FAQs for MedCerts’ Online Patient Care Technician Certification Training Program
A Patient Care Technician supports doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals by providing essential day-to-day care to patients. This includes tasks like bathing and feeding patients, as well as performing clinical duties such as EKGs, drawing blood and assisting with medical procedures. They also play a role in illness prevention, rehabilitation and educating patients and families, making them integral to comprehensive patient care.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) will increase by 5% from 2021 to 2031. A significant portion of these job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who move to other professions or retire.
The average starting salary for patient care technicians is $34,434. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work.
To become a Patient Care Technician, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training through an institution such as MedCerts. Upon completion of the program, you’ll have met the training requirements to sit for the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam, sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
In the Patient Care Technician program, you’ll learn:
- The Responsibilities of Basic Patient Care — Bathing, Feeding, Catheter Care, etc.
- The Importance of Special Care, Concerns and Settings
- EKG Readings and Monitoring Vital Signs
- Phlebotomy Procedures, Lab Tests, Blood Glucose Tests and Exercise/Nutrition/Diet Monitoring
To enroll in the Patient Care Technician program, you will need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with an internet connection and course registration & payment.
The cost of the program is $4,000. The cost includes all of your materials and certification exam fees for the PCTC examination.
MedCerts offers various payment options for the Patient Care Technician program, including monthly payments as low as $346 or the option to utilize government grant funding.
While MedCerts does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
This program is 24 weeks long if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
MedCerts’ certification programs are fully online and designed for remote learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The instructional design incorporates interactive elements, simulations and expert instruction. Required courses for this program include Professionalism in Allied Health, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, Phlebotomy, Electrocardiography and Fundamentals of Patient Care.
MedCerts includes exam fees and preparation materials in the program cost. The courses are designed to prepare students to take and pass the CPCT, CET and CPT certification exams.
Yes, the program includes exam preparation resources and support to help students successfully pass the Certified Patient Care Technician (PTTC), Certified EKG Technician (CET) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exams. Additionally, MedCerts students are provided access to a Student Success Advisor team, Subject Matter Experts and Career Coaches to assist with exam prep.
The program includes expert-led video training, eBooks and competency assessments. MedCerts-Covered Materials also include exam fee coverage. Students get access to additional services like dedicated advisors and tailored support as well.
Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authority, the National Healthcareer Association. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.
There are no clinical requirements for the primary certification Certified Patient Care Technician. Students wishing to sit for the Certified EKG Technician exam will be required to complete a minimum of 10 EKGs on a live person, which must be completed within 90 days of passing the CET exam. Those interested in sitting for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam will be required to complete a minimum of 30 venipunctures AND 10 capillary sticks on a live person, which must be completed within 90 days of passing the CPT exam. Certifications are issued once the exam(s) have been passed and clinical requirements have been met.
