Patient Care Tech program online?

[cknapp92]

I am looking into PCT programs in my area, and the outcome wasn't promising. I decided to try online and found a promising program. It's the U.S Career Institute online PCT program. The school doesn't look like a scam or anything, and has good reviews, i am just worried about not getting hired because i don't have hands on experience. I am hoping maybe they have external clinical or something, but not sure yet. Has anyone has experience with online PCT or healthcare programs that involve patient care and found it not a problem to find a job? Or is this too good to be true. I would like to add i do have experience with being a HHA for 2 years, but that is it. Also, the program doesn't involve phelbotomy or EKG, which in my area will make it extremely hard to find work as a PCT without those skills, so i would have to go to a different school to obtain those.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Sounds like a waste of money, as you can't be certified (CNA) without a hands-on course, and being passed on a skills test with direct observation of an instructor. Guess that's why they are using "PCT": you won't be able to get certified.

That said, I can't imagine anyone hiring a "graduate" of such a program. I mean, think about it: a patient care tech who hasn't ever touched a patient?? Absurd.

If people are willing to pay for the course, that's great for the company taking the money. But they sure aren't going to guarantee any employment!

[mirandaaa]

That said, I can't imagine anyone hiring a "graduate" of such a program. I mean, think about it: a patient care tech who hasn't ever touched a patient?? Absurd.

I feel the same way when people ask about online CNA, CPR, or even godforbid, nursing programs (aside from bridging from ASN-BSN or whatever).

You learn SO MUCH from the hands-on clinical portion of the course. You may think "oh I can do that" but without actually DOING it, you'll never know if you're doing it correctly or not. You need that instructor standing behind you saying, "Nope, do it again, you missed three steps."

If you can find a PCT course that isn't online, I highly suggest you do that instead. Not only will you get the vital experience and practice you need to successfully do a job, but you're more likely to find employment when an employer sees you had actual experience on the floor, not just a couple tests online.

I know that there ARE some online programs that offer everything online and then have a clinical site that the students have to attend, but even these sometimes are not favored by employers.

[mvm2]

How can this be a reputable PCTonline class if they don't even teach EKG

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I think with this question you answered your own question!

[ScrappytheCoco]

Is there a vocational college near you? They usually have the classes for CNA and basic phlebotomy. They were less than 6w long and inexpensive when I did them a few years ago. We had hands on clinical for both.