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Patient Care Technician Certificate
Program Available at:
- El Centro
Catalog Year 2023-2024 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Level 1 Certificate
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI May be Exempt
For more information, visit the Dallas College Nursing webpage and your success coach at your campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Patient Care Technician Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn the Patient Care Technician certificate. This program is offered through Continuing Education and as a Credit award. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
The Patient Care Technician (PCT) certificate prepares students for employment as a Patient Care Technician. The PCT Program provides didactic instruction and lab experience in PCT workforce skills. This credential results in the acquisition of Patient Care Technician workforce skills for graduates of the program and prepares candidates for successful completion of the National Health career Association (NHA) Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant exam (CPCT/A). Successful completion of the CPCT/A exam will result in the candidate's eligibility to use the title Certified Patient Care Technician. The NHA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Completing the courses on this certificate also completes the Health Professions Readiness I (H1) and Health Professions Readiness II (H2) Skills Achievement Awards. Courses that complete the certificate are noted below.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.
Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 16 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
SEMESTER 1
HPRS 1202 – Wellness and Health Promotion (Course also applies to H1)
HPRS 1204 – Basic Health Profession Skills You must earn a grade of “C" or better prior to enrolling in HPRS 2210. (Course also applies to H1)
HPRS 2231 – General Health Professions Management (Course also applies to H1)
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals by the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success coach to research career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
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Complete Health Professions Readiness Award I Award Completion Form and submit it to the Health Occupations Admissions Office (HOAO).
Total Hours: 6
SEMESTER 2
HPRS 2201 – Pathophysiology (Course also applies to H2)
HPRS 2210 – Basic Health Profession Skills II prior to enrolling, you must earn a grade of “C" or better in HRPS 1204. (Course also applies to H2)
HPRS 2300 – Pharmacology for Health Professions (Course also applies to H2)
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit, confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
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Complete Health Professions Readiness Award II Award Completion Form and submit it to the Health Occupations Admissions Office (HOAO).
Total Hours: 7
SEMESTER 3
HPRS 1201 – Introduction to Health Professions
CHOOSE ONE:
- HPRS 1191 – Special Topics in Health Professions and Related Sciences, Other This course is restricted enrollment. Contact the El Centro Campus Health Occupations Admissions Office at ECCHOAO@dcccd.edu for enrollment permission. This is the capstone course for this award. OR
- FITT 1191 – Special Topics in Health and Physical Education, General
SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
- Contact the El Centro Campus Health Occupations Admissions Office to apply for the Patient Care Technician Certificate.
Total Hours: 3
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 16 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS