PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN (PCT)

Program Purpose

The student will train in the area of Nurse Assistant, Patient Care Assistant/ Home Health Aide, EKG, and Phlebotomy. The student will demonstrate the following elements of the health care industry: planning, management and technical skills. The student will be able to perform patient care, vital signs, a 12-lead EKG, and draw blood for testing.

A great deal of emphasis is placed upon students’ theoretical and clinical proficiency and job Search assistance is provided, so that the student may find employment opportunities to meet their unique needs. Instructors are available to offer special help to students as needed. Students are encouraged to enhance their capabilities and be motivated to meet their personal goals in a positive, caring atmosphere, where graduation expectations begin the first day of class. National Patient Safety Standards and Quality Measures are incorporated throughout.

 Program Objectives

1. To prepare students to have allied health skills in addition to all other caretaking skills appropriate for Nurse Assistants, so they may access the wide variety of health care career opportunities.
2. To develop critical thinking, knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to providing care in specialized settings, which include the occupational levels of Nurse Assistant, Patient Care Assistant, EKG skills, as well as one allied health modules of the student’s choice: Phlebotomy skills, or Home Health Aide.
3. To prepare graduates to care for clients across the lifespan in diverse healthcare delivery systems. 
4. To be prepared to give care to patients in the home, in long term care, in nursing homes, in acute hospitals, in out-patient and rehab settings, as well as Adult Living Facilities and Physician’s Offices.
5. To prepare students to successfully obtain and maintain employment in a wide variety of health care settings.
6. To prepare students to take the State of Florida Nurse Assistant Certification Exam.

End of Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will be able to:

• Provide basic patient care — bathing, feeding, catheter care, etc.
• Acquire, distribute and administer patient care supplies
• Perform safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms
• Accommodate the special needs of patients accordingly
• Obtain EKG readings and monitor vital signs
• Perform phlebotomy procedures
• Provide emotional support to patients and families, particularly coping with grief and death

General Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements as indicated below:

1. Provide proof of age (must be at least 17.5 years old) – Driver’s License (ID)
2. Provide proof of graduation from high school or its equivalent (GED)
3. *Take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or meet exemption criteria (please speak with an Academic Advisor regarding exemption)
4. Apply and be accepted to PBC – School of Allied Health Sciences;
5. Interview with an admission representative
6. Complete an admission application and return it to our admission office, along with the application fee  of $100;
7. Complete the application for the appropriate program
8. Demonstrate an ability to meet applicable program-specific requirements
9. Provide a non-refundable registration fee of $150 prior to enrollment
10. Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement
11. Provide the minimum refundable down payment fee of $500 to hold your sit

Acceptable Proof of High School Diploma or GED

• High school diploma/transcript or G.E.D certification with test scores.
• Academic transcript that indicates the student successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward an associate/bachelor’s degree at any institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• Foreign high school diploma equivalent to a United States high school diploma
• If an applicant previously entered a program in a degree-granting institution for which a high school diploma was required, PBC may accept an evaluation from a NACES or AICE approved credentialing agency, certifying that a high school diploma was a requirement for the higher degree program.

*Minimum passing scores are subject to change as a result of evidence based findings, best practices and program outcomes. Failure to complete and pass the TABE assessment shall result in the student being administratively withdrawn from the nursing program. Students administratively withdrawn for failure to complete/pass the TABE on the second attempt may not be considered for re-entry.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements and procedures, applicants wishing to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma program must:

• Be prepared to do a criminal background check (level II) and a disposition of any criminal offenses and drug screening, and have health clearance from a physician and negative PPD prior to their clinicals
• Have a current CPR/First Aid certification from the American Heart Association (AHA)
• Complete the admission application
• Have a personal interview with the Program Director
• Complete and sign an Enrollment Agreement, and provide photo identification

Note:

1. Students are expected to maintain the standards of the school in academic, professional and personal achievement.
2. Orientation will be conducted prior to the start of the class, and an institute catalog is given to each student.
3. The applicant is responsible for providing verifiable proof of graduation from high school, or proof of having satisfied the requirements for high school in a manner recognized by the United States Department of Education.
4. The school does not discriminate regarding age, race, sexual preference, gender, color, creed, religion, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the acceptance and admission of students
5. Transfer applicants must provide official transcripts from all schools attended no later than 30 days after the start day of their first semester of enrollment at PBC – School of Allied Health Sciences. Transfer student must show a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale). Transfer credits from national or regional approved institutions will be evaluated and credited after enrollment at PBC – School of Allied Health Sciences
6. Prior to registering, a student should have on file in the Records Office the following:

• A completed admissions application
• Transcripts of all previous School work
• Official transcripts (in a sealed envelope from the previous institution attended) must be sent to the Palm Beach Career Records Office
• B.: Incomplete application packets will not be considered, and PBC reserves the right to deny enrollment, if the School deems that an applicant’s proof of graduation cannot be authenticated or verified.

Delivery Mode

This program is on campus

Program Minimum Hours Requirements

The minimum clock hours required for graduation: 605

Graduation Requirements

A diploma will be issued to each student who successfully completes the program requirements and satisfies graduation requirements below:

• Student has a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Student has completed and passed all required externship hours
• Student is current with financial obligations to the School
• Student has met with the Career Services department for assistance with job placement or provides documentation of employment
• Student has completed an Exit Interview
• Student has completed the Graduation Clearance form and submitted it to the Registrar at least 60 days before the last day of class

Wages/Salaries & Employment Trends

In Florida:

Wage data for Health Technologists and Technicians.

• Workers on average earn $37,420.
• 10% of workers earn $31,400 or less.
• 10% of workers earn $63,800 or more.

In the United States:

Wage data for Health Technologists and Technicians.

• Workers on average earn $44,990.
• 10% of workers earn $32,140 or less.
• 10% of workers earn $76,760 or more.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data:   https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2099.08?st=FL

Program Start Dates

FALL 2023

SPRING 2024

WINTER 2024

SUMMER 2024

*Note: Classes scheduled on holidays will be made up in other regularly scheduled classes unless otherwise noted on individual course syllabi. The calendar dates are subject to change. Please call for more information