Patient Care Associate Certificate Program
Make a real difference in patient care
Do you want to make a real difference in someone’s life every day?
As a Patient Care Associate (PCA), you won’t just work in healthcare — you’ll be a lifeline for people who need care. Whether you give comfort, help with recovery, or support direct care, your kindness and compassion will matter.
At Goodwin University, our Patient Care Associate certificate program teaches you hands-on skills and training focused on patient care — including CNA training, home health aide work, healthcare advocacy, and phlebotomy.
Did you know you may qualify for no-cost CNA or phlebotomy training?*
Your path to becoming a patient care professional
Our PCA program goes beyond the basics. You’ll build strong clinical skills through expert teaching and a job-focused curriculum. Plus, the program includes hands-on experience — where you’ll practice your skills in a real healthcare setting under the guidance of licensed professionals.
Even better, when you earn your certificate at Goodwin, you won’t just be ready to work as a PCA. You’ll also have the education you need to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), a phlebotomist, or an electrocardiogram (EKG) technician!
Program snapshot
Our Patient Care Associate (PCA) certificate is a step-by-step, three-semester program designed to prepare you for a healthcare career.
- Semester 1: Start with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, including classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Then, learn how to perform and read EKGs while gaining real-world experience through an on-site internship.
- Semester 2: Build foundational phlebotomy skills and continue applying what you’ve learned through additional internships. By the end of the semester, you’ll advance to more complex blood collection techniques.
- Semester 3: Finish your training with advanced phlebotomy skills and a final internship. After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam through the National Health Career Association (NHA).
After completing the first module, students earn their CNA license — but that’s just the beginning. Our program is intentionally built to guide you through advanced, in-demand skills like EKG and phlebotomy, helping you grow your expertise and open doors to more career opportunities in healthcare.
* Income guidelines apply
We’re ready when you are
- Enrollment is hassle-free, and it’s easy to get started.
- Financial aid is available, and we’re still accepting applications.
- You will find comprehensive support services that will get you through college and into a great career.
- We are veteran-friendly, and we understand and respect the needs of veteran students.
- If you want to transfer in credits, we can typically review your transcripts of prior learning in less than one business day.