepted into our program, you must pass:

• Criminal Background Check (past 5 years)
• Drug Screening (9/10 Panel)

These tests are your responsibility and must come back clear to continue in the program.

No refunds will be given.

Program Requirement

Explore the TCC Continuing Education Catalog and view the list of courses you will need to take for your program.

• Patient Care Technician

Costs & Fees

Costs and fees vary. Costs are available in Hello!TCC's Continuing Education Course Descriptions.

How to Apply

1. New TCC students only: Complete a CE enrollment form. If you have not previously attended TCC, contact a career advisor for the form and more information.
   
   • 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.
   • Admission to the PCT Program is a separate process and is not automatically guaranteed by admission to TCC.
2. Complete the online application
   • Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program Application
     • You must be logged in to your TCC email account to access the application.
3. Register for class.
   • Once you have been accepted, we will place you in your PCT courses.