Health Careers Patient Care Tech

Course Description:

This course offers training as a Patient Care Technician (PCT), which includes skills such as basic patient care, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, respiratory care, and sterile technique procedures.  

• PCT’s perform basic medical tasks including measuring and recording vital signs, giving patient care, and supporting physicians and nursing staff.
• Students will learn safety, communications, infection control, Legal/ethical principles, healthcare systems, teamwork, medical terminology, CPR and First aid, employability skills, and basic patient principles. 
• Students practice the skills in the classroom and may be eligible for work experiences in a healthcare facility working with real patients. 
• Qualifying students may have the opportunity to take the certification exam in Patient Care Tech (PCT).
• This course is an acceptable prerequisite for Advanced Healthcare.

Students who would benefit from this program

Students who would benefit from this program are those who enjoy helping others, can think on their feet, are good at problem solving, and are not bothered by medical situations (blood, fluid, & needles.) This is a great intro course to determine if a healthcare career is for you.

Course Outline:

1st Semester: Safety, Infection control, Vital signs, Bed making, Patient grooming/hygiene, Moving/positioning patients, Blood/specimen collections, Communication, Urinary/bowel care, and Electrocardiograms. 

2nd Semester: Physical exams, Nutrition/fluids, Caring for surgical patients, Hot and cold applications, Wound care, rehabilitative care, Caring for women/children, Caring for older patients and patients with chronic diseases, CPR, First Aid, Caring for patients with chronic conditions, Healthcare systems, Legal ethical, End of life care, Admissions and discharges, Medication administration, Anatomy and physiology and Human growth and development.

High School Credit:

High School Credit: Students will earn elective credit at their high school upon completion of this course. Please see a high school counselor (based on district decision) for eligibility towards 4th-year math-related credit, VPAA credit, and waived credits for third year science and second year world language.

College Credit: Several Michigan post-secondary education partners offer direct and articulate credit for this course. For specifics, visit the College & Career Services tab on our website.

Length of Program:

1 year