Online Patient Care Technician School

As a Patient Care Technician, you will enjoy a rewarding career. You'll be a part of the daily hustle and bustle of a busy hospital, doctor's office or long-term care facility. You can play an important role in the lives of patients. Patient Care Technicians are in high demand, and there are many job opportunities all over the country.

Prepare for your Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A) Certification

In addition to earning your Patient Care Technician Certificate through U.S. Career Institute, when you graduate from our online patient care technician school, you’ll be eligible to take your Patient Care Technician Certification (CPCT/A) exam, administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification exams are administered by independent third parties. You are not required to take a certification exam, however, taking this additional step can help you market yourself to potential employers and validate your Patient Care Technician knowledge.

Your CPCT/A exam fee is included in your tuition- up to a $203 value†.

Why Choose Patient Care?

Healthcare is growing! The ever-increasing number of patients and hospital admissions is driving growth in healthcare services. It takes a lot of support to provide quality care for so many people.

Employment in the fast-growing healthcare field offers a wide range of opportunities for excitement, fulfillment and advancement. Every physician's office, hospital, outpatient facility, medical laboratory and nursing care facility needs men and women who know what it takes to help patients, handle records, and assist doctors and nurses with the utmost in caring and service. So whether you want a career as a Patient Care Technician in a hospital, doctor's office or other healthcare facility, our online Patient Care Technician school will start you on the road to your dream job in the dynamic, in-demand healthcare field.

As a Patient Care Technician, you'll be a well-respected professional playing a crucial role in the world of healthcare. You will meet fascinating people and find great satisfaction in working side-by-side with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Want a competitive edge? Take a look at our Medical Specialties Degree Program with low monthly payments of just $139!

How to Become a Patient Care Technician

Step 1:
Earn Your HS Diploma or Equivalent

Step 2:
Research and Verify all State and Local Requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state.

Step 3:
Get Formal Training through an Accredited Institution
While formal training is not required, it can be helpful in seeking employment in this field and it can be challenging to find a doctor that is willing to hire an untrained applicant. Patient Care Technician Programs are available at the Certificate and Associate Degree levels, with both online and on-campus options available. Courses typically cover topics like medical terminology, human anatomy, the taking of vital statistics, patient cleanliness, and first-aid procedures.

Step 4:
Obtain Clinical Experience
If you would like to perform clinical procedures, you will be required to complete an externship in a clinical setting prior to employment.

Step 5:
Obtain Credentialing
While certification is not required in this field, it is highly recommended. Employers are more likely to hire Certified Patient Care Technicians. It shows them you have the knowledge and skills to perform well in a role as a Patient Care Technician. Once you have entered the field it can also be the next step to securing a better paying position. Graduates of USCI’s Patient Care Technician program are eligible to take the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A) exam with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and reimburses graduates who have paid in full.

Step 6:
Start Working
Many employers will offer on-the job training, however the employee must prove mastery of nationally recognized patient care standards.

What You'll Learn During Your Online Patient Care Technician Course

Patient Care Technician What You will Learn

Medical Terminology
Intro to Anatomy
Safety in the Medical Office
Nutrition
Patient Charting 101
Medical Ethics
Patient Care: From Dressing to Feeding Patients
Patient Care: Moving and Assisting Patients
Patient Cleanliness
Vital Signs

For the full Patient Care Technician outline, please visit our Course Outline page.

Patient Care Technician Training That Fits Your Life

In as little as four months you can be a Patient Care Technician. And our self-paced online patient care training means you can study anytime, anywhere. With this online patient care technician certificate course, there are no in-person patient care classes to attend and no schedules to keep. Our Patient Care program will teach you everything you need to know to start working as a Patient Care Technician—no previous medical experience needed.