Program Overview
Note: This is an in-person course that uses an online platform (D2L) for assignments or supplemental materials. Reliable access to the internet and a computer is required.
Certification: Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Important: This is a non-credit program, and federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, does not apply.
Complete the WCE Short Form
All students must complete the WCE Short Form, even if they have previously attended a WCE course or are a current Temple College student. This is the first required step in the application process and cannot be skipped.
Complete Short FormPrepare All Required Documents
Refer to the Clinical Requirements Checklist for a list of all required documents. Ensure all documents are complete and up to date. If any are missing or expired, update or obtain them before proceeding. Health records must show your name, date of birth, and the administering provider.
Purchase Screening Package
Once all required documents are gathered, purchase the screening package (Background Check and Document Tracker).
Purchase Screening PackageUpload All Required Documents
Upload all the required documents to your document tracker in Complio. Once all documents are approved, proceed to the next step.
- If you have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine or cannot provide proof, request the Heplisav-B series (a two-dose series, completed in one month). The first dose must be administered by December 14, 2025. Note: If you receive the three-dose series, you will not be eligible for this cohort, as it takes six months to complete.
- The Tdap, Influenza (Flu) vaccines, TB test, and BLS Certification must remain valid throughout the program.
- If you need the Varicella or MMR vaccines (two-dose series), start the first dose no later than December 14, 2025.
General Requirements
- A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- 18 years of age or older
- A valid driver's license or state-issued ID
- A Social Security number and the ability to provide proof of it upon request
Background Check Requirements
- Must pass a criminal background check with no infractions that would prohibit employment
Clinical Compliance Requirements
- Must upload documentation of all clinical requirements in Complio
- All documentation must be approved in Complio
- Please refer to the Clinical Requirements Checklist on what must be submitted
Post-Acceptance Requirements
- Pass a drug test
You will receive further instructions on how to complete your drug test 30 days before your clinical start date. Please do not order the drug test without prompt.
Includes: Textbook, Certification Exam, and Drug Test
Additional Costs:
- Hunter-green scrubs
- Document tracker and background check
- AHA BLS Certification course
Multiple funding sources may be available to help reduce your program costs
Schedule
- Due at Registration: $753.75
- 1st Month After Registration: $723.75
- 2nd Month After Registration: $723.75
- 3rd Month After Registration: $723.75
Important: Your tuition must be paid in full at least two weeks before the program ends to receive the exam voucher and Certificate of Completion.
Notification of Acceptance
You will receive an official acceptance email within a week of submitting your application, provided all requirements are completed and spots are available. The email will include payment instructions and orientation details.
Orientation
Your program has a mandatory orientation. The orientation will typically cover: Program expectations, Course schedules, Issuance of textbooks, Q&A with the instructor, clinical coordinator, and/or WCE staff.
Prepare for Class
Before your program begins, ensure you are able to log into the following: Your Temple College Student Email, Your Online Learning Platform (D2L).
Clinicals
Students who are eligible for clinicals are required to complete a drug test at least 14 days before clinicals begin. We will issue the drug test order. You will receive more information closer to the clinical start date.
Program Completion
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and become eligible to sit for your program's certification exam or start the licensure process for your program.
If your account has an outstanding balance, the Certificate of Completion and any applicable exam vouchers will not be issued until the balance is paid in full.
Description
The Patient Care Technician program provides comprehensive training in clinical skills, patient care fundamentals, and healthcare team collaboration. Students learn vital signs monitoring, patient assessment, mobility assistance, personal care support, infection control, and safety protocols. Advanced training includes phlebotomy, specimen collection, and electrocardiography (ECG) procedures. The curriculum covers medical ethics, communication, anatomy and physiology, and cultural competency. Eligible students may complete an 80-hour clinical externship. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) examination.
Course Objectives
- Emphasize essential terms and concepts to reinforce the patient care technician role
- Understand reality-based situations encountered by the patient care technician to encourage you to practice and apply clinical thinking
- Promote step-by-step instructions to crucial skills performed by the patient care technician
- Facilitate a safe and effective approach to care
- Develop the ability to use problem solving skills to support the role as a patient care technician
Course Codes
- HPRS 1006 Essentials of Medical Terminology: 35 contact hours (3.5 CEUs)
- NUPC 1020 Patient Care Technician/Assistant: 96 contact hours (9.6 CEUs)
- NUPC 1060 Clinical - Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide: 80 contact hours (8.0 CEUs)
Attendance Policy
The Patient Care Technician program requires 85% attendance to successfully complete. Attendance will be taken at each meeting.
Student Handbook
The Medical Careers Student Handbook outlines important program policies. We encourage you to read the handbook before applying.
Do I need to take the TSIA to register for this program?
You do not need to take the TSIA to register for this program.
Can I use FAFSA for to pay for this program's tuition?
At this time, students are unable to use federal financial aid to pay for this program's tuition.
Do I need to pass the drug test in order to register?
No, the drug test is a clinical requirement typically completed before you begin clinicals/externships.
Workforce and Continuing Education (WCE) Department
Email: wce@templecollege.edu
Phone: 254.298.8625
Office Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on Fridays
Information in this packet may change. Make sure to bookmark this page to review possible updates or contact us directly.