Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Wisconsin

If you're planning to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in Wisconsin, the most important first step is to pick the right school. The quality of your training determines how confident you'll be on the job - and how quickly you can get hired. Wisconsin has several accredited programs that can prepare you for certification and hands-on patient care work.

Below is a guide to help you find a school that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.

What a Patient Care Technician Does

A Patient Care Technician works directly with patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, dialysis facilities, and nursing homes. The role often includes:

• Monitoring vital signs
• Assisting with daily living activities
• Collecting lab specimens
• Performing ECGs
• Helping with mobility and transport
• Providing emotional support to patients and families

In most states, including Wisconsin, formal training is required before you can work in this role.

Certification Requirements in Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not have a state-issued PCT license. Employers here often require candidates to complete an approved training program and pass a national certification exam such as the CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician) through the National Healthcareer Association.

Note: Most employers in Wisconsin will also require CPR/BLS certification and proof of completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program.

Typical steps to become a PCT in Wisconsin:

1. Graduate from high school or earn a GED.
2. Complete an accredited PCT training program.
3. Earn your CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) credential - many PCT programs include this.
4. Pass the national PCT certification exam.
5. Apply to entry-level roles in healthcare facilities.

How to Choose the Right Program

When comparing schools, look closely at:

• Accreditation - Verify that the program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or another recognized body.
• Hands-on training hours - Clinical rotations are essential for skill development.
• Program length - Some programs take as little as 3-6 months.
• Certification prep - The school should prepare you for the CPCT or equivalent exam.
• Job placement support - Graduates benefit from career counseling and employer connections.

Best Patient Care Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Here are some of the reviewed and widely recognized PCT training options in the state.

1. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

Location: Milwaukee, WI
MATC offers a Nursing Assistant technical diploma that leads into their Patient Care Pathway program. It includes classroom instruction and clinical experience at local healthcare facilities. Students are prepared for CNA certification and additional PCT skills.

2. Madison College

Location: Madison, WI
Madison College runs a Patient Care Pathway that starts with the Nursing Assistant program and expands into advanced patient care skills. The program offers flexible scheduling, including evening classes.

3. Northcentral Technical College

Location: Wausau, WI
This college provides a Nursing Assistant program with options to stack additional certifications, including EKG and phlebotomy - both key parts of PCT training. Clinical labs are held in a simulated hospital environment.

4. Gateway Technical College

Location: Kenosha, Racine, and Elkhorn Campuses
Gateway offers the Nursing Assistant course plus certificates in phlebotomy and EKG, allowing students to build a complete PCT skill set. The college partners with local hospitals for clinical placements.

5. Western Technical College

Location: La Crosse, WI
Western Technical College's Nursing Assistant program serves as the foundation for patient care careers. Students can continue into other healthcare certificates to meet PCT job requirements.

Program Length Comparison

What to Expect in Training

A PCT program in Wisconsin will mix classroom learning with lab work and supervised clinical shifts. Common training topics include:

• Basic nursing skills
• Patient safety and infection control
• Anatomy and physiology
• EKG and phlebotomy procedures
• Communication skills for healthcare settings
• Care for elderly or chronically ill patients

Clinical rotations are where you'll apply these skills directly with patients under supervision.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition varies by school and program length. Wisconsin technical colleges tend to have lower in-state tuition rates. Many offer financial aid, payment plans, or even employer-sponsored tuition assistance for healthcare roles.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics¹, jobs for nursing assistants and similar patient care roles are expected to grow steadily as the population ages and healthcare demand increases. PCTs with multiple skill certifications (like CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy) are more likely to have better job opportunities in competitive markets.

Next Steps

If you're ready to start training as a Patient Care Technician in Wisconsin:

1. Make a shortlist of schools from the ones above.
2. Contact admissions to confirm start dates, tuition, and admission requirements.
3. Ask about clinical site locations and job placement rates.
4. Apply early - CNA and PCT programs often fill up months in advance.
5. Arrange for CPR/BLS certification so you're prepared for clinical work.

Choosing the right training program now will set you up for success in one of healthcare's most hands-on and rewarding roles.

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