Patient Care Technician

  • Health, Public Safety & Human Services

Are you looking for a rewarding career in healthcare? Patient care may be the right path for you. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 21% growth in patient care technician job openings, making it one of the fastest growing healthcare careers.

What is a Patient Care Technician?

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a multi-skilled healthcare professional who works alongside nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team to provide direct patient care. PCTs help meet patients' daily needs while also performing specialized clinical procedures such as obtaining vital signs, drawing blood, collecting specimens, and performing electrocardiograms (EKGs). They work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings.

JJC's Patient Care Technician program prepares students for four valuable healthcare credentials in one streamlined, one-year pathway: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy Technician, Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician, and Patient Care Technician. Through online and hybrid coursework, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences with healthcare professionals, students graduate with the skills and certifications employers seek while building a foundation for future healthcare careers.

Download and print the PCT flyer.

About JJC's PCT Program

JJC’s online courses will prepare students for the Certified Patient Care Technician exam, sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Students will have hands-on training in the laboratory classroom setting and at community clinical sites, working with health professional mentors.

PCT courses include: Introduction to Health Careers (HEAL 100), Phlebotomy Technician Training (NA 120), Electrocardiography Technician Training (NA 122), Nursing Assistant (NA 101), and Clinical Practicums (NA 123/NA 125). Total: 18 credit hours to earn a Patient Care Technician Certification (CCO). 

The program takes one year to complete. JJC accepts many certifications and credit that students may have earned at other institutions. Talk to an advisor today!

What Do I Need to Know About the PCT Program?

In order to be eligible for this program, students must possess a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, speak and understand the  English language, have a valid Social Security number and provide a copy of the card, and be in good physical, mental and emotional health. The PCT program provides hybrid and online courses for college credit to earn stackable national certifications at the end of successful course completion in electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and patient care technician.

Information Sessions

All students interested in registering for the PCT program must EITHER: 

Virtual

Register for a virtual information session by filling out this form. All sessions are held via Microsoft Teams.

  • Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 12pm-1pm
  • Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 12pm-1pm
  • Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 4pm-5pm

In-Person

Register for an in-person information session by filling out this form. All sessions are held on Main Campus.

  • Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Room U-1018F (U Building), 4pm-5pm
  • Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Room U-1018F (U Building), 4pm-5pm

Viewpoint Screening

Viewpoint Screening is a required screening service that students purchase (purchase after the first day of class) to upload all of their health requirements using the PCT / NA 101 Student Health Packet for the PCT / NA 101 Programs. Health compliance is not due before the first day of class.

Viewpoint Screening
PCT / NA 101 Student Health Packet
Expense List

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

NHA is the national credentialing company that we use for certification exams for stackable certificates in Phlebotomy, Electrocardiography, and Patient Care Technician.

JJC's PCT Program Exam Pass Rate

JJC PCT students are prepared for success. In Spring 2026, students earned an 89% pass rate on the NHA certification exams for CET, CPT, and CPCT-A—14% above the national average. These strong outcomes reflect the high-quality instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and clinical training that prepare graduates to enter the healthcare workforce with confidence.