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New Patient Care Program Keeps Pace With Healthcare Industry

Posted May 29, 2018 at 7:59 am

A new certificate program in Patient Care Technician was approved by our Board of Trustees. This certificate is set to begin this fall, and prepares graduates to be confident members of any healthcare team.

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are multi-skilled allied healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a nurse or a physician. Students that successfully complete the program will be prepared to take certification exams in Phlebotomy and Patient Care Technician.

Graduates are ready to work in a hospital or clinic setting. They will be able to perform duties such as responding to patient calls, assisting patients with personal hygiene, serving meals, assisting with therapies and monitoring vital signs. Other responsibilities consist of drawing laboratory specimens, inserting and removing catheters, performing dressing changes and electrocardiograms (ECGs), and assisting with oxygen therapy.

A Patient Care Technician certificate provides graduates with many career options. They will be best suited for a career as a patient care technician skilled in EKG and phlebotomy, as well as general patient care.

“We are committed to keeping pace with the growing needs of our region’s healthcare industry,” stated Gaynelle Schmieder, Associate Professor of Health Care Professions and Health Sciences Department Chair. “The development and implementation of our Patient Care Technician program is just one step among many. Our ability to address community needs only makes our healthcare programs stronger.”

Other ways that healthcare faculty at Penn Highlands have been meeting and exceeding regional needs is through the new simulation lab, national accreditation of the Medical Assisting Technology degree, and redesigns of programs in Pharmacy Technician and Medical Coding.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.