Are you searching for a patient care technician program in the Houston area to jumpstart your healthcare career? Alvin Community College, while located just outside of Houston, offers a comprehensive Patient Care Technician (PCT) program designed to equip you with the essential skills and certifications needed to excel in this rewarding field. This hybrid program provides a flexible learning environment and prepares you for immediate employment in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities across the Houston metropolitan area.
Become a Certified Patient Care Technician, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist
The Alvin Community College PCT program stands out by offering not just one, but three valuable certifications within a single program. Upon successful completion of the courses, you will be prepared to take the certification exams administered by the National Health Career Association (NHA) in:
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A): Master the core skills to assist patients with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and provide crucial support to nurses and physicians in various healthcare settings.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT): Gain expertise in blood collection techniques, including venipuncture and capillary punctures, essential for laboratory work and patient care.
- Certified EKG Technician (CET): Develop proficiency in performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), interpreting basic cardiac rhythms, and understanding cardiovascular anatomy and physiology.
This multi-certification approach significantly enhances your resume and makes you a highly competitive candidate in the Houston healthcare job market.
Program Requirements and Enrollment
To enroll in the Alvin Community College Patient Care Technician program, candidates must meet the following essential criteria:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
- Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective oral and written English communication skills.
- Computer Literacy: Possess basic computer skills and have access to email for online modules.
- Physical Requirements: Be physically capable of standing for extended periods, maneuvering in confined spaces, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Background Screening: Successfully complete the Viewpoint Screening process. Access to a laptop or desktop computer is highly recommended for online coursework.
Apply for Admission to the program by selecting “PCT Application” under Topic Code. Completing the multi-certificate Patient Care Technician program is strongly encouraged to maximize career opportunities. Ensure your Viewpoint Screening is completed before registration. A CEWD representative will guide you through the subsequent registration steps. Please note that full payment is required at the time of registration.
Course Breakdown and Schedule at ACC West
All classes for the Patient Care Technician program are conveniently held at ACC West, making it accessible for students in and around the Houston area. The program consists of three core courses:
Electrocardiography (CEECRD 1011)
This course provides a foundational understanding of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, focusing on basic electrocardiography procedures and the interpretation of common heart rhythm abnormalities. You will learn appropriate treatment modalities and gain hands-on skills in EKG techniques. (32 hours)
| Course Name | Dates | Times | Days | Location | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrocardiography CEECRD 1011 HY01 | 04/22/25-05/17/25 | Hybrid | TBD | ACC West | D. Fernandez |
Cost: In-District $932 | Out-of-District $967
Phlebotomy (CEPLAB 1023)
This comprehensive phlebotomy course focuses on developing proficiency in various blood collection methods. You will learn proper techniques and standard precautions for using vacuum collection devices, syringes, butterfly needles, and capillary skin puncture methods. The curriculum covers blood collection on diverse patient populations, including adults, children, and infants, as well as blood culture and specimen collection. (80 hours)
| Course Name | Dates | Times | Days | Location | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phlebotomy CEPLAB 1023 HY02 | 05/12/25-06/28/25 | Hybrid | TBD | ACC West | D. Fernandez |
Cost: In-District $1340 | Out-of-District $1375
Patient Care Technician (CENUPC 1020)
The Patient Care Technician course provides specialized training, skills, and knowledge to excel as a PCT in acute care settings. You will learn to assist patients with activities of daily living, accurately measure vital signs, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare staff. Please note that certification as both an EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician through the National Health Career Association is a prerequisite for enrolling in this course. (96 hours)
| Course Name | Dates | Times | Days | Location | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Care Tech CENUPC 1020 HY01 | 06/01/25-07/12/25 | Hybrid | TBD | TBD | D. Fernandez |
Cost: In-District $1474 | Out-of-District $1509
Launch Your Healthcare Career in Houston
Graduates of the Patient Care Technician program are in high demand in the Houston healthcare sector. With three certifications and comprehensive training, you will be well-prepared to provide essential patient care and support in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the region. Take the first step towards a fulfilling and stable healthcare career by enrolling in the Patient Care Technician program at Alvin Community College today!
