Patient Care Technician Program Goals and Objectives

The Patient Care Technician (PCT) program provides students with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to enter the healthcare field as patient care technicians in hospitals, community health facilities, and the patient’s primary residence. Patient care technicians work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to oversee and monitor patients. As vital members of the healthcare team, they provide direct patient care and comfort measures, take patients’ vital signs, collect specimens, and much more.

The objectives of the PCT program are:

• Reading and Written Communication: Students will demonstrate competency in reading and writing.
• Oral Communication: Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills that incorporate emotional intelligence, empathy, and civility. 
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning: Students will apply critical thinking and the knowledge gained in their degree programs for better decision-making informed by:
  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Scientific Reasoning
• Knowledge and Skills for Living in a Diverse Society: Students will respect multiple perspectives and cultural contexts when making decisions independently or as part of a team.
• Information Literacy: Students will be able to locate, evaluate, and ethically utilize reliable information, empowering them as informed and responsible citizens.
• Integration of Learning: Students will develop the ability to make connections between different academic studies and specialized professional skills leading to more informed, creative, and productive decisions in life and career.
• Provide students with a solid foundation in general sciences to provide safe and effective care across the life span to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively with members of the healthcare team to provide patient care and manage medical emergencies.
• Ensure students enter the workforce as qualified and technically skilled healthcare professionals in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills required for pursuing professional certification offered in the field including certified patient care technician (CPCT), certified electrocardiography technician (CET), and/or certified phlebotomy technician (CPT).
• Educate students regarding the ethical, legal, and professional principles of the healthcare profession and the scope of their practice as a patient advocate.
• Instruct students to employ HIPAA, OSHA, Standard Precautions, and other infection control measures in the healthcare setting.
• Prepare students to effectively interact with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team in a therapeutic and professional manner.