What to expect

 

Learn from skilled professionals

We train adult students to be multi-skilled allied health care professionals that specialize in procedures commonly performed in the hospital setting.

Get hands-on training

Trainees will perform both clinical and administrative duties and assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Earn industry-based credentials

Trainees learn how to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other inpatient care settings. They may also work in-home healthcare.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) support physicians and nurses to ensure a holistic patient experience in the hospital setting. From patient intake tasks like taking vitals, to ensuring patient safety and communicating with family members, a PCT serves as the foundation of patient care.

    This also often includes updating nurses, maintaining patient rooms, observing patients’ daily activities and alerting caregivers of any changes, and executing tasks from nurses to provide additional care for patients as necessary. In other words, the PCT is a nurse’s eyes and ears and a patient’s most frequent touchpoint.

    This is a high-touch, high-interaction role and an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-impact environments. PCTs conduct daily “purposeful rounding” to personally connect with patients and their needs, making sure that every possible accommodation is made to get patients back home and with their families. PCTs may also help to manage the inventory of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tracking equipment levels and reporting when additional orders are necessary.

    Throughout the day, PCTs are solving personal, sometimes complex problems in coordination with their entire medical care team while maintaining positive communication and generosity toward the patient experience.

  • A PCT certification is required to join this growing industry. Participants in this program will earn their PCT certificates after completing the training program and passing an exam through the National Healthcare Association.

    This program will provide participants with everything they need to pass the National Healthcare Association exam and become a fully competent PCT, ready for work upon graduation.

  • This is a full-time, 14-week PCT training program and have the opportunity to gain full-time employment as PCT immediately after.

    During the full-time, participants will learn in a hybrid setting, which includes significant online training coupled with self-study, as well as an in-person skills day once a week. In addition to your daily interactive lessons with instructors, coursework will include significant independent/self-study work and collaborative group work with teammates. Participants will need to be able to commit their full focus to the program while they are enrolled, including some evenings and weekends.

    Specific location and shift options will be provided to participants during the training periods.

    Applicants will be able to indicate preference for specific shifts and locations, but placements will ultimately be determined by employer needs at the time of hire.

  • • You hold a high school diploma or GED/Hi-SET equivalent

    • You are able to commit to working 34+ hours per week (which is considered full time) after passing certificationItem description.

    • You are able to pass a drug test and background check prior to selection into the program and shortly after after completing the program.

    • You have access to a computer/laptop and a reliable internet connection that you can use for the entire training period.

    • You appreciate how health can positively impact people’s lives and you want to be a part of that journey with them. You might even have experience caring for a sick friend or family member.

 

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others? Do you want to learn new skills that can launch you into a stable industry with long-term career growth? Join the New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) for an employer-sponsored 14-week training program to become a certified Patient Care Technician and gain on-the-job development as a full-time healthcare employee. This new program will be free to participants and provide a fast-tracked pathway to becoming an urgently needed Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the Greater New Orleans area.

 The Rapid Reskill program is a hybrid model with 80% of classes taking place virtually and the final 20% of the classes taking place in-person. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and natural relationship builder who shares a passion for helping others. Candidates must be independent learners who are comfortable with technology and able to commit to evening classes for 6-9 weeks. The application process consists of employment/education history, a reading comprehension assessment, and a video interview. Candidates are then recommended to employer partners who conduct background checks, health screens, and drug tests before final selection into the program. Individuals should expect to interview with a healthcare system between 1-3 weeks following successful completion of the program.

Reasonable accommodation is made for any student or applicant with disabilities across training pathways. Eligible accommodations for certification testing may vary by certifying agency guidelines.