Online Patient Care Technician Bootcamp
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Program Length
16 Weeks
Certifications
CPCT
Avg. Starting Salary
$36,740
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Become a Certified Patient Care Technician in 16 Weeks
Unlike traditional college programs that take years, our fully online, self-paced bootcamp allows you to start immediately and complete training in as little as 16 weeks.
As a Patient Care Technician, You’ll Learn to:
- Assist with patient admissions and discharge
- Measure and record vital signs
- Support providers during exams and procedures
- Perform basic EKG and specimen collection
- Ensure patient comfort and safety
- Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to sit for the CPCT certification exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Begin the Self-Paced Bootcamp
Schedule 1-on-1 Mentor Coaching Sessions
Complete Weekly Learning & Assessments
Begin Exam Preparation Course
Pass CPCT Industry Certification
Enjoy Continued Career & Mentorship Services
What Does the Patient Care Technician Program Include?
Eligibility Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration and payment
Cost & Included Materials
- $2,000
- 16-week self-paced online program
- Elsevier eBook: “Fundamental Concepts & Skills for the Patient Care Technician”
- CPCT exam voucher
- All digital learning materials
Student Support
- 1:1 coaching & mentorship
- CPCT certification exam prep
- Online learning platform access
- Skills checklists & procedure videos
- Practice exams
- 6-month post-program career coaching
Disclaimer
We are committed to guiding you every step of the way, including the completion of the clinical requirements. However, please note that the responsibility to complete these requirements lies with you. We recommend researching job posts and state requirements to ensure a seamless transition into the workforce upon graduation.
Meet Your Patient Care Technician Instructors
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ERIN NEWTON
Erin Newton brings over 20 years of clinical and nursing education experience. She has served as an Assistant Professor and Core Clinical Instructor and specializes in pediatric and patient-centered care. Her real-world experience ensures students graduate prepared for both certification and employment.
What Will I Learn in a Patient Care Tech Program?
Our Patient Care Technician Bootcamp combines self-paced coursework, hands-on clinical concepts, and CPCT certification preparation to help you become job-ready quickly.
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Course 1 Introduction to Healthcare
Build a strong foundation in healthcare systems, professional standards, and patient rights to confidently enter clinical environments.
- Understand the structure of the U.S. healthcare system
- Learn medical ethics, scope of practice, and professional conduct
- Explore patient rights and advocacy principles
- Understand HIPAA regulations and confidentiality requirements
- Recognize the role of the Patient Care Technician within the healthcare team
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Course 2 Understanding the Patient
Develop the communication and interpersonal skills needed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
- Practice therapeutic communication techniques
- Understand cultural sensitivity and diversity in healthcare
- Recognize emotional and psychological needs of patients
- Support patients and families during illness or recovery
- Apply patient-centered care principles in real-world scenarios
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Course 3 Safety
Learn essential safety procedures to protect patients, coworkers, and yourself in clinical settings.
- Understand infection prevention and control standards
- Apply proper hand hygiene and PPE protocols
- Recognize workplace hazards and emergency procedures
- Follow OSHA safety guidelines
- Implement fall prevention and patient safety strategies
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Course 4 Patient Assessment
Gain hands-on knowledge in monitoring and documenting patient conditions accurately.
- Measure and record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature)
- Understand basic EKG monitoring principles
- Perform observational reporting and documentation
- Recognize abnormal findings and report to supervising staff
- Maintain accurate and compliant patient records
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Course 5 Patient Care & Comfort
Learn the core daily care skills required in hospitals and long-term care settings.
- Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Support patient hygiene and grooming
- Help with mobility, transfers, and positioning
- Provide comfort measures and emotional reassurance
- Maintain patient dignity and respect at all times
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Course 6 Blood Specimen Collection & Testing
Develop foundational knowledge in specimen handling and laboratory support.
- Understand venipuncture principles and safety standards
- Learn proper specimen labeling and transport procedures
- Recognize common laboratory tests and their purposes
- Follow infection control during specimen collection
- Maintain compliance with clinical laboratory protocols
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Course 7 Surgery & Immobility
Support patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
- Prepare patients for surgery and post-operative recovery
- Assist with mobility limitations and rehabilitation support
- Prevent complications related to immobility
- Monitor surgical patients for signs of distress
- Apply safe patient handling techniques
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Course 8 Special Care Settings
Prepare to work confidently across diverse healthcare environments.
