This program provides education for individuals seeking a career in the laboratory as a Patient Care  Technician. Individuals who successfully complete the Patient Care   Technician program will receive a  certificate of completion from GAHS allowing students to sit for the National and State certification examinations.  Patient Care Technicians gain a broad foundation of knowledge and multi-skilled hands-on experience, which expands the traditional role of patient care technicians to a more advanced cross-trained caregiver. Students learn enhanced skills to work with patients who have special needs due to disease or age. Students are also learned in the theory of electrocardiography and phlebotomy. Graduates may find employment in long-term care facilities, home health care agencies and clinics where bedside nursing are required as well as facilities where vital signs, chart documentation, patient escort and assistance with EKG, phlebotomy and stress testing are needed. Students will be able to perform the following technical functions consistent with the responsibilities of a professional entry-level Patient Care Technician: 

· Emotionally stable to allow professional interaction with patients and staff, to respect patient confidentiality, use reasonable judgment and accept responsibility for actions 

· Input of patient medical and demographic information

· Effectively communicate orally and in writing with patients, physicians, and other medical personnel 

· Hearing ability to communicate with patients and medical staff and assess blood pressure using a stethoscope

· Assist in examination and treatment of patients

· Monitoring health, collecting samples, and recording information on patients’ charts

Upon completion of this course students will have necessary real-world skills to practice confidently as a patient care technician. The academic courses of the program are demanding and require a high level of commitment. The decision to enter a rigorous program like this should be well thought out with all outside responsibilities considered. All courses must be completed to receive a Certificate of Completion making the graduate eligible to sit for National and State certification examinations.

The average Patient Care Technician salary in the United States is $34,098 as of June 28, 2021, but the salary range typically falls between $28,285 and $43,206. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.