Are you looking for Patient Care Technician Programs Near Me? Becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a rewarding and quick pathway into the healthcare industry. PCTs play a vital role in patient care teams, working under the guidance of nurses and physicians to provide essential support and direct patient assistance. If you’re seeking a fast-paced, hands-on healthcare career, consider enrolling in a Patient Care Technician program.
Patient Care Technicians are in high demand, and for good reason. They are the backbone of many healthcare facilities, ensuring patients receive compassionate and efficient care. PCTs are responsible for a range of tasks, from assisting patients with daily needs to performing crucial clinical procedures. These procedures can include drawing blood (phlebotomy) and conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs), skills that differentiate them from Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR) offers an intensive Patient Care Technician program designed to equip you with the skills and certifications needed to excel in this field. This program is structured to be completed in just 5 weeks, making it one of the fastest routes to starting your healthcare career.
A group of patient care technician students in a classroom setting, learning practical skills, representing patient care technician programs near me.
BHCLR Patient Care Technician Program: Key Highlights
Here are some fast facts about the Patient Care Technician program at BHCLR:
- Accelerated Program Length: Complete your training in just 5 weeks.
- Flexible Cohort Schedules: Multiple start dates throughout the year, with Spring and Fall cohorts available. For 2025, Spring cohorts start in January, February, March, and May. Fall cohorts begin in July, August, September, and November.
- Full-Time Commitment: The program runs 5 days a week, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, ensuring comprehensive training in a short period.
- Certification Eligibility: Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Patient Care Technician Certification exam through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
- Career Advancement Pathway: Graduates of the BHCLR PCT program receive preferred admission consideration for BHCLR’s Nursing and Practical Nursing programs, offering a clear path for career growth in nursing.
Application Deadlines and Requirements
BHCLR operates on a rolling admissions cycle, encouraging prospective students to apply early. Here are the application deadlines for the upcoming cohorts:
| Spring Cohort Start Date | Application Deadline | File Completion Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2025 | November 1, 2024 | November 15, 2024 |
| February 17, 2025 | November 1, 2024 | November 15, 2024 |
| March 31, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| May 12, 2025 | February 1, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |
| Fall Cohort Start Date | Application Deadline | File Completion Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| July 7, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| August 18, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| September 29, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 15, 2025 |
| November 10, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | August 15, 2025 |
To apply for the Patient Care Technician program, you must have a high school diploma or GED and meet the specified application deadlines. Complete application requirements are available on the MyBHCLR portal.
PCT vs. CNA: Understanding the Difference
While both Patient Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistants provide direct patient care, their roles and responsibilities differ. PCTs possess a broader skillset, including the ability to perform EKGs and phlebotomy, and assist with more complex procedures. CNAs often work in long-term care facilities, whereas PCTs are commonly found in hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialized units like rehabilitation and intensive care. Choosing a PCT program opens doors to a wider range of acute care settings.
Launch Your Healthcare Career Today
The BHCLR Patient Care Technician program provides a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty and comprehensive student support services. It’s an excellent entry point into healthcare and can serve as a stepping stone to further education in nursing or other allied health fields. Furthermore, qualified students may have the opportunity to receive full tuition and fees coverage in exchange for a work commitment at Baptist Health facilities.
If you are searching for patient care technician programs near me, consider the program at Baptist Health College Little Rock. It’s a fast, efficient, and career-focused path to becoming a vital part of the healthcare team.
Apply Now! for the Patient Care Technician program and take the first step towards your healthcare career. For any inquiries, contact Courtney Walthall at [email protected].
