Best Patient Care Technician Schools

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want a healthcare career that puts you close to patients and helps you enter the field quickly, becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a smart choice. The right school will prepare you for the skills, exams, and certifications needed to get hired fast.

Here's what you need to know to choose the best program.

What a Patient Care Technician Does

A PCT works under nurses and doctors to provide direct care. Duties often include:

  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting with daily living activities
  • Drawing blood
  • Collecting lab samples
  • Helping during medical procedures

Most states do not require a specific license for PCTs, but employers usually want training from an accredited program and a relevant certification like CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician).

What to Look for in a PCT School

Not all programs are the same. You'll want to compare:

  • Accreditation - Look for schools approved by a recognized accrediting body.
  • Hands-on training - Clinical practice in a real medical setting is critical.
  • Certification prep - The program should prepare you for the CPCT or related exams.
  • Program length - Many PCT programs take 3 to 9 months.
  • Job placement support - Career services can help you get that first job.

Note: In some states, parts of the training may need to meet nursing assistant (CNA) requirements before you can work in certain facilities.

Top Patient Care Technician Schools and Programs

The following schools and training providers are known for strong PCT programs. Contact each for details on costs, schedules, and admission requirements.

School / Provider Program Length Accreditation / Approval Key Features
Community College PCT Programs 6-12 months Regional accreditation Affordable tuition, strong clinical partnerships
Vocational / Technical Schools 4-9 months State board or national accreditation Accelerated training, flexible schedules
Hospital-based Training Varies Approved by employer and state boards Learn on-site, may lead directly to job
Online + Local Clinical Hybrid Programs 4-8 months Accredited distance education Self-paced theory with local clinical rotations
American Red Cross (select locations) 4-6 months Recognized by healthcare employers Nationally recognized, includes CNA and PCT skills

Steps to Become a Patient Care Technician

  1. Choose an accredited school that meets employer and state requirements.
  2. Complete classroom and lab training focused on patient care, anatomy, and medical procedures.
  3. Finish clinical hours in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care setting.
  4. Pass certification exams such as National Healthcareer Association's CPCT test.
  5. Apply for jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and home health agencies.

Accredited Program Examples

Here are a few examples of institutions that often offer Patient Care Technician programs:

  • Local community colleges with allied health departments
  • State-approved technical schools offering healthcare training
  • Hospital-based workforce education programs
  • Accredited online training schools with in-person clinicals

One reliable way to search is through the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions.

Why Accreditation Matters

An accredited program means:

  • The school meets quality and safety standards.
  • You may be eligible for federal financial aid.
  • Employers recognize your training.
  • You can sit for national certification exams.

Without accreditation, you risk wasting time and money on a program employers may not accept.

Common Certification Requirements

Most patient care technician certifications require:

Requirement Typical Standard
Education High school diploma or GED
Training Completion of approved PCT program
Clinical Hours Ranges from 40 to 100+ hours depending on state
Exam Written and skills demonstration
Renewal Every 2 years with continuing education

State regulations vary. Always confirm exact requirements with your state's nursing or health department before enrolling.

Additional Skills You'll Learn

Good programs also train you in:

  • Basic EKG testing
  • Phlebotomy
  • Infection control
  • Patient safety protocols
  • Communication with patients and families

These extra skills make you more valuable to employers and open more job opportunities.

Choosing Between Local and Online Programs

Local Programs:

  • More face-to-face support.
  • Stronger access to local clinical sites.
  • Networking for local jobs.

Online + Clinical Programs:

  • Flexible for working students.
  • Learn theory at your own pace.
  • Usually requires local hospital partnerships for hands-on practice.

How to Compare Schools

When visiting or researching schools, ask:

  • Is the program accredited?
  • How many hours of clinical experience will I get?
  • What certification exams will I be eligible for?
  • What's the total cost including books, scrubs, and exam fees?
  • What is the graduate job placement rate?

Final Advice for Starting Your PCT Career

The best patient care technician schools do more than teach skills. They prepare you for real-world patient care, make sure you meet certification requirements, and give you clinical practice in a healthcare setting.

Here's what you should do next:

  1. Make a list of accredited programs in your area.
  2. Compare length, cost, and clinical opportunities.
  3. Confirm the program will qualify you for certification in your state.
  4. Apply to at least two options to keep your pathway open.

Start with a program that gives you strong clinical training and a clear route to certification. That's the fastest way to get hired and start helping patients.

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