Start a Rewarding Patient Care Technician Career in California
11-Month* Patient Care Technician Diploma Program in South Los Angeles, CA
A multi-skilled Patient Care Technician with education and laboratory procedures and clinical skills training as a Medical Assistant, Nurse Assistant, and Home Health Aide all in one are more equipped to get hired and work in a variety of out-patient or in-patient healthcare settings.
This course prepares students for the Vocational Nurse and Ultrasound Technician programs. For working Medical Assistants, Phlebotomy Technician is a good option.
Healthcare Career College, located in Paramount, CA, serves patient care tech students in Long Beach, Compton, Lakewood, Downey, Bellflower, Norwalk, Cerritos, the greater Los Angeles area and north Orange County.
The best way to see if Healthcare Career College is the right fit for you is to attend an information session. You can book an information session to get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the Healthcare Career College community. Schedule an information session now or Get more info.
Patient Care Technician Certification and Training
11 Month* Diploma
- 14% Job Growth Over Next 10 Years
- Graduates hired by nursing homes, hospitals, & home healthcare services
- Advance into Nursing, Medical Assisting, Geriatric Care and much more!
* Program length when completed in normal time
Is a Career as a Patient Care Technician Right for You? Take the Healthcare Career College ``Patient Care Technician Career Training Readiness Quiz``
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Healthcare Career Training Readiness score now.
Become a Skilled Patient Care Technician
The Patient Care Technician training program from Healthcare Career College is designed to give you the hands-on training, practical experience and industry know-how it takes to successfully pursue a rewarding Patient Care career.
During this program, you will learn:
- Taking patient Vital Signs and Medical Histories
- Drawing Blood
- Preparing Exam Room for the Doctor
- Electocardiography (EKG)
- Electronic Health Records and Office Skills
- Patient Medical Records and Insurance Billing
- Nurse Assisting and Home Care
- ABC Adult School
- Five Keys Charter School
Job Outlook:
- Opportunities in both customer service (front office) and clinical (back office) positions
- Hospital jobs available
- Small and large organizations hiring
- Employment growth of 12% from 2024 to 2034**
- Career growth potential
- Certification is accepted nationally
Patient Care Technician Career Opportunities
Graduates of Patient Care Technician schools can choose to work in doctors’ offices, medical clinics or laboratories, hospitals, nursing homes and in-home care.
Our graduates have been hired by:
- College Hospital
- Kaiser Permanente
- DPSS
- VA Medical Center
- And more!
Median Pay: $21.25/hour**
View Patient Care Technician job postings in Paramount, CA on Indeed.com
Explore Other Healthcare Career Training Opportunities at Healthcare Career College
Medical Assistant
Medical Billing and Coding
Dental Assistant
Physical Therapy Aide
Massage Therapy
Is a Rewarding Career in Patient Care Technology Right for You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Patient Care Technology and exploring whether Healthcare Career College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call (562) 804-1239
*Program length when completed in normal time.
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook- Medical Assistants
What does a patient care technician do?
Patient care technicians (PCTs) assist nurses and physicians with direct patient care tasks, including taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing EKGs, monitoring patients, and providing personal hygiene assistance. They serve as a critical link between patients and clinical staff.
How long does it take to become a patient care technician?
PCT training programs typically take 3 to 12 months to complete, depending on the school and format. Many programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
What certifications do patient care technicians need?
While certification is not always necessary to work as a PCT, employers in hospitals and long-term care facilities increasingly prefer certified candidates. The most recognized credential is the National Health career Association’s Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A).
How much does a patient care technician earn?
Patient care technicians’ salaries vary by location and setting, but the national average is approximately $35,000–$42,000 per year. Hospital-based positions and those in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles typically offer higher compensation.
What is the difference between a CNA and a patient care technician?
Both CNAs and PCTs provide bedside patient care, but PCTs typically have a broader skill set that may include phlebotomy, EKG monitoring, and urinary catheterization. This makes PCTs more versatile in acute care and hospital settings.
What career paths are available for a patient care technician?
Patient care technicians commonly advance into nursing (LVN or RN), medical assisting, surgical technology, or respiratory therapy. The role is an excellent clinical foundation for long-term growth in healthcare.