Online Patient Care Technician Certificate Program
Our self-paced, online Patient Care Technician program will prepare you for certification (CPCT/A) and a role as a Patient Care Technician in as little as 4 months.
- $69/month
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced on phone or computer
- Proven Results: 86% CPCT Pass Rate vs. 77% National Average
- Complete in 4–5 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching & instructor support
- Start learning today—no waiting period
- $69/month
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Proven Results: 86% CPCT Pass Rate vs. 77% National Average
- Complete in 4-5 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
Serving 100,000+ students in the past decade alone.
What You'll Learn
- Human anatomy and physiology, so you can master how the human body works
- Medical terminology and pronunciation so you'll know how to speak the language of health care
- How to care for patients, residents and clients in a professional manner
- Learn safety precautions and regulations, nutritional guidelines and effective communication skills
Request Information
Proven Reputation
A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.
DEAC Accredited
The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Affordable Tuition
Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,279 total) or Pay-in-Full: $979. See full tuition details.
Proven Reputation
A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.
DEAC Accredited
The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Affordable Tuition
Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,279 total) or Pay-in-Full: $979. See full tuition details.
Course Outline
U.S. Career Institute’s Patient Care Technician Classes provide graduates with the skills necessary to professionally perform many essential duties. Students learn the basics of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and disease processes before moving on to clinical skills. The course enables students to care for patients, residents and clients in a professional manner. Students access online virtual labs to visualize clinical skills. These labs provide students with interactive opportunities to familiarize themselves with skills, as well as interact with real-world scenarios to assess and evaluate how to handle such situations. In addition, students learn safety precautions and regulations, nutritional guidelines and effective communication skills.
Quick Facts
-
Lessons: 23
-
Quizzes: 19
-
Complete in as little as 4 months
What's Inside the Course
Beginner-Friendly Lessons
Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.
Engaging Curriculum
Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive exercises, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.
Hands-On Supplemental Learning
All students receive a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope and cover to assist with the Vital Signs content.
Rebecca Gayheart, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, DNP
Patient Care Technician Program Instructor/Course Expert
Meet the Lead Instructor
Rebecca Gayheart earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University, her Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader from Sacred Heart University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berea College, Kentucky. Rebecca most recently completed her DNP from Aspen University in August 2024. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience spanning a large spectrum within the medical profession, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner to nursing instructor and clinical educator. She is currently a clinical educator for Archive Health, where she develops educational materials for NP and PA providers and is a nursing instructor at Southern New Hampshire University.
Rebecca Gayheart, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, DNPt
Patient Care Technician Program Instructor/Course Expert
Meet the Lead Instructor
Rebecca Gayheart earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University, her Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader from Sacred Heart University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berea College, Kentucky. Rebecca most recently completed her DNP from Aspen University in August 2024. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience spanning a large spectrum within the medical profession, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner to nursing instructor and clinical educator. She is currently a clinical educator for Archive Health, where she develops educational materials for NP and PA providers and is a nursing instructor at Southern New Hampshire University.
Program Reviews
I’m happy that I chose U.S. Career Institute where I can study at my own pace. There is plenty of job growth for patient care technicians. I have been a CNA for many years and I’m sure I will flourish in the field of PCT. I’m excited about my new career in becoming a PCT.
Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!
· Get instant
access!
· 5-day money-back
commitment
· $69/month
Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!
Get instant access! · 5-day money-back commitment · $69/month
Career Outlook & Certification
$39,430*
1.4 Million*
2%*
Patient Care Technician Certification
U.S. Career Institutes self-paced online Patient Care Technician training is designed to prepare graduates for the Patient Care Technician Certification (CPCT/A) exam, administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Included with our Patient Care Tech course, we cover the cost of your certification exam, study guide and practice test - a $258 value!†. The certification process is straightforward, and no prior medical experience is required to become a patient care tech.
State 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.
Start an exciting and rewarding career working at hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, hospice, assisted living facilities or long-term living facilities and become a vital part of the medical team.
The average PCT exam pass rate for U.S. Career Institute graduates is 86% vs. the National Average of 77%.**
Tuition & Financing
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your Patient Care Technician education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
5-Day Money-Back Commitment
After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you. Learn more.
Student Support & Coaching
Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching $400 value**.
Learning Materials Included
Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
*Plus one-time $29 application charge..
**First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
How to Enroll
-
1
Provide us with basic information - Our form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level. You must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
-
2
Pay for your tuition: You can pay-in-full or choose our monthly payment plan.
-
3
Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosures
That’s all! It just takes about 5 minutes then you’re ready to start your first lesson.
Questions? Give us a call
866-250-6851
Program FAQs
To become a patient care technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a comprehensive patient care technician training program, earn national certification, and apply for entry-level patient care tech positions.
Typical steps to enter the profession include:
-
1
Prerequisites: Earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
-
2
Education: Enroll and graduate from a patient care technician program that covers patient care, infection prevention, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, and healthcare safety.
-
3
Earn Certification: Pass the Patient Care Technician Certification Exam (CPCT-A) through the National Healthcare Association (NHA).
-
4
Employment: Build a professional resume and apply for entry-level patient care technician positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, clinics, or long-term care facilities.
How U.S. Career Institute Helps You Achieve This:
U.S. Career Institute guides you through every milestone of this career pathway with dedicated support:
-
1
High School Diploma: If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. Career Institute can help with our online high school program! 100% online, you can finish your diploma from the comfort of your home, on your schedule!
-
2
Accredited Education: Our school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensuring your interactive learning modules meet the highest academic standards.
-
3
Certification Included: We prepare you for the Patient Care Technician Certification Exam (CPCT-A) through the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Your tuition covers your exam fees, practice tests, and study materials.
-
4
Proven Student Success: Our graduates achieve a 86% pass rate on the CPCT-A exam, outperforming the national average of 77%.**
-
5
Graduate Career Coaching: Meet 1-on-1 with our career coaches to finalize your resume and practice for job interviews.
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. While certification is not legally required everywhere, many hospitals, healthcare systems, and long-term care facilities prefer or require certified patient care technicians.
U.S. Career Institute prepares students for the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Tuition includes your certification exam fee, study materials, and practice test.
Depending on the program you choose, Patient Care Technician school can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. Online Patient Care programs can take between 3 and 10 months, while an associate degree can take up to 2 years, and on-the-job training can vary.
U.S. Career Institute's self-paced online Patient Care Technician program can be completed in as little as four months, with most students finishing in approximately five months.
Patient care technicians provide direct support to patients under the supervision of nurses and other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities may include taking vital signs, assisting with bathing and dressing, helping patients move safely, collecting specimens, performing EKGs and phlebotomy (depending on training and employer), documenting patient information, and supporting overall patient comfort.
Patient care technicians work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings, where they play an important role in delivering compassionate, hands-on patient care.
Learn more on our blog, What is a Patient Care Technician.
