The Patient Care Technician Program is crafted to cultivate the necessary personal qualities and professional abilities that are required for students to perform effectively as entry-level patient care technicians. Throughout the 35-week course, students engage with a curriculum that covers critical areas such as emergency room protocols, phlebotomy, ECG, and hemodialysis. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory and real-world externship experiences, providing a comprehensive learning journey. Upon completion, graduates are recognized with a certificate, affirming their readiness to serve in the healthcare sector with both proficiency and compassion. Prerequisites: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or successfully complete the Nursing Assistant program and obtain a NAC/CNA. Program Objective. The Patient Care Technician Program is meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the healthcare field. This comprehensive 35-week program, consisting of 31 credits, integrates theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory experience, and real-world externship to prepare students for a successful career in patient care. The program begins with 'Study Skills' (1 credit), offering 15 hours of theory to sharpen learning techniques, essential for the rigorous academic and professional journey ahead. Students will delve into 'Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology' (3.5 credits), dedicating 55 hours to understanding the human body and the language of medicine, forming a critical foundation for all healthcare professionals. 'Computer Basics' (0.5 credits) provides 15 hours of lab instruction, ensuring that students are adept at utilizing technology, an indispensable tool in today's healthcare environment. 'Math Fundamentals' (1 credit) encompasses 20 hours of theory, reinforcing the mathematical skills necessary for accurate medication administration and data interpretation. The 'CPR and First Aid' course (0.5 credits) combines 10 hours of theory with 5 hours of lab practice, certifying that students are prepared to respond to emergency situations with lifesaving interventions. In 'Phlebotomy' (2 credits), students will engage in 15 hours of theory and 30 hours of lab practice, learning to perform blood collection procedures proficiently. 'Infection Control' (0.5 credits) provides 10 hours of theory and 5 hours of lab, teaching students crucial practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The 'Emergency Room Technician' course (2 credits) offers 15 hours of theory and 30 hours of lab experience, training students to function effectively in high-pressure emergency settings. 'General Systems Pathology' (0.5 credits) with 10 hours of theory and 5 hours of lab, helps students recognize and understand various disease processes. 'Medical Documentation' (1 credit), involving 15 hours of theory, teaches students the importance of accurate and confidential patient record-keeping. 'Specific Systems Pathology' (1.5 credits) comprises 15 hours of theory and 15 hours of lab, allowing students to study diseases affecting particular bodily systems in greater detail. In 'Electrocardiography' (4 credits), students spend 45 hours in theory and 30 hours in lab, mastering the techniques of EKG testing and interpretation. 'Renal Anatomy and Physiology' (1 credit), with 15 hours of theory, focuses on the renal system, which is vital for those specializing in dialysis. 'Communication' (2 credits) includes 30 hours of theory, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in healthcare settings. 'Hemodialysis Equipment and Water Treatment' (1.5 credits) consists of 15 hours of theory and 15 hours of lab, instructing students on the maintenance and operation of dialysis equipment. The 'Principles and Practices of Hemodialysis' (2.5 credits) course offers 30 hours of theory and 15 hours of lab, educating students on the procedures and patient care involved in dialysis. Finally, the 'Externship' (6 credits) immerses students in a clinical setting with 280 hours of hands-on experience, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. In total, the program encompasses 315 hours of theoretical instruction, 165 hours of laboratory experience, and a 280-hour externship, amounting to 760 hours dedicated to developing proficient patient care technicians. Upon completion, students will be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to healthcare teams, equipped with a blend of knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience. The program's objective is to create a learning environment that not only imparts essential competencies but also fosters a commitment to compassionate and ethical patient care.