The Patient Care Assistant Program focuses on preparing students as advanced, cross trained nursing assistants, who provide hands-on care to patients and residents in hospitals, homes, Ambulatory Care and Long Term Care facilities. Its purpose is to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills that can be used in a variety of health care settings and age groups. The program is a blend of classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. The content includes but is not limited to: interpersonal skills, medical terminology, legal and ethical responsibilities, basic anatomy and physiology, vital signs, performing basic EKG and Phlebotomy procedures, safe and efficient work, first aid, personal care, light housekeeping, gerontology, rehabilitation and restorative care, nutrition, pet-facilitated therapy, end-of-life care, effective time management , healthy home environments, and career readiness.

Training is aligned with competencies that have been identified as necessary for gainful employment in health care settings. In addition to being trained in basic nursing , home health, geriatrics and specific allied health procedures (phlebotomy and EKG), students enhance their employability by learning about professional conduct, record keeping, finances, labor issues, technology in health care, resume writing, personal learning styles, interview skills, team dynamics, community health issues and the development of strategies to acquire and maintain employment.

Lab activities are designed to provide safe practice with materials, equipment and procedures related to basic health care. In addition, students will learn by using simulated scenarios that challenge them to solve realistic client problems and situations that occur in the workplace.

For nursing assistant certification, a minimum of 40 hours of clinical learning experience is provided, with at least 20 of those occurring in a licensed nursing home. An additional 140+ hours of clinical learning experiences for this program are obtained in the hospital, home setting and other health care centers. It is important that students have reliable transportation to get themselves to their assigned clinical site(s). 

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements. Trainings specific to Alzheimer’s Dementia and Assistance with Self-medication are offered during the program.
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.

► 600 clock hours 

► 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

► TABE Assessment
Reading 10.0      Math 10.0      Language 10.0

►Class schedule varies.
► Check with Student Services.
Clinical hours may vary, depending on clinical site availability.

► Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Takes approximately 6 months to complete)
Clinical hours may vary, depending on clinical site availability.

Students who have successfully completed the PCT program have the opportunity for advance standing in the iTech Practical Nursing Program. If all other eligibilities have been met and the student is accepted to Practical Nursing, the student will be given credit for Basic Healthcare Worker (OCP A) and Articulated Nursing Assistant (OCP B) and will not be required to repeat them in the PN Program.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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.