- Understand hospital inpatient workflows
- Support patients in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
- Learn home health care responsibilities
- Adapt to fast-paced outpatient and specialty care settings
- Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
Download the syllabus to view all courses and requirements.
Student Support Resources
Explore learning tools, certification prep, and career support designed to help you succeed as a Patient Care Technician – from enrolment through employment.
Enhance your patient care technician training with structured resources that support clinical skill development, certification readiness, and long-term career growth.
- Welcome Kits: Get started with essential program information, platform access details, clinical expectations, and learning resources in one convenient place.
- One-on-One Coaching: Receive personalized guidance from experienced healthcare professionals to support your academic progress and CPCT exam preparation.
- Online Learning Platform: Access course materials, assignments, skills demonstrations, and interactive learning tools anytime, anywhere.
- eBooks & Digital Resources: Build a strong foundation in patient care procedures, safety standards, anatomy basics, and healthcare best practices with industry-aligned digital textbooks.
- Skills Checklists: Track your mastery of core competencies such as vital signs, patient safety, infection control, specimen handling, and documentation accuracy.
- Practice Exams: Prepare for the CPCT certification exam with realistic practice tests that mirror exam structure, content domains, and question formats.
- Clinical Skills Preparation: Review step-by-step procedures and competency benchmarks to ensure confidence in hands-on patient care environments.
Launch your patient care technician career with support designed to help you stand out in the healthcare job market.
- Soft Skills Development: Strengthen communication, teamwork, time management, and professionalism required in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient settings.
- Resume Building: Create a healthcare-focused resume that highlights your clinical training, certification preparation, and patient care competencies.
- Interview Preparation: Practice common healthcare interview questions and receive expert guidance to improve confidence and performance.
- LinkedIn Optimization: Build a polished LinkedIn profile that showcases your healthcare credentials and connects you with medical employers.
- Professional Profile Construction: Develop a complete professional profile aligned with patient care technician job requirements and employer expectations.
- Employability Training: Learn job search strategies, employer outreach techniques, and career advancement skills specific to patient care roles.
Where Will I Work as a Patient Care Technician?
Once certified, Patient Care Technicians are eligible to work in a wide range of clinical and patient-focused healthcare settings. Health Tech Academy’s Patient Care Technician Bootcamp prepares you for in-demand roles across hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health organizations nationwide.
Certified Patient Care Technicians are in high demand across healthcare environments where direct patient support is essential to quality care delivery.
Hospitals
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Hospitals
Patient Care Technicians working in hospitals support nurses and physicians by assisting with admissions, monitoring vital signs, collecting specimens, and providing direct bedside care. They help ensure patients are comfortable, safe, and properly monitored throughout their stay.
PCTs in hospital settings often work in medical-surgical units, emergency departments, rehabilitation floors, and specialty units where accurate documentation and teamwork are critical. Their role is essential to maintaining efficient inpatient workflows and improving patient outcomes.
Average Annual Salary: $35,190
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
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Nursing & Residential Care Facilities
In nursing homes and residential care facilities, Patient Care Technicians provide hands-on support to elderly and long-term care residents. They assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, hygiene, and emotional support.
PCTs help maintain residents’ dignity and comfort while working closely with nurses and care teams to monitor health changes and report concerns. Their consistent patient interaction plays a critical role in long-term health management and quality of life.
Average Annual Salary: $31,520
Skilled Nursing Facilities
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Skilled Nursing Facilities
Patient Care Technicians in skilled nursing facilities support patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. These environments focus heavily on rehabilitation and transitional care.
PCTs assist with mobility exercises, vital sign monitoring, specimen collection, and daily care tasks while collaborating with nurses and therapists to help patients regain independence.
Average Annual Salary: $32,090
Home Health Care Services
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Home Health Care Services
In home health settings, Patient Care Technicians provide personalized, in-home support under clinical supervision. They assist patients with mobility, hygiene, medication reminders (where permitted), and basic health monitoring.
