Patient Care Technician Program/PCT  

Clock Hours: 280 hours 

Description: The student will be able to perform patient assessments, identify abnormalities  

of the cardiovascular system, interpret basic arrhythmias, perform and interpret  

electrocardiograph (EKG) results which will help the student become a member of the  

healthcare delivery team in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and cardiac rehabilitation  

centers. perform basic nursing skills in assisting medical personnel such as nurses to deliver  

quality patient care 

Specific Admission Requirements: 

1. The prospective student must be at least 17 years of age.  

2. A reading comprehension proficiency of at least 10th grade level.  

3. A Physical examination, which includes a TB test within the last 12 months  

4. Criminal Background Check (to be initiated by school) 

5. Copy of health insurance coverage if available 

6. Must have a valid social security number 

Program Objectives: 

The EKG module will be able to recognize emergencies and alert physicians who will  

determine the need for possible further invasive testing. The EKG technician will learn to  

prepare the patient for the exam by attaching the electrodes to the chest, arms and legs. He  

will learn to detect abnormalities or false readings in the electrocardiogram and to correct  

technical errors. 

The Phlebotomy module. This is an introductory course designed to provide the student  

with the skills to be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively as part  

of the healthcare team. This course teaches the student to acquire manual skills such as  

obtaining blood specimen by venipuncture and skin puncture techniques as well as mental  

skills such as ability to organize efficiently, perform under pressure and follow written  

standard procedures. He will obtain thorough knowledge of laboratory test requirements and  

departmental policies. In addition to training the students in collecting and transporting  

blood specimens for clinical laboratory analyses, he will be trained to assist in the collection  

and transportation of specimens other than venous blood. (I.e. urine, tissue, sputum). 

The Basic Nurse Aide program is designed with the Modules developed by the Illinois  

Department of Health. This includes lectures, skills laboratory with demonstration and  

return demonstration, clinical experience in health care settings. This program is designed  

to meet all of the Illinois Department of Public Health requirements. These include a  

minimum of 80 hours of class and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. 

Areas of study include communication, infection control, safety and emergency procedures,  

resident’s rights, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, feeding techniques, and skin care. 

Students learn how to transfer, position, dress, and ambulate residents and how to perform  

range-of-motion exercises. They also learn the signs and symptoms of common diseases  

and conditions and how to care for cognitively impaired residents (Alzheimer’s Disease). 

Content Outline:  

Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program 

(5.5 hours/session) = 80 hours (plus clinical = 40 hours training) 

Session 1   Introduction to Hospitals and Nursing Centers 

                   The Nursing Assistant  

Session 2   Work Ethics  

                    Communicating with the Healthcare Team 

Session 3    Understanding the Person 

                   Body Structure and Function 

Session 4    Care of the Older Person 

Session 5    Promoting Safety 

                   Preventing Falls 

                   Restraints Alternatives and Safe Restraint Use  

Session 6    Preventing Infection 

Session 7    Body Mechanics 

                   Safely Handling, Moving and Transferring the Person  

Session 8    SUMMARY/MID TERM REVIEW/ EXAM 

Session 9    Assisting with Comfort  

                   Assisting with Hygiene  

                   Assisting with Grooming  

Session 10  Assisting with Elimination  

                   Assisting with Bowel Elimination  

Session 11  Assisting with Elimination and Fluids  

                   Assisting with Assessment 

Session 12  Assisting with Exercise and Activity  

                   Assisting with Wound Care  

Session 13  Assisting with Oxygen Needs 

                   Assisting with Rehabilitation and Restorative Nursing Care 

Session 14  Caring for Person with Common Health Problems 

                   Caring for Person with Mental Health Problems 

                   Caring for Person with Confusion and Dementia 

Session 15  Assisting with Emergency Care 

                   Caring for the Dying Person  

Session 16 SUMMARY/FINAL REVIEW/EXAM 

Textbooks: 

Hartman’s Complete Gude for the Patient Care Technician, 2024