Certified Patient Care Technician

Certified Patient Care Technicians (CPCTs) work in hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, assisted-living and nursing homes. They provide safe and appropriate basic patient care, as delegated by a licensed nurse, to assist patients in achieving established outcomes. They perform comfort measures; assist patients with activities of daily living (e.g. basic hygiene, toileting, nutrition); collect data points (e.g. vital signs, EKGs, pulse oximetry, phlebotomy, blood glucose monitoring) provide information utilized in assessment; perform direct patient observation; report changes in patient conditions and reinforce patient education.

Program Description

This program is designed for entry-level students or for certified nurse aides or LPNs who want to add to their skill set. The CPCT Certificate can help you advance your skills, increase your earning power, and provide you with opportunities within the health care sector. CPCTs provide direct patient care and are valued members of the health care team in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics and long-term care facilities.

To earn the CPCT Certificate from Tunxis, you must successfully complete the following:

• Certified Nurse Aide program (or provide proof of current CNA certification or LPN licensure)
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician program (must be taken at Tunxis)
• EKG Certification course (must be taken at Tunxis)
• Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid (must be taken at Tunxis)

The Essential Job Skills & Career Development course is required to receive a certificate of completion for the CPCT program. This course is taken simultaneously with Certified Phlebotomy Tech or CNA.

Admission Requirements

• Submit program registration forms and health forms
• Must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED

Please be advised that if you have been convicted of a felony, you may not be eligible for clinical experiences, internships, externships or certifications associated with certain allied health courses or programs. Those with previous convictions may also find it difficult to secure employment within a health care setting.

Additional Requirements for Completion

• Successful completion of the Essential Job Skills & Career Development Course

Registration

Certified Patient Care Technician Application

Transfer Credits

Students who have successfully completed the Certified Patient Care Technician Program are eligible to receive college credit through the Connecticut Credit Assessment Program administered by Charter Oak State College.

Credits may be used at Charter Oak State College or transferred to another school by setting up a credit registry with Charter Oak (Any transfer credit is at the discretion of the institution).

For more information, visit: Charter Oak’s Credit Registry site

Time Commitment

This is a 3-to 5-month course that meets for 275 hours, two to three days per week (depends on courses taken). Classroom instruction and lab is held at the college; clinical is held at facilities within our college service area.

• CNA Program – offered 2 days per week, Monday evenings for lecture, day, evening or Saturdays for lab/clinical. (Essential Job Skills & Career Development offered during this course)
• Certified Phlebotomy Program – offered during the day (Mondays & Tuesdays) & evenings (Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays) (Essential Job Skills & Career Development offered during this course)
• EKG & Pulse Oximetry – offered on 5 consecutive Thursday evenings
• Healthcare Provider CPR – offered once a semester during the day

Payment Information

Total cost for the CPCT program is $5,347. Without the CNA program, cost is $3,696 (prices subject to change).

• Total cost includes tuition, administrative fee, books, uniforms, Essential Job Skills & Career Development course and examination fees.
• Optional Certified Phlebotomy Externship (24-40 hours) fee: $285. Open to present and Phlebotomy refresher students.
• WIOA and CT SNAP approved. Payment plan available.

Employment Outlook

CPCTs may work nights, weekends, evenings, and or holidays, but are usually paid a differential for working off hours or holidays. The need for CPCTs is expected to grow at a faster than average rate through 2026.