Home health roles require strong communication skills, independence, and adaptability, as PCTs often work one-on-one with patients in their homes. This setting allows technicians to build meaningful relationships while supporting recovery and long-term care needs.
Average Annual Salary: $29,930
Free Healthcare Career Assessment
Is patient care the right healthcare career path for you? Take our free career assessment to explore your strengths and discover which healthcare role best fits your goals.
*All salaries according to 2026 estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Health Tech Academy Tuition Advantage
Unlock your future in patient care with flexible payment options including full payments, installment plans, and “Study Now, Pay Later” plans.
$190/month
Deposit $190 today to enroll and pay $190 monthly for 12 months. Zero-interest, no credit checks!
- All Materials Included
- Exam Voucher Included
- 12 Customizable Payments
- Student & Career Support
- Certificate of Completion
- No Additional Fee
- No Interest
- Free Laptop
- All Materials Included
- Exam Voucher Included
- Student & Career Support
- Certificate of Completion
- No Additional Fee
- No Interest
Payment Options
Patient Care Tech Certification: Bootcamp Vs College Programs
 |
Community College | Online Colleges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program & Tuition Cost | $2,500 | $2,000 to $10,000/year | $8,000 to $19,000 per year |
| Books, Materials & Fees | Included | + $500 to $2,000 | + $500 to $2,000 |
| Certification Exams & Fees | Included | + $200 to $500 | + $100 to $200 |
| Job Ready Timeline | 4-6 months | 4 months to 2 years | 4 months to 2 years |
| 100% Online | |||
| Schedule Flexibility | |||
| 1-on-1 Coaching & Mentorship | |||
| Job Placement Assistance | |||
| Clear Path to Certification | |||
| No Travel Requirements |
Success Stories from our Students
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2023 was a rough year for me. I lost a lot but I also gained a lot. I desperately needed to start working, but I wanted to spend my time on starting a career and not working a typical 9-5 that I won’t grow in or be happy in. I decided to do research and stumbled upon Health Tech Academy. I gave them a call and I was very happy to know that it was at my own pace and I could get finished as quickly as I was capable. The only other thing I needed to figure out was the financial aspect of it, I was nervous about that. Luckily, there was an affordable payment plan! Because I have health care knowledge already, I was happy to see that I got through the program very quickly and was satisfied with the learning experience.
Sarah Zachary
Surgical Tech
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As a single mother, who wants to further her career to better her child's life, I'm grateful I found this program! Before I even started attending the actual program, they were already willing to help accommodate my needs while working graveyard shifts. They constantly were reassuring and willing to help me reschedule my orientation date and time, answered all my questions thoroughly. I will definitely be referring my fellow medical field friends to this schooling website and to my other friends as well. I'm very excited for this journey, and again so grateful that this school is compassionate about their students and the students' needs.
Stormy Smith
Surgical Tech
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Health Tech Academy has been instrumental in guiding me towards a career in surgical technology. The program provided invaluable knowledge and equipped me with the skills needed to excel in this field. The experience has also sparked a passion for furthering my education in nursing. I'm grateful for the support and dedication of the instructors at Health Tech Academy. I highly recommend this rewarding educational institution to anyone interested in healthcare. Thank you, Health Tech Academy, for opening doors of opportunity and empowering me to pursue my goals in surgical technology and beyond.
Efda Dejoie Thoby
Surgical Tech
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The online orientation was wonderfully presented, full of great information and contacts/resources available. This experience has been wonderful from the very start, and I wanted to thank you! Thank you, Health Tech Academy for answering any questions I had and for all the information clearly presented.
Jennifer Redden
Surgical Tech
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Orientation was well put together. It wasn't too long or too short. Ms. Farzeen was great and fun to speak with. My expectations are to become one of the most valuable Surgical Techs. Also, elevate my career in the medical field.
