Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Missouri

If you want to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Missouri, the first step is finding the right school. A solid program will prepare you for patient care tasks, lab procedures, and certification exams. The quicker you choose the right training, the sooner you can start working.

Becoming a PCT in Missouri usually means completing a short-term certificate or diploma program. Many schools bundle Patient Care Technician training with nursing assistant and phlebotomy skills so you can qualify for more jobs.

What a Patient Care Technician Does

Patient Care Technicians work directly with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. They help with daily care, check vital signs, collect lab samples, and support nurses during procedures. In Missouri, many job postings for PCTs require you to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as well.

In Missouri, you must complete state-approved CNA training to work in most direct patient care roles.

A PCT program can give you multiple credentials in one course of study, including CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy skills.

Missouri PCT Training Requirements

While Missouri does not license PCTs by name, most employers expect:

• Completion of an accredited PCT or CNA program
• Passing the Missouri CNA exam
• Training in phlebotomy and EKG monitoring
• CPR certification

Some programs also prepare you for national PCT credentialing exams. That can make you more competitive when applying for hospital jobs.

Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Missouri

Here are some of the top options for PCT training in the state. Always confirm tuition, schedules, and prerequisites with the school before applying.

These schools offer hands-on training in labs and clinical sites so you can practice before working with patients.

How to Choose the Right Program

When comparing Missouri PCT programs, consider these points:

1. Accreditation - Check if the program is approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for CNA training.
2. Skills Offered - The more competencies (CNA, phlebotomy, EKG) included, the better.
3. Clinical Hours - Make sure the program includes supervised clinical practice.
4. Scheduling - See if they offer night or weekend classes if you work during the day.
5. Job Placement - Ask about graduate employment rates and local employer partnerships.

A program that combines classroom work with clinical experience will prepare you for the realities of patient care.

Steps to Become a Patient Care Technician in Missouri

Follow these steps to start your PCT career:

1. Find a state-approved program that includes CNA training.
2. Complete classroom and lab hours as required by your school.
3. Finish clinical practice in a hospital, long-term care, or similar setting.
4. Pass the Missouri CNA exam given by the state's authorized testing service.
5. Add extra skills like phlebotomy and EKG monitoring for more job options.
6. Apply for jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics.

Missouri CNA programs require at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of on-the-job training as outlined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services¹.

Certification and Career Advancement

When you complete your PCT training, you can take additional national certification exams if desired. While not required by Missouri law, these can help you qualify for higher-demand positions.

Common certifications include:

• Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) through the National Healthcareer Association
• Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
• EKG Technician (CET)

These extra credentials make you more versatile in a healthcare team.

Practical Advice Before You Enroll

• Visit the campus if possible. See their labs and meet instructors.
• Ask about hidden costs like scrubs, immunizations, and exam fees.
• Check clinical site locations so you know how far you'll need to travel.
• Make sure the CNA portion is Missouri-approved so you can work legally.

Summary and Next Steps

Missouri has several respected schools for Patient Care Technician training. The best choice will fit your schedule, budget, and career goals. Look for programs that combine CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy in one package. That way, you can enter the workforce faster and with more skills.

Here's what to do next:

1. Pick two or three schools from the list above.
2. Contact admissions offices for current schedules and tuition.
3. Confirm the program is Missouri-approved for CNA training.
4. Apply and prepare for classes.

The sooner you choose a program, the sooner you can start helping patients in Missouri healthcare settings.

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