This course was incredibly helpful and fulfilling. The material was easy to access and understand. The instructor always provided great feedback.
MEdical Certification
Online Patient Care Technician Certification (CPTC) Program
Become a certified patient care technician in as little as 8 weeks with our online CPCT course.
Program Overview
Become a Certified Patient Care Technician
ACT’s fully online Certified Patient Care Technician course is a self-paced training program that can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. This makes it ideal for health science students who are looking to gain patient care experience prior to applying to nursing, physician assistant (PA), or medical school, or who want to enter the field directly.
After successfully completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take either the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) exam or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exam to earn your nationally accredited patient care technician certification.
Enrollment includes 1 full year of unlimited access to all course materials and support services.
100%
self-paced, online courses
8
In as little as 8 Weeks to complete – start anytime
50+
States where certifications are recognized
What You’ll Learn
Once you enroll in our online patient care technician certification course, you’ll have an expertly planned curriculum at your fingertips that covers much more than basic, foundational knowledge. By the time you complete this course, you’ll know how to:
- Use medical terminology
- Understand human disease processes, anatomy, and physiology
- Communicate with patients effectively and professionally
- Provide exceptional patient care, including assisting with activities of daily living, bathing, feeding, and catheter care
- Take EKG readings and monitor vital signs
- Perform phlebotomy procedures
- Run lab tests and blood glucose tests
- Monitor exercise, nutrition, and diet
- Administer medications
- Assist physicians with minor procedures
What’s Included
Everything You Need to Succeed
- Online course materials, including textbooks, journals, downloadable notes and presentations, practice exams, and more
- 12-months of access to interactive learning materials
- Access to online seminars and community discussion boards
- Interactive classroom videos
- PCT exam study guides and competency assessments
- Expert course instruction
- Interactive patient simulations, including access to a virtual ECG lab
- BLS and cardiovascular life support training
View Pricing and Enroll
Pay in full or enroll in our 0% interest payment plan, which offers a flexible and affordable way to finance your education. Our all-inclusive pricing ensures there are no hidden fees. The first payment is due at sign-up, with the remaining payments billed monthly. Plus, you’ll get instant access to your course, so you can start learning right away!
Learn More About Our PCT Certification Course
Download the course syllabus to see the topics covered in each module, the clinical skills you’ll learn, an assignment breakdown, and more.
OUR ADVANTAGE
Why Choose Advanced eClinical Training?
ACT’s PCT training course is designed to fit into your life and support your journey to an impactful healthcare career.
Flexible, Self-Paced Online Learning
Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials, allowing you to balance training with your personal and professional commitments.
Start Anytime with Instant Access
Skip the traditional academic calendar. At ACT, you can start your training as soon as you’re ready, with all course materials available immediately.
Career-Focused Curriculum
Every course is designed with your future career in mind, ensuring you gain the skills and credentials that employers value most in the healthcare industry.
Nationwide Clinical Placements
Gain real-world experience through our extensive network of clinical partners, offering diverse placements across the country that prepare you for a variety of healthcare settings.
Robust Career Services
From personalized career counseling and resume workshops to exclusive job boards and virtual career fairs, our dedicated team is with you every step of the way—from training to launching your career.
Expert Instructors and Mentors
Learn from experienced professionals and seasoned educators who provide personalized guidance, industry insights, and ongoing mentorship to help you achieve your goals.
Affordable Tuition with No Hidden Fees
Our transparent pricing ensures that your tuition covers everything you need—no surprises or extra costs. We offer various payment options and financial aid opportunities, making quality education accessible and affordable.
Simulation-Based Training
Engage in simulations that closely mimic actual patient cases, enabling you to practice decision-making and clinical skills in a safe setting.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
Graduates earn certifications that are widely recognized by healthcare employers, boosting your credibility and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
Above-Average Pass Rates
Our approach has resulted in above-average pass rates for our graduates. We continuously monitor exam performance and refine our curriculum to ensure that you receive the best preparation possible.
National Exam Fee Included
We cover the cost of your national exam, ensuring you’re fully prepared to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Nationally Recognized
ACT is recognized as an approved provider of medical training programs by the National Healthcareer Association, Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, and the American Medical Certification Association.
Career Assistance
We’re Here to Help You Take the Next Step
Your career in healthcare is just getting started. No matter what step you take next — whether you choose to continue your education or enter the workforce — we have resources to help you put your best foot forward.
Nationally Accredited Certification
Upon successful completion of your program and passing the certification exam, you may earn a nationally recognized certificate issued by a professional certification agency. While certification does not guarantee employment, it is widely accepted by many employers and institutions and may support your pursuit of roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
Career Services
We can help you with your job search, too. In addition to a job board that features open healthcare roles across the country, our Career Center offers assistance with resume writing, review, and interview prep.
Clinical Externship Placements
We offer opportunities for clinical externship placements in healthcare facilities nationwide. Our network of partner healthcare facilities includes hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers, making it possible to place you in a clinical facility that matches your interests and career aspirations.
What Our Students Are Saying
FAQs
What is a certified patient care tech (PCT)?
Certified patient care technicians are healthcare professionals who have completed specialized training and passed a certification exam that validates their ability to assist nurses and doctors in providing direct patient care.
What do PCTs do?
PCTs play a hands-on role in patient care, supporting medical staff by performing tasks such as monitoring vital signs; drawing blood; providing wound care; assisting patients with bathing, feeding, and moving; and documenting patient information. They also help prepare patients for medical procedures and support nurses in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients.
Where can I work as a PCT?
As a PCT, you can work in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. PCTs may also provide specialized care at dialysis centers, emergency departments, or home health agencies.
What is the National Healthcareer Association?
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a leading professional certification organization for healthcare workers in the United States. Today, the organization is the largest allied health certification agency in the country and has awarded over 1 million nationally accredited certifications.
What is the American Medical Certification Association?
The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) is a nationally recognized organization that provides certification for allied healthcare professionals, including patient care technicians. The AMCA offers a variety of certifications that help healthcare workers demonstrate their competency and dedication to their profession, ensuring that certified individuals meet industry standards and have the skills required to deliver quality patient care.
Since this is an online course, how will I develop the clinical skills needed for a career as a PCT?
Our PCT training program uses a clinical simulation platform called SIMTICS to virtually teach students all essential clinical skills. These can include taking vital signs, administering injections, obtaining swabs and cultures, assisting with minor surgical procedures, performing patient assessments, taking thorough medical and medication history, and much more. Additionally, the course includes interactive laboratory assignments, virtual phlebotomy training, and interactive ECG labs. BLS training is also provided (through the American Heart Association) where students learn to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support measures in a virtual environment.
You may also request a venipuncture/injection practice kit — which includes supplies such as a dummy arm, needles, syringes, lancets, requisition orders, vials, and patient prep supplies — to use as you work through virtual clinic simulations.
How long do I have to complete the program?
You have 12 months from the date you enroll to complete this course.
Ready to Start Your Career in Healthcare?
Whether you plan to start working as soon as possible or continue on to medical school, our training programs can help you achieve your goals.
