On-Campus Patient Care Technician Diploma Program
On-campus training with online learning.
Train for a career in a growing field.1
Learn How We Can Help You Succeed
Earn your diploma in 12 months.2
What is a Patient Care Technician?
Patient care technicians are dedicated and empathetic healthcare professionals who support doctors, nurses, and other staff members in providing compassionate care. This may include taking vital signs, completing lab work, helping patients bathe and move, performing administrative duties, and more.
Patient Care Technician Diploma Program
Your Patient Care Technician Education Path in 12 Months2
In UMA’s Patient Care Technician program, your experience matters to us. With offer a blended learning format that includes a campus environment with the added benefit of online learning features. You’ll attend labs on a weekly basis while also being able to access lectures and other course material from the comfort of your home.
Patient Care Technician Diploma Program
12 months2
Certification Prep
Prepare to sit for the following exams, if eligible:
- Certified Nursing Assistant exam
- Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant exam
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam
On-Site Externship Included
180 hours of supervised training
While graduates will be prepared to take the State of Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination to enhance their employment prospects in certain healthcare settings such as nursing homes, students are not required to sit for this examination. Patient Care Technicians are not a licensed profession in Florida and graduates can work as Patient Care Technicians in many settings without taking or passing the CNA examination.
Working as a Patient Care Technician
The Patient Care Technician Diploma Program at UMA's Clearwater Campus helps prepare you for entry-level positions in the field through a combination of online lectures and coursework as well as hands-on lab settings at the campus and an on-site externship. Through this approach, you'll focus on topics such as pathology, body systems, operating diagnostic equipment, and administering EKGs.
Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033 and is projected to have 216,200 job openings each year, on average, over that decade.1
UMA graduates in this program have found entry-level patient care technician positions in the following environments:
- Dialysis clinics
- Hospitals
- Urgent care clinics
- Nursing homes (long-term care)
- Physician offices
Why UMA?
Choose a healthcare program at a school that supports the whole student.
Student Support
- 1-on-1 academic assistance
- Individual help in the job search
- Potential resource guidance for outside the classroom
- Committed advisors from start to finish
On-Campus Learning
- On-campus programs are blended, featuring hands-on training and online coursework.
- Programs include on-site externships to help you gain real-world experience.
- You'll participate in classrooms with a maximum size of 25 students.
Certification Prep
- Our programs help prepare you to sit for applicable certification exams if you meet eligibility requirements.
- Our team will help you with exam-focused material and support you in areas where you might need extra help, at no additional cost.
Elizabeth T.
UMA Graduate
I feel like I am in a position where I can care for others just as much as UMA cared for me.
Program Outline
Patient Care Technician Diploma Program
12 month program2
31.5 Credits
Core Courses
Principles of Allied Health
5 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology
5 Credits
Pharmacology
4.5 Credits
Clinical Lab Procedures & Phlebotomy
4 Credits
Clinical Externship
4 Credits
Nursing Assistant
5 Credits
Advanced Phlebotomy
4 Credits
Principles of Allied Health
5 Credits
Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology
5 Credits
Pharmacology
4.5 Credits
Clinical Lab Procedures & Phlebotomy
4 Credits
Clinical Externship
4 Credits
Nursing Assistant
5 Credits
Advanced Phlebotomy
4 Credits
Diana K.
UMA Graduate
I was really pleased with the flexibility. The flexibility is key when you're having to work full-time and, and then some, and trying to schedule your life. I think this is one of the best experiences I've had.
Frequently Asked Questions
The patient care technician is someone who works alongside physicians and nurses to provide the day-to-day care that patients need. Generally, a patient care technician may operate diagnostic equipment, collect samples, and perform lab work. See nursing assistant andmedical assistantfor similar careers.
While the basic training may be similar between schools that offer patient care technician programs, UMA is pleased to offer an extensive list of student services, all included in our tuition. UMA is a school that offers a Patient Care Technician career training program which includes one-on-one academic support, on-site externship, help with writing your resume, job interview coaching, and job search assistance.
Different people have different ideas of what makes a top school. To us, top schools that offer patient care technician programs should provide personal assistance every step of the way with services like one-on-one academic support. Top schools that offer patient care technician career training should also provide career services such as job search assistance.
The CPCT/A certification is not needed for a student to work in this role, although many employers might require it. Students receive course preparation to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. Graduates must meet eligibility requirements to sit for the exams.
Ultimate Medical Academy is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES.org), a national accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Though UMA is not a university or college, we offer online diplomas and degrees as well as blended healthcare programs, some of which offer on-site externships/practicums and certification preparation — all intended to put you in a position to pursue a healthcare career after graduation.
Browse the 2024 UMA Catalog
Take a look at the UMA Catalog for comprehensive information on programs, course descriptions, admissions, finance, and more.
Advance Your Education
Your associate degree doesn’t need to be the end of your education. UMA maintains agreements with various educational partners where you may be able to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in select areas of study.
Explore Financial Aid
If you qualify for financial aid, we’ll walk you through the process. Multiple resources may be available to help pay for the cost of your education. Our Student Finance advisors are committed to helping you understand your options.
Take the Healthcare Career Quiz
Try our fun and informational Healthcare Career Quiz to better understand which UMA program might align with your goals. In just a few minutes, answer some simple personality questions and get your results instantly!