Patient Care Technician

Program Description

The Patient Care Technician program is a short-term career training followed by clinical practice. The curriculum combines face-to-face lectures, hands-on skill labs and independent online activities. The labs feature the Basic Life Support course for health care providers through the American Heart Association.

By completing this program, you'll learn the skills to collaborate with nurses, physicians and other health care professionals to deliver quality care. You'll be equipped to perform a variety of essential tasks, including:

  • Ensuring patients' comfort, hygiene and dietary needs are met.
  • Monitoring and recording temperatures and vital signs.
  • Maintaining cleanliness in patient rooms and beds.
  • Assisting patients with mobility.
  • Promptly reporting any changes in patients' conditions or behaviors to the attending nurses or physicians.

This training program satisfies the requirement of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in Missouri hospitals. Graduates are eligible to challenge the certified nursing assistant (CNA) exam when working as a UAP.  

Program Schedule 

The PCT program is 9-11 weeks in length. Students should be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Clinical practice hours will include 12-hour shifts at a partnering hospital location. Please see below for more details.

  • Classroom Instruction (5-7 weeks): Mondays through Fridays. Classroom instruction from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at an STLCC campus followed by 3 hours of independent online activities. Skill labs take place one day per week from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at an STLCC campus.
  • Clinical Practice (3-4 weeks): Three 12-hour shifts weekly at a clinical partner location as assigned. May involve weekends.

Program Location

  • STLCC-Forest Park
  • Florissant Valley
  • William J. Harrison Education Center

Admission Requirements

Enrollment for the PCT program is selective. Candidates must apply directly with the employer partner and meet all eligibility requirements to be considered

Before you apply you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Meet the transfer eligibility requirements if currently employed with the employer partner

To apply: 

This earn-as-you-learn program is delivered in partnership with BJC HealthCare.  All interested candidates must apply directly with BJC HealthCare, and only BJC will determine selection.

To get started:

Apply for any open "Patient Care Tech Training" position with BJC HealthCare. No prior patient care experience is needed. Consideration is based on your resume and past employment history. You can check the status of your application in your BJC Careers Portal.

Program Cost

Funding is available for individuals selected for the program. Funding may require a 1–2-year employment commitment to the clinical partner.

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is not Federal Financial Aid/Pell Eligible.

Interested in this program?

Start the enrollment process by visiting the Patient Care Technician page.