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?

Patient care technicians play a critical role in patient care, no matter what type of facility they work in. And, with a PCT certification, there are a variety of different career opportunities to choose from. 

PCTs work hand-in-hand with doctors and nurses in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and long-term care facilities, providing standard and advanced clinical duties. PCTs must recognize the individual needs of their patients, and work with other healthcare professionals to create personalized care plans to treat them. 

Certified Patient Care Technicians feed and serve meals to patients, provide activities of daily living for patients, and manage safety checks. However, they can also perform more important hands-on medical duties such as drawing blood, administering electrocardiogram assessments and measuring/monitoring vital signs.

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 have completed at least an 8 grade level of schooling, be at least 16 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 NU 425 Program (spring and fall semesters) is now eligible for IL MAP Grant funding.  Please visit the Financial Aid Department for more detailed information.  

If you are a JJC health care program student and are seeking tutoring, financial assistance, advising or any other type of support, please visit the CASH Program for more detailed information.

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

Virtual Orientation Sessions (Microsoft Teams)

Register for a virtual orientation session by filling out this form.

  • Wednesday, May 14 from 6pm-7pm
  • Monday, June 16 from 6pm-7pm
  • Friday, July 25 from 12pm-1pm
  • Monday, August 11 from 12pm-1pm

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 NA 101 Student Health Packet for the NA 101 Program. Health compliance is not due before the first day of class.

Viewpoint Screening
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.