Patient Care Technician Program

Advance your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification! The 12-week Patient Care Technician (PCT) program provides training in the review of anatomy and physiology of major body systems, medical terminology, legal/ethical issues, skills training in catheter care, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, glucose monitoring, basic wound care, and more. Once completed, the skills obtained can be transitioned into a career at a location hospital.

Steps to Become a Patient Care Technician

1. Must have an active, certified nurse assistant (CNA) license
2. Must be in good standing with the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
3. Take and pass the Reading Accuplacer Test, scoring a 236 or higher
4. Register for both PCT Part 1 and PCT Part 2
5. Pay for the course
6. Successfully complete the program
7. Become eligible to complete the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) PCT state exam upon successful completion

Program Costs

• HES-706 PCT Part 1: $525
• HES-707 PCT Part 2: $625
• PCT Textbook: "Townsend Fundamental Concepts and Skills for the Patient Care Technician"
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card approved by the American Heart Association
• Recent PPD/TB skin test, COVID-19 vaccination card, and recent flu vaccine
• NHA PCT State Exam

Patient Care Technician Apprenticeship

The Prince George’s Community College Patient Care Technician Apprenticeship was established in collaboration with TranZed Apprenticeship Services, Employ PG AIP, the Health Wellness and Hostility Division, the Nursing Department, and the nursing continuing education program. This partnership ensures training and career offerings to unemployed or under-employed Prince George’s County residents. 

This 6-week program provides training in the review of anatomy and physiology of major body systems, medical terminology, legal/ethical issues, skills training in catheter care, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, glucose monitoring, basic wound care, and more. 

Program Eligibility

1. Must have an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license
2. Must be in good standing with the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
3. Must be a resident of Prince George's County
4. Must complete Employ PG AIP registration
5. Must provide all required documentation requested from apprenticeship services
6. Must be available to complete on-site training at a local hospital

Course Requirements

• HES-729 PCT Apprenticeship Theory
• PCT Textbook: "Townsend Fundamental Concepts and Skills for the Patient Care Technician"
• National Healthcareer Association PCT State Exam (optional)

Contact Information

PCT/CNA Program
Phone: 301-546-0745
Email: wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu