Patient Care Technician

The Patient Care Assistant/Technician (PCA/T) course is designed to prepare entry-level graduates that promote and protect the health and safety of patients through the delivery of compassionate, quality health care services, and the promotion of health care standards. Specifically, the PCA/T will be able to provide basic patient care skills. Additionally, graduates will have knowledge and skills in medical and surgical asepsis, basis anatomy and physiology, cardiac monitoring, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and interpersonal skills. Graduates of this program are qualified to work under the supervision of licensed professional personnel, and alongside other health care providers in a variety of settings. The graduates are prepared for entry level opportunities in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, long term care and assisted living facilities, hospice, home care, and other health care facilities.

Course Objectives

This course covers a lot of information and the main course objectives to understand:

  • Explain and demonstrate skills necessary to provide patient safety and basic care needs.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations.
  • Explain and demonstrate knowledge of basic infection control procedures and techniques.
  • Describe and adhere to HIPPA guidelines and the general laws and ethical responsibilities of healthcare employees.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and provide culturally competent of therapeutic interpersonal skills with patient/families and professional staff.
  • Identify the structure and function of body systems
  • Identify common disease processes and associated care
  • Attain CPR and First Aide Certifications
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill of phlebotomy and micro chemistry.
  • Provide emotional support to patients and families while performing patient care.
  • Provide care for patients with feeding tubes
  • Recognize and adapt approaches to care for patients with functional limitations.
  • Identify and report changes in the patient’s condition
  • Assist with ostomy care
  • Monitor and record bodily functions
  • Explain, monitor, record, and measure accurately intake and output
  • Identify the various post-operative complications and explain the role of the PCT to prevent post-operative complications.

Course Specific Information

All students are responsible for:

  • Successful completion of random drug screening and background check.  Failure to take or pass the random drug screening or background check will result in immediate dismissal from the program.  (No refunds will be issued for the program.)
  • Required health immunizations. Cost varies based on immunization status.
    • TB Skin Test
    • MMR (two are required within lifetime)
    • Varicella
    • Hepatitis B
    • Flu
    • Tetanus (optional but recommended every ten years)

Clinical Rotations:

  • Clinical partners have different health and vaccination requirements. These are the responsibility of the student and the cost is not included in the registration fee.
    Failure to produce documentation of positive health and vaccination requirements will result in termination from the program without a refund.
  • Clinical rotations will be conducted during “clinic” hours, typically 7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. The last four weeks are blocked off on your schedule during which you will obtain your 96 clinical hours. Students are required to complete 96 hours of clinical externship to successfully complete the program.
  • Clinical sites are assigned by the Clinical Coordinator.  Refusal of assigned clinical site may result in failure of the program.
  • Students must attend 100% of total clinical hours.
  • Transportation to clinical assignment

Certificate

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be eligible to sit for the Patient Care Technician/Assistant Certification (CPCT/A). Also,  a Certificate of Completion will be issued.

Registration Information

Registration can be completed via online, walk-in or postal mail.

Walk-in registration is accepted during our regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Jefferson Campus
2601 Carson Road
George Wallace Hall, Office 202
Birmingham, AL 35215

Shelby-Hoover Campus
4600 Valleydale Road
Health Science Building, Office 432
Birmingham, AL 35242

Course Fee

$999

Schedule

Courses are offered on an ongoing basis and we offer open enrollment. To view a complete schedule, go to the following link: Click Here

Scholarship Opportunities

Career Pathways
Career Pathways allows qualifying students to benefit from activities related to workplace readiness, academic and career counseling, and academic preparation while enrolling in selected Non-Credit Fast Track programs.

Tuition assistance may be available for Adult Education students to assist with registration. Please Click Here to apply

Jeremiah’s Hope
The Jeremiah’s Hope program provides scholarships to students seeking workforce training in high-need essential healthcare fields. Classes will take place across Jefferson State’s four campuses and currently are taking place in a hybrid learning environment. To learn more about these training opportunities, contact Angela Payne, Career Coach, at [email protected] or (205) 856-8040.

WIOA
Local Alabama Career Centers provide WIOA (Workforce Investment Opportunity Act) scholarship opportunities to qualifying students for some workforce training programs. Eligibility is based on various factors, including income. Contact the Birmingham Career Center at 205-582-5200 or Ken King at our career center on site at Jefferson State for more information 205-856-8029 or [email protected].