PATIENT CARE TECHNOLOGY

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) program prepares students to provide direct patient care while working alongside nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in a variety of medical settings. Through hands-on laboratory instruction and clinical experiences, students develop skills in patient care, vital signs, infection prevention, electrocardiography (EKG), phlebotomy, specimen collection, mobility assistance, activities of daily living, medical terminology, and professional communication. Students learn to deliver compassionate, safe, and high-quality care while building the technical skills needed for entry-level healthcare careers.

Apart from the core curriculum, learners are trained for the job-seeking process through mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and hands-on clinical skill development. During the program, accommodations and modifications are provided to high school students based on the IEP/504.

After completion of the one-year program, successful candidates will be prepared to earn one or more industry-recognized certifications, including the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A), CPR certification, and additional credentials such as EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician, depending on program offerings. West-MEC offers industry credentialing exams at no additional cost. Through this program, students gain the knowledge, technical skills, and patient care experience needed to begin a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.

CAREER PATHWAYS

Careers that a student could pursue after receiving their certification(s) are: Patient Care Technician, Patient Care Assistant, Nursing Assistant (where certification requirements are met), Hospital Care Technician, Clinical Care Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Medical Assistant, Dialysis Technician, Home Health Aide, and Rehabilitation Technician.

With additional education, certifications, licensure, or work experience, graduates may pursue careers as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Surgical Technologist*, Respiratory Therapist*, Radiologic Technologist*, Paramedic*, Physician Assistant (PA), Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant*, or Physician*

*Requires additional education, certification, licensure, and/or work experience.