Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Illinois

If you want to work directly with patients in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility, becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a solid career move. Illinois has several strong training programs that prepare you for the skills and certification tests you’ll need.

Here’s how to find the right school, what to expect in training, and the top options in the state.

What a Patient Care Technician does

A Patient Care Technician works under the supervision of nurses to provide basic care. This can include:

• Taking vital signs
• Assisting with daily living activities
• Collecting lab specimens
• Performing EKGs
• Providing basic wound care

Some programs also cross-train you in phlebotomy and dialysis technician skills. This makes you more valuable to employers.

In Illinois, patient care technicians are not licensed separately. Employers often want candidates with a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) credential plus additional PCT training.

Training requirements in Illinois

Illinois does not have a state license for PCTs, but employers generally require:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Completion of an approved CNA program
3. Extra PCT coursework in skills like phlebotomy and EKG
4. CPR certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, to become a CNA you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam.

Choosing a good Illinois PCT school

When comparing schools, look at:

• Program accreditation
• CNA + PCT training combination
• Hands-on clinical hours
• career services
• Flexible scheduling for working students

It’s best to choose a program that prepares you for both CNA status and PCT-specific skills. This approach will meet most Illinois employer requirements.

Best Patient Care Technician schools in Illinois

Here are some reputable options that consistently prepare students for patient care roles.

Typical program length and components

Steps to start your PCT career in Illinois

1. Earn your high school diploma or GED
2. Complete a CNA training program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health
3. Pass the CNA competency exam and get on the state registry
4. Finish a PCT program with EKG and phlebotomy components
5. Get CPR certified
6. Apply for hospital, clinic, or nursing facility positions

Employers may also value optional certifications like the CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) from the National Healthcareer Association.

Tips for success in training

• Choose a school close to your clinic site to cut travel time
• Ask about night or weekend classes if you’re working
• Use the clinical rotations to network with potential. Employers
• Keep your CPR and CNA credentials current

Summary and next steps

To become a patient care technician in Illinois, you’ll need to start with CNA training, then add skills in EKG, phlebotomy, and basic clinical care. The best schools combine all these elements into one program and include hands-on clinical experience.

Next step: Contact two or three of the schools listed above. Ask for their current start dates, tuition costs, and if they include CNA training as part of the program. Then, choose the one that fits your schedule and career goals.