Patient Care Technician

Program Description

The Patient Care Technician program is a non-credit accelerated training program that combines 6-7 weeks of classroom instruction with 3-4 weeks of clinical practice. Classroom instruction involves a combination of face-to-face lectures and skill labs at an STLCC campus, as well as independent online activities. Hands-on skill labs include a Healthcare Provider Basic Life support course through the American Heart Association. The clinical practice takes place at partnering hospital locations. This training program satisfies the requirement of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel. A strict attendance policy is enforced throughout this training.

Program Goal

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) work alongside nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care in a hospital setting. A patient care technician provides patient care under direct nursing supervision. Typical work activities include attending to patients’ comfort, hygiene and meals; checking temperatures and vital signs; helping patients keep room and beds clean; assisting with patient mobility; and reporting any changes in patients’ demeanor or agility to the nurses or physicians on duty. 

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
  • William J. Harrison Education Center

Program Requirements

Enrollment for the PCT program is selective. All candidates that apply will be required to meet the following eligibility requirements. Candidates will be provided instructions to complete their eligibility steps after they have submitted their application and completed the online presentation.

Before you apply you must:
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
After you apply you will be required to:
  • Complete the PCT online presentation
  • Register with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry
  • Meet required benchmarks on healthcare fit and workplace readiness assessments
  • Demonstrate academic and career readiness
  • Complete interviews with STLCC and clinical partner staff
  • Pass a criminal background check, drug screen panel, and physical exam with documented proof of immunizations or titers

Technology Requirements

The PCT training is currently being delivered in a hybrid format. Students will need the following technology to participate in the program:

  • Desktop or laptop computer with an updated operating system (e.g. Windows, Mac, Linux). NOTE: Cell phones and tablets will not be sufficient for completing the coursework requirements in this program.
  • Webcam and microphone.
  • Reliable, high-speed internet connection.
  • Updated Internet browser (Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
  • Adobe Reader or alternative PDF reader (free).
  • Microsoft Office. Students have access to MS Office 365 for free with their student email.

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.

Clinical and Field Work

Some degree and certificate programs offered by the college require students to obtain clinical learning experience as part of their course work. Hospitals and health facilities may mandate that a criminal background check and/or drug screening check be conducted prior to placement in a clinical setting and as part of an employer’s screening process. Students not passing these checks may be prohibited from participating in the clinical learning experience, thus rendering the student ineligible to satisfactorily meet the course/program requirements, and/or ineligible for hire.

Interested in this program?

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