Best Patient Care Technician Schools in North Carolina

If you want to work hands-on with patients and support nurses and doctors, becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is one of the fastest ways into the healthcare field. In North Carolina, you can train for this career in less than a year at several accredited schools and community colleges.

Here's what you need to know to choose the right program, meet state requirements, and get started.

What a Patient Care Technician Does

Patient Care Technicians work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. They help with direct patient care, such as:

• Taking vital signs
• Assisting with daily activities
• Drawing blood
• Collecting lab samples
• Placing EKG monitors

This role blends nursing assistant skills with basic phlebotomy and EKG training, which is why some employers prefer PCTs over certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

Training and Certification Requirements in North Carolina

To work as a Patient Care Technician in North Carolina, you typically need:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Completion of a state-approved training program that includes CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG modules
3. Certification from a recognized credentialing body, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
4. Current listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry

Note: North Carolina requires anyone performing nursing assistant duties in long-term care facilities to be listed on its Nurse Aide I Registry.
Visit the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry to verify status or learn more.

How to Choose the Right School

When comparing patient care technician programs, look for:

• State approval and accreditation
• Hands-on clinical hours included in training
• Small class sizes for better instruction
• Preparation for multiple certifications (CNA, EKG, phlebotomy)
• Strong job placement support

Narrowing down your choices to schools that meet all five criteria will save you time and avoid having to repeat training later.

Best Patient Care Technician Schools in North Carolina

Here are several respected options for PCT training in the state.

1. Wake Technical Community College - Raleigh

Wake Tech offers a comprehensive PCT pathway that combines Nurse Aide I certification with EKG and phlebotomy training. Students complete both classroom instruction and clinical practice in local healthcare facilities.

2. Central Piedmont Community College - Charlotte

Central Piedmont delivers a Patient Care Technician program designed for students who want to work in hospitals or dialysis centers. The program includes preparation for multiple national exams and has strong employer connections in the Charlotte area.

3. Durham Technical Community College - Durham

Durham Tech's PCT program blends Nurse Aide I training with the skills needed for acute care and long-term care settings. Its curriculum includes patient safety, infection control, and advanced patient monitoring.

4. Fayetteville Technical Community College - Fayetteville

FTCC's Allied Health division runs a PCT program that meets North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry requirements and prepares students for national certification. Flexible class schedules allow students to work while completing training.

5. Pitt Community College - Winterville

Pitt offers PCT training through its Health Sciences division, with courses in basic patient care, specimen collection, and EKG interpretation. The program partners with local hospitals for clinical rotations.

6. Johnston Community College - Smithfield

JCC's program emphasizes practical experience, giving students the chance to work directly with patients under supervision in long-term care and acute care facilities.

Typical Program Length and Structure

Here's what you can expect from most North Carolina PCT programs:

Some schools combine these into a continuous program lasting about 4-6 months, while others spread the training over two semesters.

Steps to Become a Patient Care Technician in North Carolina

1. Meet education requirements (high school diploma or equivalent)
2. Find a state-approved program at a community college or trade school
3. Complete classroom and clinical training
4. Pass CNA state exam to be listed on the Nurse Aide I Registry
5. Pass national certification exams for EKG and phlebotomy
6. Apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nursing assistants and related roles is projected to grow in the coming years due to an aging population and increased need in hospitals and nursing care facilities¹. Employers often prefer candidates who can handle multiple patient care skills, giving Patient Care Technicians an advantage.

Final Advice

If you want to work in healthcare without spending years in school, becoming a Patient Care Technician is a solid choice in North Carolina. Look for a state-approved program that offers CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy training together. This will make you more versatile and attractive to employers.

Here's what to do next:

1. Shortlist two or three schools from the list above.
2. Contact their admissions offices for start dates, tuition costs, and schedules.
3. Apply early-classes fill quickly, especially in larger cities.

The sooner you start training, the sooner you can begin working with patients and building experience in the healthcare field.

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