Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Utah

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Utah, the first step is picking the right school. In this role, you'll work directly with patients-helping with daily care, taking vital signs, and assisting nurses. Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities rely on PCTs to keep things running smoothly. The right training program will prepare you for certification, give you hands-on practice, and make it easier to find work.

What a Patient Care Technician Does

A Patient Care Technician works under licensed nurses and doctors. Daily tasks can include:

  • Checking vital signs like blood pressure and pulse
  • Drawing blood and collecting specimens
  • Helping patients with bathing, mobility, and meals
  • Recording patient information in charts
  • Using basic medical equipment safely

PCT jobs often combine Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) skills with extra training like phlebotomy and EKG monitoring.

Utah Requirements for PCTs

Utah does not license "Patient Care Technicians" as a separate occupation. Most PCTs in Utah are required to:

  1. Hold a current Utah CNA certification
  2. Complete additional training in skills such as phlebotomy or EKG
  3. Pass a recognized PCT exam from a national certifying organization

According to the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), anyone working as a CNA in Utah must complete an approved training program and pass the state competency exam before employment in most healthcare facilities.

How to Choose the Best School

When comparing PCT training programs in Utah, look for:

  • State-approved CNA training if you are not already certified
  • Hands-on clinical hours in a real healthcare setting
  • Flexible schedules if you need to work while training
  • Exam preparation for national certifications like Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)
  • Good local employer connections for job placement

Top Patient Care Technician Schools in Utah

Here are some education options in Utah that offer the combination of CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG training you need for a PCT role.

School Location Program Length Notes
Ogden-Weber Technical College Ogden CNA + Phlebotomy courses, 4-6 months State-approved CNA plus lab training
Davis Technical College Kaysville CNA program + EKG & Phlebotomy skill courses Strong clinical site partnerships
Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City & other campuses CNA foundation + separate allied health courses Accredited, flexible schedules
Mountainland Technical College Lehi CNA + optional advanced care training Affordable tuition rates
Utah CNA Training Centers Multiple locations CNA completion in 3-6 weeks, then specialty add-ons Multiple start dates throughout year

Program lengths are approximate and vary by schedule and course load.

Steps to Become a Patient Care Technician in Utah

If you're starting from scratch:

  1. Choose a Utah-approved CNA training program
    • Check the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry list to make sure it's approved.
  2. Complete classroom and clinical training
    • Expect at least 80 classroom hours and 24 clinical hours for CNA programs in Utah1.
  3. Pass the Utah CNA competency exam
    • This includes both a skills test and a written test.
  4. Add PCT-specific training
    • Take phlebotomy and EKG courses. Some schools combine these into a single PCT program.
  5. Pass a national PCT certification exam
    • The CPCT/A exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is one common option.
  6. Apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care
    • Employers often prefer candidates with both CNA and advanced technical skills.

Questions to Ask Schools Before Enrolling

Before signing up, get clear answers to these:

  • Is the CNA program state-approved in Utah?
  • How many clinical hours are included, and where are they held?
  • Are PCT skills like phlebotomy and EKG part of the tuition, or separate?
  • What is the program's pass rate for state and national exams?
  • Does the school help with job placement?

Benefits of Starting in Utah

Utah's growing population and healthcare needs make this a stable field. Training programs are widely available through technical colleges and private vocational schools. Many facilities are willing to hire newly certified PCTs and provide on-the-job support.

Summary and Next Steps

If you want to work as a Patient Care Technician in Utah, start by getting your CNA certification. Then add specialty skills like phlebotomy and EKG. The schools listed above can help you build that foundation. Contact at least three programs to compare schedules, costs, and clinical locations. That way, you can start your training knowing you have the right plan for certification and employment.

If you're ready, visit the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry to review approved CNA programs and get started.

  1. Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. "Training Requirements." Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. https://dopl.utah.gov/unar/ ↩

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