Are you looking for a rewarding career in healthcare in Houston? The Patient Care Technician (PCT) role is in high demand, offering a fulfilling opportunity to directly impact patient well-being. Alvin Community College provides a comprehensive Patient Care Technician program designed to equip you with the essential skills and certifications to excel in this vital field right here in the Houston area.
Comprehensive Patient Care Technician Program at Alvin Community College
Alvin Community College’s Patient Care Technician program is meticulously crafted to provide students with a robust foundation in patient care. This program goes beyond basic training, offering you not just one, but three valuable certifications upon successful completion of its courses. This multi-certification approach significantly enhances your employability and skill set, making you a highly competitive candidate in the Houston healthcare job market.
Three Certifications, One Program
This program uniquely integrates training in three key areas:
- Phlebotomy: You will gain expertise in collecting blood samples using various techniques, essential for diagnostic testing. This skill is crucial in almost every healthcare setting.
- Electrocardiography (EKG): Learn to perform EKGs, a vital diagnostic tool used to assess heart health. Understanding heart rhythms and identifying abnormalities are critical skills for patient care technicians.
- Patient Care Technician: The core of the program focuses on patient care skills. You will learn to assist patients with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams. This training prepares you to provide direct and compassionate care under the supervision of nurses and physicians.
Earning certifications in each of these areas through the Alvin Community College program validates your competency and makes you a highly sought-after professional. These certifications are awarded by the National Health Career Association upon passing their respective exams after each course completion.
Flexible Hybrid Learning Schedule
Recognizing the diverse needs of students, the PCT program at Alvin Community College is offered in a hybrid format. This flexible schedule blends online learning with essential in-person, hands-on training at ACC West. This approach allows for a balance between theoretical knowledge gained online and practical skills honed in a classroom setting, making it accessible for students with various schedules and commitments in the Houston area.
Career Opportunities for Patient Care Technicians in Houston
Patient Care Technicians are integral members of healthcare teams, working under the direction of nurses and physicians in various settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
The demand for qualified PCTs in Houston and surrounding areas is consistently strong. Graduates of the Alvin Community College program are well-prepared to step into these roles and make a meaningful difference in patient lives while building a stable and rewarding career.
Program Requirements and Enrollment
To ensure student success, the Alvin Community College PCT program has specific admission requirements:
Admission Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
- Possess strong English communication skills, both oral and written.
- Have basic computer literacy and email access for online modules.
- Be physically capable of standing for extended periods and moving in confined spaces.
- Be able to safely lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Successfully complete the Viewpoint Screening process at Viewpoint Screening.
- Access to a laptop or desktop computer is highly recommended for online coursework.
How to Apply
Ready to start your journey towards a healthcare career? Applying to the Patient Care Technician program at Alvin Community College is straightforward:
- Apply for admission online at Click here to apply for admission into the program.
- Select “PCT Application” under Topic Code.
- It is strongly recommended to commit to completing the full multi-certificate Patient Care Technician program for maximum career benefit.
- Complete the Viewpoint Screening process as detailed in Viewpoint Screening before registering for classes.
- A representative from Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) will contact you to guide you through the next steps in the registration process.
- Full payment is required at the time of registration.
Course Details and Schedule
The Patient Care Technician program consists of three courses, each leading to a distinct certification:
Electrocardiography (CEECRD 1011)
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Course Description: This course covers the fundamentals of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, basic electrocardiography procedures, interpretation of common heart rhythm irregularities, and appropriate treatment approaches. (32 hours)
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Next Class:
Course Name Dates Times Days Location Instructor Electrocardiography CEECRD 1011 HY01 04/22/25-05/17/25 Hybrid TBD ACC West D. Fernandez -
Cost: In-District $932 | Out-of-District $967
Phlebotomy (CEPLAB 1023)
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Course Description: This course focuses on developing proficiency in various blood collection methods, emphasizing proper techniques and safety precautions. Topics include vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles, blood culture collection, and specific techniques for adults, children, and infants. (80 hours)
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Next Class:
Course Name Dates Times Days Location Instructor Phlebotomy CEPLAB 1023 HY02 05/12/25-06/28/25 Hybrid TBD ACC West D. Fernandez -
Cost: In-District $1340 | Out-of-District $1375
Patient Care Technician (CENUPC 1020)
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Course Description: This course provides the training, skills, and knowledge necessary to function as a Patient Care Technician. Students learn to assist patients with activities of daily living in acute care settings, measure vital signs, and develop effective communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare staff. (96 hours)
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Prerequisite: Students must hold both Certified EKG Technician and Certified Phlebotomy Technician certifications from the National Health Career Association to be eligible for enrollment in this course.
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Next Class:
Course Name Dates Times Days Location Instructor Patient Care Tech CENUPC 1020 HY01 06/01/25-07/12/25 Hybrid TBD TBD D. Fernandez -
Cost: In-District $1474 | Out-of-District $1509
Take the First Step Towards Your Healthcare Career in Houston
The Patient Care Technician program at Alvin Community College is your gateway to a fulfilling and in-demand healthcare career in Houston. With its comprehensive curriculum, hybrid learning format, and valuable certifications, this program provides you with the skills and credentials to succeed. Enroll today and start making a difference in patient care!
