Patient Care Technician
- WVU Parkersburg
Overview
Patient Care Technician
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) 16-week advanced program prepares a student for employment as a Patient Care Technician in a variety of settings. Patient Care Technicians can work in the hospital, a physician’s office, free-standing clinic and more. The program will also train the student to become a phlebotomist.
The PCT program is approved by the National Health Career Association (NHA). Information can be obtained at www.nhanow.com. At the completion of the program, the student will sit for the NHA Patient Care Technician/Assistant and NHA Phlebotomy Technician certification exams. Earning an NCCA-accredited allied health certification demonstrates a student’s knowledge, dedication and professionalism in the field.
Application To Program
The Nursing and Health Sciences programs have limited enrollment and a selective review process. Students requesting admission to the patient care technician certificate program must first meet the requirements for general admission to the college.
In addition to meeting all general admission criteria for the college, students must complete a separate Nursing and Health Sciences application as well as provide an official copy of their high school transcript or GED and any prior college transcripts. Applications to the Patient Care Technician Certificate Program are available in the Health Sciences Division office or click here.
Additionally, the applicant must be able to engage in educational and training activities in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others, be of a good moral character, and have no history of felony conduct or convictions.
Admission Requirements
- Be a high school graduate or possess a GED.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative college or high school GPA.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete 31 credit hours as outlined in the course of study.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Complete all courses in the curriculum with a grade of a C or better.
- Complete the NHA Patient Care Technician Certification Exam.
- Optional: Completion of the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam (at own expense).
- Complete and file the graduation application, in OLSIS, within the stated deadlines.
Programs
Certificate of Applied Science in Patient Care Technician
The patient care program prepares a student for employment as a patient care technician or to choose a pathway for entry into the nursing program. A patient care technician works alongside other health care professionals to provide hands-on assistance to meet patients’ basic needs.
Careers
What Can I Do With This Degree?
A patient care technician works alongside other health care professionals to provide hands-on assistance to meet the patient’s basic needs. Successful completion of the program prepares the graduate to sit for the national certification exam. The graduate will also be eligible to sit for the phlebotomy technician certification. The graduate will have opportunities for employment in health care facilities such as hospitals, home health agencies, community health agencies, clinics, physician offices and laboratories.
Potential Careers
- Surgical Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Nurse
- Patient Care Technician
Costs
Tuition
Estimated rates for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additional course fees may apply and rates are subject to change.
*Early College fees may differ per program, for example, in Welding and Cosmetology.
| Residency | Per Credit Hour | Per Semester | Fall & Spring Semesters |
|---|---|---|---|
| WV & OH Residents | $188 – $260 | $2,256 – $3,120 | $4,512 – $6,240 |
| Non-Residents | $376 – $401 | $4,512 – $4,812 | $9,024 – $9,624 |
| High School Students | $50 | $600 | $1,200 |
Estimated Costs Of Attendance
Estimated total costs of attendance for students, varied based on residential status and living situation.
| Category | WV & Ohio Residents Living with Parents | WV & Ohio Residents NOT Living with Parents | Non-Residents Living with Parents | Non-Residents NOT Living with Parents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room & Board | $9,144 | $14,544 | $9,144 | $14,544 |
| Transportation | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Tuition & Fees | $5,783 | $5,783 | $10,506 | $10,506 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,173 | $2,273 | $1,173 | $2,273 |
| Total | $20,000 | $26,500 | $24,723 | $31,223 |
Request Information
Kathy Frum
Dean (Nursing & Health Sciences Division)
- Room: 2332
- 304-424-8326
- kathy.frum@wvup.edu