Patient Care Technician
Trinity’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) the only program in the District of Columbia that offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while preparing to practice in the healthcare workforce as a PCT. Patient Care Technicians provide essential support, form meaningful connections with patients, and enjoy consistent job demand that will only increase as the population ages and requires more care. Becoming certified to work as a Patient Care Technician opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare and can serve as an excellent foundation for future studies in other health professions. This program is offered in conjunction with the School of Professional and Graduate Studies at THEARC.
As a result of successfully completing PCT coursework, students will be able to do the following:
- Sit for the certification exam (this is a national certification exam),
- Continue on and complete the AA in Health Services, CNA/PCT Track.
- Complete the Nursing prerequisites or complete another Health Professions program
If students complete all Nursing prerequisites meeting all criteria, they are guaranteed acceptance into the BSN program.
Program Requirements (9 credits)
NURS 104 Patient Care Technician Lecture
This lecture course builds on the Certified Nurse Aide credential to fulfill the requirement for classroom instruction in preparation for certification as a Patient Care technician in the District of Columbia. Topics will include the Patient Care Technician role; professional, legal, ethical, and safety standards; a review of human development and body systems and their common disorders; and advanced techniques for patient care. Students who successfully complete this course and the lab component will qualify to sit the examination for certification as a Patient Care Technician.
Prerequisites: current certification as a Nurse Aide in the District of Columbia.
3 Credits
NURS 105 Patient Care Technician Lab/Clinical
This course fulfills the District of Columbia requirement for laboratory and clinical instruction in preparation for certification as a Patient Care Technician in the District of Columbia. The focus will be hands-on demonstration and practice of patient care skills while maintaining the legal, ethical and professional standard appropriate to the Patient Care Technician. Students who successfully complete both this course and the classroom component will qualify for examination for certification as a Patient Care Technician.
Pre- or Co-Requisite: CNA certification in the District of Columbia, PCT Lecture course
6 Credits
Program Policies
Transfer Credit Policy: Transfer credits are not accepted for this program.
Stackable Credentials: Trinity PCT courses may be applied to degree programs. Students enrolled in degree programs at Trinity may simultaneously pursue the PCT and these courses will count toward both credentials.
Academic Standing: Students must earn a C or better in all college level courses in order for the courses to count toward the PCT program. Courses in the PCT program are repeatable. Satisfactory academic progress is a criterion for the award of financial aid. Students not making academic progress will be referred to their academic advisor for academic counseling. All other Trinity academic policies and procedures apply to PCT courses.
Course Descriptions