Patient Care Technician Training – Houston, TX
Launch Your Career as a Patient Care Technician
Smithwood Medical Institute’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program in Houston is a hands-on, career-focused course that prepares students to assist nurses, doctors, and healthcare teams in delivering compassionate care across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health settings, and other healthcare settings. This 20-week, 300-clock-hour program combines CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG training—qualifying graduates to perform a wide range of patient care responsibilities and provide direct patient care.
Patient Care Technician Program Overview
Our comprehensive program trains students to:
- Assist patients with daily living tasks (ADLs), including supporting patient mobility and the use of assistive devices
- Take vital signs and support medical procedures
- Draw blood and collect specimens (venipuncture, capillary puncture)
- Conduct EKG tests and monitor cardiac rhythms
- Provide emotional support and uphold patient dignity
- Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant environment
- Learn medical terminology essential for effective communication and documentation in patient care
National Certification Prep: Administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Patient Care Technician Certification Exam. Certification requires:
- 70% passing score on written exam
- Proficiency in state-approved basic nursing skills
- Competency in venipuncture, capillary sticks, and 10 EKG readings
Program Structure & Curriculum
Total Program Length: 20 Weeks
- 300 clock hours: 195 lecture, 55 lab, 50 externship
- Day & Evening Classes: Hybrid and in-person formats available
- Class Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9AM–2PM or 5PM–9:30PM
Content Breakdown by Module
Module 1: Introduction to Patient Care Tech
Module 2: Nurse Aide Training (100 Clock Hours)
| Week | Subject | Lec | Lab | Ext | Total |
| 1 | NA-101: Introduction to Long-Term Care | 16 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| 1 | NA-102: Personal Care Skills | 13 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
| 2 | NA-103: Basic Nursing Skills | 9 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| 2 | NA-104: Restorative Services (includes training in patient mobility and the use of assistive devices to support independence) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | NA-105: Mental Health/Social Services | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | NA-106: Social Skills & Tech Use | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | NA-107: Clinical Externship | 0 | 0 | 40 | 40 |
Module 3: Phlebotomy Training (135 Clock Hours)
| Week | Subject | Lec | Lab | Ext | Total |
| 5 | PHB 101-106 (Intro to Phlebotomy + Anatomy) | 45 | 13 | 0 | 58 |
| 6-9 | PHB 107-111 (Blood collection, capillary, special tests) | 30 | 7 | 0 | 37 |
| 10-13 | PHB 112: Clinical Externship | 0 | 0 | 40 | 40 |
Module 4: EKG Training (60 Clock Hours)
| Week | Subject | Hours |
| 14 | EKG Fundamentals, Cardiac Anatomy, Electrophysiology | 18 |
| 15 | Rhythm Identification, MI, Pacemakers | 18 |
| 16 | Medications, Electrical Therapy, Diagnostic EKG + Externship | 24 |
Module 5: Externship
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in the PCT Program, applicants must:
- Be at least 17 years of age (parental consent required under 18)
- Provide a valid high school diploma or GED
- Complete a personal interview with a school representative
- Submit all enrollment forms, agreements, and financial documents
- (Optional) Submit current CNA license to waive Module 1 (NA100)
Program Tuition & Fees
| Description | Cost |
| Registration Fee | $300 |
| Tuition (Includes books) | $5,370 |
| State Certification Exam | $130 |
| Total Program Cost | $5,800 |
Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, credit card, money order. No personal checks.
Health Care Instruction & Learning Approach
- Class Formats: Hybrid & in-person (day or evening)
- Instructional Methods: Lectures, labs, PowerPoint, case studies, role play, hands-on skills training (nursing, venipuncture, EKG)
- Max Student-to-Instructor Ratio: 30:1
Certification & Career Outcomes
Graduates of this program are prepared for employment in:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Clinics
- Doctor’s offices
- Home healthcare services
These settings offer a variety of job opportunities for individuals seeking entry-level roles and career advancement in the healthcare industry.
Certification Eligibility:
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) – Patient Care Technician Certification
- Proof of skill proficiency in: CNA basics, venipuncture, capillary puncture, 10 EKG readings
Evaluation & Grading
- Attendance / Participation: 25%
- Quizzes / Tests: 25%
- Lab Performance: 25%
- Final Exam: 25%
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Smithwood Medical Institute and be eligible to sit for the NHA national certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Patient Care Technicians assist patients with daily activities, take vital signs, perform EKGs, draw blood, assist with patient examination and physical assessments, provide emotional support, and help ensure safety and cleanliness in medical settings.
The program takes approximately 20 weeks to complete, depending on the schedule (day or evening classes).
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NHA Patient Care Technician Certification Exam after completing the full program.
No prior medical experience is required. You must be 17+ and have a high school diploma or GED. If you already have a CNA license, Module 1 may be waived.
Absolutely. The program includes 50 hours of supervised externship in real medical settings across the three modules.
You can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or home health care. Job roles include PCT, EKG Tech, Phlebotomist, and more.
Yes. Speak to an admissions representative to discuss flexible payment plans and tuition assistance options.