Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$2,500 total
$4,075 total
$2,799 total
$1,685 total
$110 total
$169 total
$5,299 total
$1,000 to start
$3,200 total
$3,799 total
$4,000 total
If you're looking for a healthcare career in Dallas/Fort Worth that's hands-on, fast to enter, and in high demand, becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a smart move. With training programs that can be completed in just a few months, this role offers a direct path to a stable job with a median salary of around $38,500 in the DFW metro area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide breaks down the exact steps to get you through a local training program, certified, and into a vital hospital role.
What is a Patient Care Technician? A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a multi-skilled healthcare professional who provides direct patient care, including CNA duties plus clinical skills like phlebotomy and EKG readings.
How much is the average/range of tuition cost of PCT programs in DFW? PCT training programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are affordable, typically ranging from $950 to $2,500.
Length of training for a Patient Care Technician: Training is very fast and can be completed in as little as 3 to 16 weeks, depending on the program schedule.
Certification required for most jobs: While not a state license, national certification as a Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) is the industry standard for employment.
Ave. salary in Dallas/Fort Worth according to the latest US BLS data 2024: The median salary for related nursing support roles in the DFW metro area is approximately $38,500 per year, with PCTs often earning more due to their advanced skills.
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a trained healthcare professional who works under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to deliver essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
To get hired at a major DFW hospital, you'll need to meet the industry standards for this multi-skilled profession.
Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
Prerequisites: Many PCT programs require you to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) first, or they include CNA training as part of the curriculum.
Formal Training: You must complete a recognized Patient Care Technician certificate program.
National Certification: While not a state license, you must earn a national certification like the CPCT/A to be hired.
Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
The fastest way to become a PCT in the DFW area is to enroll in an accelerated certificate program, especially if you are already a CNA. Some intensive, full-time programs can be completed in as little as 3 to 6 weeks. For those starting from scratch, combined CNA and PCT programs typically take around 10 to 16 weeks to complete.
Here are some training programs available for aspiring Patient Care Technicians in the DFW area:
You cannot become a Patient Care Technician entirely online. The job requires proficiency in numerous hands-on clinical skills, such as drawing blood, performing EKGs, and assisting patients, which can only be learned and practiced in person. Many schools in DFW offer hybrid programs where you can complete lectures and theory online, but you must attend on-campus labs and off-site clinical rotations in person.
For those seeking financial assistance, several avenues can reduce or eliminate the cost of training:
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas / Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County: These local agencies are the best resource for grant funding. Eligible individuals may qualify for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant that can cover the full cost of tuition for in-demand jobs like a PCT.
Employer Sponsorship: Many DFW hospitals, including Baylor Scott & White and Texas Health Resources, offer programs where they will pay for an employee's training to upgrade their skills from a CNA to a PCT.
National certification is the key to employment as a PCT in Dallas/Fort Worth. The most common credential is the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Complete Training: Graduate from a recognized Patient Care Technician training program.
Apply for the Exam: Register to take the CPCT/A exam through the NHA website.
Pass the Exam: Pass the multiple-choice exam, which covers patient care, safety, phlebotomy, and EKG procedures.
Maintain Certification: You must renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits.
PCTs are in high demand in acute care settings across the DFW metroplex. The largest employers are:
Hospitals: This is the primary work environment for PCTs. Major employers include Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas Health Resources, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Methodist Health System.
Emergency Rooms: The fast-paced ER relies heavily on PCTs for initial patient workups.
Outpatient Clinics: Larger specialty clinics, like cardiology or dialysis centers, also employ PCTs.
Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) Hospitals: Facilities that care for patients with complex, long-term medical needs.
It's very fast. Depending on the program and whether you are already a CNA, training can take anywhere from 3 to 16 weeks.
The most widely accepted credential is the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Yes, it's possible. Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas is the best place to start, as they offer grants that can cover the full tuition for eligible residents pursuing in-demand careers.
The median hourly wage for related nursing support roles in the DFW metro area is approximately $18.51 per hour, according to the latest BLS data from May 2024. PCTs often earn more than this baseline due to their advanced EKG and phlebotomy skills.
If you're looking for a healthcare career that’s hands-on, fast to enter, and in high demand, becoming a Patient Care Technician in Dallas/Fort Worth is a smart move. With flexible training options, financial aid, and job stability, PCT roles offer an accessible path into healthcare with room for advancement.
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