Patient Care Technician Certificate - (Not Accepting New Students)

Return to: Programs of Study by Degree

Program Start Date: Fall, spring, and spring, fall
Minimum Program Length: 30 academic weeks; 2 consecutive terms; 29 credits
Curriculum Code: 712252

NOTE: This program is currently under review and not accepting new students.

Program Description

The Patient Care Technician Certificate is a credit program taken in the Academic Affairs area. Students in the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certificate Program learn special advanced foundational skills such as phlebotomy, glucose monitoring, EKG, urinary catheterization, sterile dressing changes and various specimen collection.

Practical Experience

Students gain interpersonal, comprehensive technical skills through clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities.

Professional Opportunities

Patient Care Technicians (PCT) may be employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes or long term care facilities. The role of the PCT continues to evolve and expand. This profession is a good pathway into nursing or other health care professions. As an unlicensed health care professional, a PCT works under the supervision of physicians and other licensed health care personnel.

Unique Aspects

Students taking this credit program may be eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA), scholarships or other financial aid. Check with the SCC Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility for financial aid while taking this program. If you are interested in ONLY receiving CEUs, check with Corporate and Community Education (CCE) to inquire about the availability of the Patient Care Technician courses which are not eligible for financial aid. A criminal background investigation (CBI) and drug testing are required at student expense for each Health and Human Services student who has been accepted into a Spartanburg Community College curriculum program of study. For more information, please visit the Criminal Background Investigations and Drug Testing Policy section of the SCC webpage.

By the end of the first semester, students must obtain their nursing assistant certification (CNA) from the state of South Carolina in order to register and progress into the subsequent semesters of the program. Patient Care Technicians have excellent job prospects, and opportunities in the field are expected to increase rapidly over the next several years with the changing client demographics. Patient Care Technicians (PCT) may earn $18,000 - $35,000 annually; depending on the area which he/she goes to work.

EEDA Career Cluster:

Health Sciences