Patient Care Technician Schools in Ridgecrest, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Patient Care Technician programs in Ridgecrest, California can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Patient Care Technician Schools Near Ridgecrest, California

#1

High Desert Medical College

Lancaster, CA 71.4 miles away

High Desert Medical College is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Lancaster, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield, CA 75.3 miles away

Bakersfield College is a Public, 4-year in Bakersfield, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#3

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, CA 98.8 miles away

College of the Canyons is a Public, 2-year in Santa Clarita, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#4

Los Angeles Mission College

Sylmar, CA 100.5 miles away

Los Angeles Mission College is a Public, 2-year in Sylmar, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#5

Chaffey College

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 102.6 miles away

Chaffey College is a Public, 2-year in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#6

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, CA 104.2 miles away

College of the Sequoias is a Public, 2-year in Visalia, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#7

Summit College

San Bernardino, CA 110 miles away

Summit College is a Private for-profit, <2-year in San Bernardino, CA serving about 1,210 students and accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#8

Platt College-Los Angeles

Alhambra, CA 110.6 miles away

Platt College-Los Angeles is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Alhambra, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#9

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

La Puente, CA 111.2 miles away

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education is a Public, <2-year in La Puente, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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#10

Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health

Los Angeles, CA 113.5 miles away

Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health is a Public, 2-year in Los Angeles, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Comparing Patient Care Technician Schools Near Ridgecrest

There are 10 schools within 114 miles of Ridgecrest.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
High Desert Medical College71.4 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Bakersfield College75.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
College of the Canyons98.8 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Los Angeles Mission College100.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Chaffey College102.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
College of the Sequoias104.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Summit College110 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, <2-year
Platt College-Los Angeles110.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education111.2 miN/AN/APublic, <2-year
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health113.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Patient Care Technician Salary in California

Entry-level nursing assistants in California earn around $39,220 per year. The median salary is $46,420, which is 17.4% above the national median of $39,530. Top earners make up to $59,540 per year.

California vs. National Patient Care Technician Wages
MetricCaliforniaNational
Median salary$46,420$39,530
Average salary$48,790$41,270
25th percentile$44,350$36,260
75th percentile$50,540$46,070
90th percentile$59,540$50,140

California employs approximately 102,380 nursing assistants (5.7 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.63).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Patient Care Technician Job Outlook

2.3% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 1,441,500 to 1,474,000 jobs nationwide. About 204,100 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In California, the concentration of nursing assistants is lower than the national average (location quotient: 0.63), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nursing assistants make in California?

The median annual salary for nursing assistants in California is $46,420. Wages range from $39,220 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $59,540 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many patient care technician schools are near Ridgecrest?

There are 36 Patient Care Technician schools within commuting distance of Ridgecrest. The closest is High Desert Medical College, approximately 71.4 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for nursing assistants?

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034. About 204,100 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does patient care technician training cost near Ridgecrest?

Annual tuition for patient care technician programs near Ridgecrest ranges from $1,334 to $6,074. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a patient care technician in demand in California?

Demand for nursing assistants in California is lower than average compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.63. The state employs 5.7 nursing assistants per 1,000 workers.