Simi Institute for Careers & Education
Patient Care Technician
This patient care technician (PCT) certification course provides a comprehensive overview of the PCT role, preparing you for a hands-on position focused on direct patient care and support. You will learn to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to deliver individualized basic nursing care to a diverse patient population. You will develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities within the PCT scope of practice while promoting safe, compassionate care and positive patient outcomes.
This comprehensive, all-inclusive PCT training will assist you in pursuing a new career as a PCT and includes a complimentary voucher to sit for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), upon eligibility.
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate characteristics of a healthcare professional by communicating using proper medical terminology with the interdisciplinary team
- Obtain knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and the legal, ethical, and professional standards within the role of the PCT
- Gather the knowledge and skills to provide individualized basic nursing care to a diverse population of patients
- How to apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills within the PCT scope of practice and in coordination with team members to foster positive patient outcomes
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Knowledge needed to pass the NHA's Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take the course.
Curriculum
Introduction to Patient Care
Infection Control and Standard Precaution
Legal Issues in Healthcare
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Terminology
Physical Assessment and Examination
Patient Positioning and Bed Mobility Techniques
Range of Motion
Therapeutic Exercises
Gait
Assistive Devices
Orthosis AND Prosthesis
Transfer Techniques
Wound Care and Pressure Sores
Wheelchair Management
Patient Care Competency
Special Topics
Registration
This course is 100% online. Start any time.
Job Outlook
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to continue to grow through 2034. On average, about 1.9 million job openings are projected each year in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who retire.
- The average patient care technician (PCT) salary in the U.S. is $56,189, according to Indeed, as of 2026. Variations in salary depend on your education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have worked in the profession.
Patient Care Technician FAQs
WHAT DOES A PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN DO?
Your primary role as a patient care technician is to improve the well-being of the patient. You will communicate what the patient is feeling, as well as their medical condition. Ultimately, you
will play a very important role in the healthcare sector. Some specific duties and responsibilities may include:
- Regularly monitor and record the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse
- Listen to patient concerns, answer questions, and provide guidance
- Monitor conditions and provide updates to other members of the healthcare team
- Move, reposition, or turn patients as needed
- Assist patients with dressing and bathroom use
- Monitoring the patient's fluid and food intake
- Accompany patients for tests or procedures in other areas of the medical center
HOW LONG IS PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN TRIANING?
Your training consists of 325 course hours and can be completed in 12 months.
ARE PATIENT CARE TECHNICIANS THE SAME AS CERTIFIED NURSING AIDS?
Essentially, patient care technicians and nursing aids perform the same duties in a healthcare setting. However, patient care technicians may also work under doctors and physical therapist in addition to nurses.
Instructor
Rox Ann Sparks
Dr. Rox Ann Sparks is an experienced nurse who has cared for patients and students in nearly every healthcare setting, with 35 years of practice in emergency medicine. Her nursing career has taken her from earning her CNA, LVN, RN, and MSN to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Dr. Sparks has experience as a nursing faculty floor nurse. She has developed many different healthcare programs from PCT to BSN. She has also been a consultant in nursing program accreditation and has presented numerous educational programs from natural health to chronic disease. These experiences led her to become a Certified Nurse Educator.
Dr. Sparks is currently the CEO of Sparks Nursing Consulting, which helps patients become healthier by coaching them to improve their health. He works with multiple law firms in defending nursing standards. He also developed an NCLEX review book and RN app to use the questions and multiple online courses for nurses and healthcare support staff.
Sandra Isaak, MSN,
Sandra Isaak is an ANCC-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) currently working as a Nurse Practitioner in the emergency room of a local hospital. She has worked in this position for over 14 years and has spent the last 16 years teaching classroom courses and clinical rotations for Certified Nursing Assistants, LVN to RN, RN, BSN, and MSN students. She has also taught and mentored students as the FNP program director at a local private university.
Medical Terminology Instructors
Our medical terminology course section is taught by multiple experienced instructors. See the full list of these instructors here.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.