Best Patient Care Technician Schools in North Dakota

If you want to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in North Dakota, the first step is completing an accredited training program. PCTs work alongside nurses and doctors to provide direct patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. This role requires hands-on skills in patient assistance, vital signs monitoring, and medical procedures.

Training is essential because most employers in North Dakota will only hire PCTs who have completed a recognized program and passed the certification exam.

Patient Care Technician Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota does not have its own separate state licensing system for PCTs. Instead, most PCTs are trained as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and then add additional skills such as phlebotomy and EKG monitoring.

North Dakota CNA requirement: The North Dakota Department of Health requires that CNAs complete an approved 75-hour nurse aide training program and pass the competency exam before working in a long-term care facility.

For PCT roles, employers typically look for:

• Completion of an accredited PCT program (includes CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG training)
• Current listing on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
• CPR/BLS certification
• Clean background check

Since patient care technicians often perform multiple duties, having both CNA certification and extra clinical skills gives you an advantage.

Best Patient Care Technician Schools in North Dakota

Below are some of the top training options in the state. Always confirm current program details with each school before enrolling.

1. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) - Wahpeton, ND

NDSCS offers a strong Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) and nurse aide program that covers the foundational skills for a PCT career. You can then add phlebotomy and EKG training as part of their allied health courses.

• Program length: 1-2 semesters, depending on extra certifications
• Format: Classroom, skills lab, and clinical rotations
• Accreditation: North Dakota Board of Nursing approved CNA training

2. Bismarck State College - Bismarck, ND

Bismarck State offers CNA training plus elective courses in phlebotomy and EKG tech. Students can combine these to meet the skill requirements for PCT positions in hospitals.

• Program length: CNA course is usually 8-12 weeks, additional certifications vary
• Admission requirement: Must be at least 16 years old and pass a background check
• Clinical training: Partnered with local healthcare centers

3. Dakota College at Bottineau - Bottineau, ND

Known for small class sizes and hands-on instruction, Dakota College offers CNA training as a base, with optional allied health coursework that can be combined into a PCT skill set.

• Program length: CNA program ~8 weeks, phlebotomy ~6 weeks
• Format: Hybrid option available in some courses
• Registry eligibility: Qualifies students for the North Dakota CNA exam

4. University of North Dakota (UND) - Noncredit Workforce Program

Through its continuing education department, UND partners with online providers to offer flexible PCT programs. These combine online theory with local clinical placements.

• Program length: Typically 6-9 months
• Features: Self-paced online content, scheduled clinicals
• Best for: Adults needing a flexible schedule

5. North Dakota Center for Nursing Continuing Education

This center offers targeted training for CNAs and allied professionals adding advanced patient care skills. You can build a custom path toward becoming a PCT.

• Program options: EKG tech, phlebotomy, advanced CNA skills
• Focus: Working nursing assistants looking for career advancement

Patient Care Technician Program Comparison

Steps to Become a Patient Care Technician in North Dakota

1. Complete a CNA program approved by the ND Department of Health.
2. Pass the CNA competency exam and get listed on the ND Nurse Aide Registry.
3. Add specialized training in phlebotomy and EKG monitoring through an accredited provider.
4. Earn CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
5. Apply for PCT jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Employers may require recent work experience as a CNA before hiring for a PCT position.

Tips for Choosing the Right School

• Check accreditation. Make sure the CNA portion is state-approved and any specialty courses are recognized by employers.
• Ask about clinical sites. Strong programs partner with local facilities.
• Compare schedules. Some offer evening or hybrid training for working adults.
• Look at certification prep. The best programs include test prep for national PCT or related certifications.

Career Outlook in North Dakota

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nursing assistants and related support roles is steady and will grow as healthcare needs increase nationwide¹. In North Dakota, healthcare providers offer steady openings for CNAs and PCTs, particularly in larger cities such as Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.

The Bottom Line

If you want to start a career as a Patient Care Technician in North Dakota, begin with CNA training and then build your skills. NDSCS, Bismarck State, Dakota College, UND, and the ND Center for Nursing offer strong starting points.

Here's what you should do next:

• Pick a school from the list above and review their course schedule
• Apply for the CNA program that fits your timeline
• Plan to add phlebotomy and EKG certifications right after

Once you're certified and on the Nurse Aide Registry, you can apply for PCT jobs in long-term care, hospitals, and clinics across North Dakota.

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