Program Highlights

  • Explore foundations of healthcare to jumpstart a future career in nursing.
  • Perform personal care tasks including health monitoring, vital signs, and emotional support.
  • Experience the passion of providing quality care while working with nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Career Focus

  • The first step to earning your Direct Care Worker certification is to successfully complete the first year of the program. By the end of the second year of the program, it’s time to earn your Phlebotomy Technician and Patient Care Technician/Assistant certifications by passing both exams.

Listing of Instructional Topics

  • Role of Patient Care Technician
  • Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Communication and Diversity
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Emergency Care, Safety, and Disaster Response
  • Standard Precautions and Safety Measures
  • Principles of Body Mechanics
  • Personal Care Skills
  • Basic Patient Skills
  • Nervous System and Sense Organs
  • Respiratory System
  • Urinary System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Endocrine System
  • Reproductive System
  • Immune and Lymphatic System
  • Sensory System
  • Phlebotomy
  • Electrocardiograms (EKGs)

Direct Care Worker Entry Level Salary

  • Hourly: $12.54–$15.47
  • Annual: $26,080–$32,100

Patient Care Technician Entry Level Salary

  • Hourly – $20.00–$23.00
  • Annual – $45,000

*Source – Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wages

Related Career Pathways

  • Certified or Licensed Nursing Assistant
  • Dietary Aide
  • Dialysis Technician
  • Medical Office Manager
  • Medical Research Specialist
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Patient Transporter
  • Pediatrician
  • Registered Nurse