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If you want to work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care, training as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is one of the fastest ways to get started. In Texas, this role is in demand because hospitals and nursing facilities often need trained support staff who can handle patient care tasks alongside nurses.
The first step is choosing the right school. Training quality can vary, and the program you choose will affect your skills, exam readiness, and job opportunities.
Below, you'll find a guide to the best PCT programs in Texas, along with tips for evaluating each one.
What a Patient Care Technician Does
Patient Care Technicians work under the supervision of nurses to assist with:
- Checking vital signs
- Helping patients with daily activities (bathing, eating, mobility)
- Drawing blood
- Collecting lab specimens
- Performing EKGs
- Recording patient information
Most PCTs also have a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license and additional cross-training in phlebotomy and EKG.
Note: Texas does not license PCTs separately. Your employment eligibility depends on completing approved CNA training and passing competency tests for any additional skills.
How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Texas
Here's the typical process you'll follow:
- Enroll in an accredited PCT program - Make sure the program is recognized by the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry.
- Complete classroom and clinical training - Includes CNA training, plus phlebotomy and EKG modules.
- Pass the Texas CNA competency exam - Both written and skills tests are required.
- Earn any additional certifications - Many employers require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Apply for jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, dialysis clinics, or long-term care facilities.
Factors to Look for in a Texas PCT Program
When comparing schools, consider:
- State approval - CNA portion must be on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry's list.
- Hands-on training - Clinical rotations in an actual healthcare setting.
- Certification prep - Built-in CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG exam preparation.
- Schedules that fit your needs - Day, evening, or weekend classes.
- Job placement assistance - Some schools work directly with local hospitals.
Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Texas
Here are some of the top options in the state, based on accreditation, training quality, and graduate support.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Program Length: About 1 semester
- Highlights: Combines CNA training with EKG and phlebotomy; strong hospital partnerships; flexible class schedules.
2. Dallas College - El Centro Campus
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Program Length: 4-6 months
- Highlights: Comprehensive patient care curriculum; clinicals at local hospitals; part of a large public college system.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Program Length: 1 semester full time
- Highlights: Includes CNA certification and advanced patient care skills; BLS certification included; strong student support services.
4. Southern Careers Institute (Multiple Campuses)
- Locations: Austin, San Antonio, Brownsville, Harlingen, Pharr
- Program Length: Around 36 weeks
- Highlights: Employer-driven training model; career services; flexible schedules.
5. Arlington Career Institute
- Location: Grand Prairie, TX
- Program Length: 9 months
- Highlights: CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG training; externship included; small class sizes.
6. Tyler Junior College
- Location: Tyler, TX
- Program Length: 1 semester
- Highlights: Affordable tuition; takes advantage of regional healthcare job demand; CNA exam preparation built in.
Texas Training Program Comparison
| School | Location(s) | Avg. Program Length | Includes CNA | Phlebotomy Training | EKG Training |
| Houston Community College | Houston | 1 semester | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dallas College (El Centro) | Dallas | 4-6 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Austin Community College | Austin | 1 semester | Yes | No | Yes |
| Southern Careers Institute | Statewide | 36 weeks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arlington Career Institute | Grand Prairie | 9 months | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tyler Junior College | Tyler | 1 semester | Yes | No | Yes |
Licensing and Certification in Texas
To work as a PCT in Texas:
- You must hold a current CNA certification from the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
- For phlebotomy or EKG duties, employers often require nationally recognized credentials from organizations like the NHA (National Healthcareer Association).
- You'll need to renew your CNA certification every two years with proof of paid patient care service.
Texas Rule: CNA training must include at least 100 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, with at least 24 of those in a supervised clinical setting.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services - Nurse Aide Registry
Tips for Succeeding in Training
- Be prepared for hands-on work. Many classes require you to practice skills with classmates.
- Stay organized. Certification exams cover multiple skill sets.
- Communicate with instructors. They can connect you with employers looking for graduates.
- Take your clinical experience seriously. Many students get job offers during their externships.
Summary and Next Steps
Starting as a Patient Care Technician in Texas is a smart way to enter healthcare quickly. It provides direct patient contact, solid skills, and room to grow into nursing or other medical roles.
Here's what you should do next:
- Review the schools listed above and visit their websites for current schedules.
- Confirm the program is approved for CNA training in Texas.
- Ask about job placement rates, clinical partners, and total costs.
- Apply early - many programs fill fast.
If you complete the right training and pass the required exams, you can step into a healthcare role where your work directly impacts patients every day.
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