There’s something about the medical field that draws people in. For some, it’s the opportunity to help those in need — to make a real difference in moments that matter most. For others, it’s the chance to work with patients from all walks of life, in a setting where no day is exactly the same. For many, it’s the unique blend of science, critical thinking, and human connection that makes healthcare work so meaningful.

But the “getting there” often feels tough, with many medical schools requiring a significant time and tuition investment. Fortunately, though, this isn’t the only path.

For those called to patient care and looking to make an impact quickly, becoming a patient care technician (PCT) or patient care associate (PCA) is a powerful choice. You can become a PCT/A in a matter of months, not years.

Read on to learn how long it takes to become a patient care technician or associate, and why this profession is a great stepping-stone into health and medicine.

Becoming a patient care technician/associate

Patient care technicians are essential healthcare workers who help patients with basic and functional needs. These professionals also help doctors and nurses carry out important diagnostic tasks, like taking vital signs, collecting blood samples, and monitoring EKGs. In practice, a PCT/A handles a lot of fundamental day-to-day work, while also acting as a liaison between patients and their providers. At the same time, the work that they do does not require a ton of training or education. In most states and workplaces, a postsecondary certificate or diploma is the primary requisite for becoming a patient care technician/associate.

Learn more about the PCT/A requirements here.

Now the question becomes: How long does patient care technician training take? Let’s find out!

How long is a patient care technician training program?

As you research different healthcare schools, you’ll find that the length of PCT/A programs will vary significantly, taking anywhere from three months to two years. The length of time it takes for you to complete patient care technician training will also depend on any prior education and experience that you have.

Most patient care technician and associate programs are offered at the certificate level and can be completed in about one year or less. This is significantly faster than many other healthcare pathways, with flexible training options available.

At Goodwin University, for example, the Patient Care Associate (PCA) program can be completed in as few as three semesters. With 15-week semesters, this means you can be on your way to a patient care profession in under 12 months.

However, you do not need to wait this long to start your career entirely. At Goodwin, PCA students begin their studies with nursing assistant training. By the end of the first semester, they are eligible to take the CNA certification exam and start working as a certified nursing assistant. They can go on to complete the Patient Care Associate training program, while also gaining experience in healthcare.

The PCT/A program is broken out into the following segments:

• Semester 1: Nursing assistant training, including classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and an on-site internship.
• Semester 2: Phlebotomy skills training and additional internship experience.
• Semester 3: Advanced phlebotomy techniques, advanced electrocardiogram skills training, and a final internship.

Explore Patient Care training at Goodwin University!

How long does it take to complete PCT/A certification?

Once you complete a state-approved PCT/A training program, you can begin your path to certification. Certification is not required to become a patient care technician, but it is highly recommended and preferred by employers today. In fact, according to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 96 percent of employers “require or encourage” certification for PCTs and PCAs.

Professional certification is earned through the NHA’s PCT/A examination. To be eligible for this exam, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency, and
• Complete a state-approved PCT/A training program (within the last 5 years), or
• Have at least one year of experience working as a PCT/A within the last 3 years

With roughly 120 multiple-choice questions, the PCT/A exam is typically completed within two hours. Candidates receive their preliminary results right away, but official results from the NHA will follow shortly after the test day.

How long does it take to land a PCT/A job that you love?

How long it takes to become a patient care technician can vary person-to-person and program-to-program. And finding a job you love? That can take some time, too!

While most graduates find work soon after graduation, you don’t need to wait to start your job hunt. In fact, at Goodwin University, students benefit from a dedicated Career Services team that works alongside them to become job-ready faster. On top of the three internship experiences in our PCA program, students also benefit from the school’s vast healthcare employer partnerships, job placement assistance, and networking events to help them secure work. Students can also take advantage of resume, cover letter, and interview preparation services.

Examples of work settings where PCT/A graduates have found success include:

• Assisted living communities
• Doctors’ offices and special clinics
• Home healthcare agencies
• Hospice care centers
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities (like nursing homes)
• Outpatient clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• And more!

The right PCT/A training program (and the right university to support you) can make a world of difference. Start your journey to becoming a patient care technician or associate today.

Explore our Patient Care Associate program to see how we prepare you for a purpose-driven role in healthcare.