Tiana Holmes
Surgical Tech
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Health Tech Academy's surgical tech bootcamp has been a great program for me. I come here as a truck driver after leaving the medical field for 6 years. I didn’t think I would remember or do anything in the medical field again but since day one, everyone have a great support to me and. The content has been very informative and the price is very affordable. I love being here, and also the fact that the course contnet is not time-consuming, as I have enough time to work and be with family but still learn. I appreciate everything you guys are doing for your students, thank you.
Reno Romeus
Surgical Tech
Gain job-ready patient care skills, and the confidence to launch a healthcare career.
Speak with an admissions advisor to see if this program is the right fit for your goals.
Schedule a CallPatient Care Tech Program FAQs
Reference common questions and answers about our Patient Care Tech Training Program.
What Does a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) Do?
A Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) provides hands-on patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings.
CPCTs support nurses and physicians by:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Collecting specimens
- Performing safety checks
- Documenting patient observations
- Supporting admissions and discharge processes
Patient Care Technicians play a critical role in ensuring patients are safe, comfortable, and properly monitored throughout their care.
What is a CPCT Certification?
CPCT certification is a nationally recognized credential awarded to qualified Patient Care Technicians who pass the certification exam. While certification requirements vary by state, most healthcare employers prefer or require CPCT certification because it demonstrates:
- Verified clinical knowledge
- Competency in patient care skills
- Understanding of safety and infection control standards
- Commitment to professional development
Certification can improve job opportunities and earning potential.
Is a Patient Care Technician different from a Nursing Assistant?
Yes. All Patient Care Technicians are trained in nursing assistant–level care, but PCTs receive additional training that expands their responsibilities.
Compared to Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians may also:
- Perform basic EKG monitoring
- Assist with blood specimen collection
- Provide more advanced patient support
- Work in specialized hospital units
This broader skill set often leads to expanded job opportunities in healthcare settings.
Who is Eligible to Take the CPCT Certification Exam?
To sit for the CPCT certification exam, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete an eligible patient care technician training program
Students who complete Health Tech Academy’s Patient Care Technician Bootcamp meet eligibility requirements and are prepared to apply for the certification exam.
How do I Get My CPCT Certification?
To earn a CPCT certification:
- Complete an approved patient care technician training program
- Apply for the certification exam
- Pass the exam
After passing, you will receive your official CPCT credential.
How Long is the Patient Care Technician Training Program?
Health Tech Academy’s Patient Care Technician Training Program is self-paced but designed to be completed in approximately 16 weeks. Program length may vary depending on your schedule and study pace.
Do I Need Healthcare Experience to Enroll?
No prior healthcare experience is required. The program is designed for beginners and provides foundational training in patient care, safety procedures, and clinical skills needed to enter the healthcare field.
Will this Program Help Me Find a Job?
While job placement is not guaranteed, students receive career support services including:
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- LinkedIn profile guidance
- Job outlook search strategies
- Professional profile development
Certified Patient Care Technicians are in demand across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health organizations.
Does Health Tech Academy Guarantee Externships or Job Placement?
No, externships and job placement are not guaranteed. However, students receive structured career support to assist with local job searches and employment readiness.
What Technology is Required for the Online Patient Care Technician Program?
To complete the program, you will need:
- A computer (desktop or laptop)
- Reliable internet access
- Basic computer literacy
All coursework is delivered online through the learning platform.
Are Patient Care Technicians Considered Healthcare Professionals?
Yes. Patient Care Technicians are healthcare professionals who provide direct patient support under clinical supervision. They work as part of the healthcare team to deliver safe, compassionate, and efficient patient care.
How Much Do Patient Care Technicians Make?
Salaries vary based on location, experience, and work setting. The average annual salary for Patient Care Technicians is approximately $36,740, according to U.S. labor data. Earning a CPCT certification and completing formal training can improve job prospects and long-term earning potential. Watch our video on “How Much a Patient Care Technician Makes.”
Does Health Tech Academy Offer Refunds?
Students may cancel within three days of enrollment for a full refund. After this period, the enrollment fee becomes non-refundable. For detailed policy information, students should review the official support documentation.
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A Faster Path to a Meaningful Career in Healthcare
Health Tech Academy is designed to accelerate your path to a well-paying healthcare career, on your schedule. From selecting the right program to career mentorship, our team is here to help you succeed.
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