Patient Care Technician
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► Role of the Patient Care Technician (Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide/Allied Health Aide )
► Nursing Assistant Skills
► Basic Anatomy and Physiology
► Illness and disease, including Alzheimer’s disease
► Health Promotion and Wellness
► Basic Nutrition
► Care of the client in facilities and in the home
► Gerontology
► Performance of basic unlicensed Electrocardiograph (ECG/EKG) skills
► Performance of basic unlicensed Phlebotomy skills
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive a certificate for Patient Care Technician. They will be eligible to apply for and take the Florida State Nursing Assistant Certification Exam after completion of the first 165 hours of the program. In addition, upon program completion, a voluntary Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) national examination is available through the National Healthcare Association.
► Nursing Homes
► Hospitals
► Home Health Care
► Clinics
► Doctor’s offices
► Hospice/Palliative Care
► Rehabilitation Centers
► Mental Health Facilities
► Other Health Care Centers
► The following table illustrates the program structure:
Course # | OCP | Course Name | Hours |
HSC 0003 | A | Basic Healthcare Worker | 90 |
HCP 0121 | B | Nursing Aide and Orderly (Articulated) | 75 |
HCP 0332 | C | Advanced Home Health Aide | 50 |
HCP 0020 | D | Patient Care Assistant | 75 |
HCP 0016 | E | Allied Health Assistant | 150 |
MEA 0580 | F | Advanced Allied Health Assistant | 100 |
PRN 0094 | G | Patient Care Assistant | 60 |
Reading 10.0 Math 10.0 Language 10.0
► Check with Student Services.
Clinical hours may vary, depending on clinical site availability.
8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Takes approximately 6 months to complete)
Clinical hours may vary, depending on clinical site availability.
Q. Why do I need to have background screening done prior to admission?
A. The Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations mandates that students applying for entrance into any health science program which includes clinical experience in a health care facility must undergo a Level 2 criminal background check and drug screening. The results of these screenings may prevent the applicant from entering the program.
Q. Why do I need to have a Social Security Number to take Nursing Assistant/HHA or Practical Nursing Program?
A. If you do not have a valid SSN, you will encounter difficulties with State Licensing agencies and Registries.
Q. If I have already completed an approved Nursing Assistant Program, can I get credit for it?
A. Yes! As long as you have proof of having completed an approved 165 hour Nursing Assistant program, in the past 2 years. If the CNA certificate was obtained more than 2 years ago, validation of CNA 165 hr certification plus proof of current full time employment as a CNA will be required.
Q. Once I complete the CNA part of the Program, do I have to obtain a Certified CNA license in order to be employed as a CNA?
A. Your job opportunities will be much better if you go for the licensing exam and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. According to State Guidelines, Nursing Assistants do not need to be licensed except to work in nursing homes, unless it is a condition for employment in other institutions.
Q. If I have a CNA license or LPN License, do I have to get a Home Health Aide Certificate to get a job with a Home Health agency?
A. Many Home Health Agencies will hire personnel without the HHA training as long as they have a license and can prove that their training was received by a program that is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Q. Do you have attendance and grade requirements?
A. The student must maintain attendance at 90% or better and maintain a grade of 80% or better or they will be dismissed from the program. There are no excused absences in these programs. In addition, chronic attendance issues, including absences, tardiness and leaving early may result in dismissal from the program.
Q. Once I am accepted, when do I have to submit completed paperwork for the Health Screenings, CPR and Criminal Records/drug screening requirements of the PCT and Practical Nursing Programs?
A. All required paperwork for health screenings, CPR and Criminal records/Drug screening must be submitted prior to your first day of class.