A patient care technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who provides direct care and assistance to patients in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

In addition to these responsibilities, PCTs often provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the challenges of illness or hospitalization. They need to demonstrate good communication skills, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to care.

The specific duties and scope of practice for patient care technicians may vary depending on the healthcare facility and the state's regulations. Some PCTs may receive specialized training to work in specific areas, such as dialysis units or operating rooms.

​​Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Training Program

What is a CPCT/Patient Care Technician?

What does a CPCT/PCT do?

  • Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs): PCTs help patients with their personal care needs, including bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. They may also assist with mobility and transferring patients between beds and wheelchairs.


  • Collecting specimens: PCTs are responsible for collecting various specimens, such as urine or blood samples, as requested by healthcare providers. They ensure proper labeling and transport of specimens to the laboratory for analysis.


  • Assisting during medical procedures: PCTs may assist healthcare professionals during procedures, such as wound dressings, catheter insertions, or minor surgical interventions. They help set up the necessary equipment, ensure a sterile environment, and provide support to patients during the procedure.


  • Patient monitoring: PCTs keep a close watch on patients' conditions and report any significant changes or concerns to the healthcare team. They may also assist in the implementation of care plans, including medication administration or rehabilitation exercises.


  • Maintaining patient records: PCTs document patient information, care provided, and observations accurately and in a timely manner. They ensure that medical records are up to date and easily accessible to the healthcare team.

This program costs $5,436.50.  The fees are listed below.
     Tuition: $3,787.50
     Administation Fee: $150

     Online Platform, Supplies & Instructional Materials: $1,301
     Liability Insurance: $38
     Certification Exam: $160

IHCA’s CPT Training is a 300-hour Program, that encompasses the fundamental theories and skills need to be successful in the nursing profession. The course prepares students to sit for the national certification exam for Phlebotomy Technician. Training is divided into three parts – Academic Instruction (online or in-person), Skills Training (in-person in our lab and classroom) and Clinicals (in-person practicum in a chosen facility).

    ECG/EKG Skills

  • Preparing patients: EKG technicians greet and prepare patients for the procedure. They explain the process, answer any questions, and ensure that patients are comfortable and at ease.


  • Applying electrodes: EKG technicians are skilled in placing electrodes on the patient's chest, arms, and legs, following specific placement guidelines. These electrodes detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart.


  • Operating EKG equipment: EKG technicians are trained to use and maintain the EKG machine. They attach the leads from the electrodes to the machine and adjust the settings as necessary to obtain accurate readings.


  • Recording electrocardiograms: EKG technicians perform the actual electrocardiogram test by monitoring the patient's heart rhythm and recording it on a strip of graph paper or electronically. They ensure that the quality of the recorded data is clear and free from artifacts.

IHCA's CPCT/Patient Care Technician Training Program

​Additional costs of $265 may be incurred for items listed below.

     Watch w/Seconds Hand: up to $25

     PPD Examination: up to $75
     CPR & First Aid Certification: up to $65
     White Shoes for Clinicals: up to $100


When are classes held?
Primarily, we offer Hybrid classes which are offered in daytime and in the evening. With enough interest, an in-person class can be scheduled. Each schedule listed below will rotate between online, self-paced instruction and in-person skills and clinicals. Typical Hybrid classes are described below.


Hybrid (Online & In-Person) Daytime Classes

  • Full-Time (5 Days/Week) -- The Full-Time, Daytime Hybrid classes are 10 weeks long, 6 hours per day and are held during the work week, Monday through Friday. The In-Person days will be held from 8:30a to 3:30p.
  • Part-Time (3 Days/Week) -- The Part-Time, Daytime Hybrid classes are almost 17 weeks long, 6 hours per day and will be scheduled any 3 days between Monday - Saturday. The In-Person days will be held from 8:30a to 3:30p.


Hybrid (Online & In-Person) Evening Classes

  • Part-Time (4 Week Days in the Evening & Saturday) -- The Part-Time, Evening Hybrid classes are almost 17 weeks long and held during the work week, Monday through Friday, and Saturday. The In-Person days will be held from 5:00p to 9:30p during the work week and 8:30a to 3:30a on Saturday.

 

When are the next scheduled classes? The classes are posted on our home page. If you need to know if we have additional dates, please contact Kissiah Moore at kissiah@infinitehcacademy.com or call 404-913-1948.


How do I apply to the CPT Program?

To apply to the program, please fill out our online application. If you have any issues, please contact Kissiah Moore at kissiah@infinitehcacademy.com or call 404-913-1948.

  • Adhering to Safety and Infection Control: Phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of infections and maintain a clean and sterile environment. They use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, and dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.


  • Documentation: Phlebotomists record patient information, such as their name, date of birth, and medical history, accurately. They also document the details of the blood collection procedure, including the site of collection, the quantity of blood drawn, and any complications or reactions.


  • Quality Assurance: Phlebotomists ensure the accuracy and quality of blood samples by carefully following standard operating procedures and maintaining quality control measures. They may also assist in the identification and resolution of problems related to sample collection or handling.Type your paragraph here.

The primary role of a CPCT/Patient Care Technician is to support the healthcare team in delivering quality patient care. CPCT/Patient Care Technicians work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or other healthcare and research professionals. Key responsibilities of a CPCT/Patient Care Technician are split between three skill sets - Advanced CNA, Phlebotomy and EKG skills.The list of responsibilities are listed below:


    Advanced CNA Skills 

  • Vital signs monitoring: PCTs measure and record patients' vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate. These measurements help in assessing a patient's overall health and detecting any changes or abnormalities.
  • Analyzing results: EKG technicians review the recorded electrocardiogram to identify any abnormalities or irregularities in the heart's electrical activity. While they do not diagnose conditions, they may flag any potential issues for further review by a physician or cardiologist.


  • Assisting during stress tests: In some cases, EKG technicians may assist during stress tests or exercise electrocardiograms. They monitor the patient's heart activity while they perform physical activities to assess how the heart responds to exertion.


  • Maintaining records and equipment: EKG technicians are responsible for accurately documenting patient information, test results, and any pertinent observations. They also ensure that the EKG equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated, and in good working condition.

    Phlebotomy Skills

  • Blood Collection: Phlebotomists are skilled in venipuncture, which involves using a sterile needle to puncture a vein and collect blood samples. They select appropriate veins, cleanse the puncture site, and draw blood using the appropriate technique.


  • Patient Interaction: Phlebotomists interact with patients to help them feel comfortable during the blood collection process. They explain the procedure, answer questions, and address any concerns or anxieties patients may have.


  • Specimen Labeling and Processing: After collecting blood, phlebotomists label the samples accurately to ensure proper identification. They may also process the samples by centrifuging them to separate blood components or preparing them for transportation to the laboratory.


  • Maintaining Equipment and Supplies: Phlebotomists are responsible for ensuring that their equipment, such as needles, tubes, and gloves, is sterile and in proper working condition. They may also stock and organize supplies, maintain inventory, and dispose of medical waste safely.