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Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Texas

Find the top Patient Care Technician programs in Texas to start your healthcare career.

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 widely needed 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:

  1. Enroll in an accredited PCT program - Make sure the program is recognized by the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry.
  2. Complete classroom and clinical training - Includes CNA training, plus phlebotomy and EKG modules.
  3. Pass the Texas CNA competency exam - Both written and skills tests are required.
  4. Earn any additional certifications - Many employers require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  5. 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.
  • Career services 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.

#1

Houston Community College

Houston, TX In-state option BOC Score 46.4

Houston Community College is a Public, 4-year in Houston, TX. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TX.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 87
  • Annual completions: 3,285
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Dallas College

Dallas, TX In-state option BOC Score 60.4

Dallas College is a Public, 4-year in Dallas, TX. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TX.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 85
  • Annual completions: 7,540
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Arlington Career Institute

Arlington, TX In-state option BOC Score 57.5

Arlington Career Institute is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Arlington, TX serving about 562 students and accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TX.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 2201 E Lamar Boulevard Suite # 150 Arlington, TX 76006-7439
  • (972) 647-1607
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 10
  • Annual completions: 347
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, TX In-state option BOC Score 40.7

Tyler Junior College is a Public, 4-year in Tyler, TX. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TX.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 57
  • Annual completions: 1,511
  • Online programs available

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Texas training program comparison

SchoolLocation(s)Avg. Program LengthIncludes CNAPhlebotomy TrainingEKG Training
Houston Community CollegeHouston1 semesterYesYesYes
Dallas College (El Centro)Dallas4-6 monthsYesYesYes
Austin Community CollegeAustin1 semesterYesNoYes
Southern Careers InstituteStatewide36 weeksYesYesYes
Arlington Career InstituteGrand Prairie9 monthsYesYesYes
Tyler Junior CollegeTyler1 semesterYesNoYes

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:

  1. Review the schools listed above and visit their websites for current schedules.
  2. Confirm the program is approved for CNA training in Texas.
  3. Ask about employment outcomes (verify with the school), clinical partners, and total costs.
  4. 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.

Learn more about this career, including national salary data and certification paths, in our How to Become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) career guide.

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