The Patient Care Technician program at Ivy Tech offers a variety of opportunities for students interested in beginning a healthcare career. You can learn the real-world, hands-on skills to become a multi-skilled healthcare team member. The program teaches students how to perform tasks like:
Taking vital signs
Performing electrocardiography
Drawing blood
Collecting other lab specimens
Career Options
Graduates of the Patient Care Technician program can work in high-demand roles in hospitals, continuing care communities, rehabilitation units and dialysis centers. Patient care technician careers include:
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)
You're seeking education and certification as a Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A), Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician (CET)
You want to build on a previously earned Patient Care Technician short- or long-term certificate
You're seeking certification as a Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Nursing Assistant (CNA)
You want to earn a long-term certificate on your way to completing an AAS degree
You're seeking CNA certification
You want to earn a short-term certificate on your way to completing a TC or AAS degree
You're seeking education and certification as a Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A), Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician (CET)
You want to build on a previously earned Patient Care Technician short- or long-term certificate
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Earn Professional Credentials
Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician program offers a variety of opportunities to earn state and national healthcare credentials within its courses. Earning these certifications as part of a course can save you money in out-of-pocket expenses beyond tuition.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Patient Care Technician degree program offers opportunities for people considering entry into the healthcare field. Patient care technicians work in various healthcare settings, performing tasks such as:
Taking vital signs
Performing electrocardiography testing
Drawing blood
Collecting other lab specimens
Students can earn the following certifications:
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)
Ivy Tech's AAS in Patient Care Technician courses are available through traditional, in-person instruction and in a hybrid (blended or learn anywhere) format.
Sample Careers
Graduates of the associate degree program may work as certified patient care technicians in locations such as:
Hospitals
Continuing care communities
Rehabilitation units
Dialysis centers
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should
be well versed in upon graduating from the program.
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Patient Care Technician Technical Certificate (TC) teaches students about the role of patient care technicians in a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Students also learn how to draw blood and collect specimens.
The program also features 100 clinical hours in a phlebotomy lab setting. Patient Care Technician TC graduates can earn the following certifications:
This long-term certificate program requires 36 credit hours, or three semesters.
Build on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Patient Care Technician, you can earn this TC on your way. You can combine this certificate with other courses to complete the AAS in Patient Care Technician.
Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician TC courses are available through traditional, in-person instruction and in a hybrid (blended or learn anywhere) format.
Sample Careers
Graduates of this program may find work as a CPT or CNA. As patient care technicians, these professionals work in settings like:
Hospitals
Continuing care communities
Rehabilitation units
Dialysis centers
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should
be well versed in upon graduating from the program.
Short-Term Certificate
known as a Certificate (CT)
The Ivy Tech Patient Care Technician Certificate (CT) teaches students about the role of the nursing assistant as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Students learn about dementia and the disease's process. They learn how to care for a long-term resident with the disease.
Through the CT program, students participate in clinical hours at a long-term care facility. They are eligible for the CNA certification.
The Patient Care Technician CT requires 18 credit hours, or one to two semesters, to complete.
Build on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or long-term certificate in patient care technician, you can earn this CT on your way. You can combine this certificate with other courses to complete the TC or AAS in Patient Care Technician.
Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician CT courses are available through traditional, in-person instruction and in a hybrid (blended or learn anywhere) format.
Career to Pursue
Graduates of this short-term certificate program may pursue roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). These professionals work in long-term care facilities or continuing care communities.
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should
be well versed in upon graduating from the program.
The Patient Care Technician program may be a good fit if you are interested in healthcare and are passionate about making a difference in people's lives. The program also can be a good choice for those seeking additional credentials for their healthcare career.
Patient care technicians' responsibilities can include:
Assisting patients with day-to-day activities
Maintaining safe patient care environments
Taking vital signs
Performing EKG testing
Collecting blood and other lab specimens
Preparing equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures
Because patient care technicians work with patients and with other healthcare providers, they need skills and traits like:
Communication skills
Empathy
Attention to others' needs
The Patient Care Technician program offers full-time and part-time options.
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the program details and personal traits above, patient care technician may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Completion of the following required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher is required for admission to the Patient Care Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and both the long- and short-term certificates:
ENGL 093 Introduction to College Writing
ENGL 083 Reading Strategies for College or ENGL 095 Integrated Reading and Writing
Students may also take ENGL 075 Co-Requisite Integrated Reading and Writing in in addition to these courses if eligible based on knowledge assessment results during the application process.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Patient Care Technician Courses
Descriptions of patient care technician courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Class Formats
Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician courses are available through traditional, in-person instruction and in a hybrid (blended or learn anywhere) format.
Earn Certifications as You Learn
Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician program offers a variety of opportunities to earn state and national healthcare credentials within its courses. Depending on the degree or certification path, the following certifications are available:
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) – Typically employed in acute care facilities (hospitals), duties are similar to CNA but also include drawing blood and performing EKGs
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) – Typically employed in laboratories, duties include drawing blood and collecting other laboratory specimens
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Typically employed in long-term care facilities, duties include providing assistance with activities of daily living, taking vital signs, repositioning and transferring patients, and assisting residents with eating
Certified Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician (CET) – Typically employed in hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices duties include administering electrocardiogram and stress tests
Ivy Tech Credential Earned
Students Eligible For
Associate of Applied Science eligible after completing 33 of 60 credits
Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
“I would like to thank Ivy Tech for giving me the opportunity to obtain three certifications. My certifications make me extremely marketable in a career field I love. I truly thank the program's professors and subject matter experts for setting me (and my classmates) up for success in the patient care industry.
”
–Stephen (Alex) T. II, CPCT/A, CPT, CNA | Associate of Applied Science
Featured Faculty & Staff
Terri Fleming
Department Chair
Indianapolis
Terri Fleming
Department Chair
Indianapolis
Winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction at the Indianapolis campus
Terri is an out-of-the-box thinker who understands the mission of Ivy Tech and the importance of her role as a leader for her students. Her worth ethic and drive to produce quality students who are prepared for the workforce is exceptional. Her positive attitude is infectious, and she is a joy to be around. Ivy Tech is lucky to have such a devoted faculty member!
— Charity Bowling | Respiratory Therapy Program Chair
Questions About the Program?
Future Students
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Patient Care Technician program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5:00pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12:00pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.