Patient Care Technician Program

Campus Location

Miami

Time to Complete

30 Weeks

Class Instruction

Bilingual

Your Path to Patient Care Tech Certification

Becoming a patient care technician is a fulfilling role that places you as the vital link between patients and doctors. By utilizing skills from phlebotomy, nursing assistance, and home health care, you’ll provide compassionate direct and indirect healthcare to patients.

At FVI, instructor-led live online classes combine with safe on-campus practices to provide you with the complete training you need. We will provide you with the essential skills to enter the healthcare industry with confidence and thrive in a rewarding career.

Florida Patient Care Technician Program Benefits

Quick Fact 1

Day and evening classes. Bilingual instruction. Online live instruction with on campus hands-on lab practice.

Quick Fact 2

Personalized support: technical assistance, tutoring, job placement assistance for graduates.

Quick Fact 3

Financial aid and scholarships available to those who qualify.

We Prepare You for Top Patient Care Technician Careers

Here are a few settings where you’ll be able to work as a patient care technician once you graduate.

Hospitals

Assist nurses and doctors with patient care and medical procedures.

Long-Term Care Facilities

Provide care and support to residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Outpatient Clinics

Support medical staff in various healthcare services and patient treatments.

Hear From Our Students

Thrive in Today’s Job Market

From expert instruction to job placement guidance, FVI’s patient care technician program offers all you need to excel in the job market. That includes dedicated training to pursue licensure right away.

Yearly Projected Openings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 209,400 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

A Miami Patient Care Tech Program Designed Around You

Experience our student-first approach. At FVI, you’ll receive the tutoring and mentoring, and job placement assistance needed to thrive. Financial aid is available to those that qualify and you can take advantage of flexible class options.

Achieve your career goals with FVI.

Get More Information Today!

Hands-On Patient Care Tech Training Experience

At FVI School of Nursing and Technology, the Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is built around real-world, hands-on training. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to support nurses and physicians by practicing essential skills in classrooms, labs, and clinical settings. From taking vital signs and providing bedside care to drawing blood and performing EKGs, you’ll train in the same procedures that hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities rely on every day.

The Skills You Need for Your Patient Care Tech Career

Our programs and facilities are specifically designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce quickly.

Conduct Basic Medical Tests

You will be proficient in taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with medical treatments.

Patient Care Techniques

Assist patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.

Infection Control

Implement hygiene practices and protocols to prevent the spread of infections.

CPR and First Aid

Be capable of providing emergency care and responding to life-threatening situations.

Communication Skills

Be able to clearly and compassionately communicate with patients, their families, and healthcare teams.

Conduct Basic Medical Tests

Draw blood and have the knowledge on how to perform and interpret electrocardiograms to monitor heart function.

Ready to start your journey at FVI?

Accreditations and Partnerships

FVI is licensed, and accredited, and has strong relationships with many quality institutions.

Prerequisites & Admissions Process

Patient Care Tech School Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Patient Care Technician program at FVI School of Nursing and Technology, applicants must meet the following requirements:

01 Age Requirements

Be at least 17 years old. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-sign the enrollment agreement. Applications are accepted year-round, but class sizes are limited. We encourage you to apply early to secure your seat in the next start date.

02 Education

Hold a high school diploma or GED. International students must provide a certified English translation and credential evaluation of their academic records.

03 Interview

Complete an admissions interview with an FVI Admissions Counselor to discuss goals and program expectations.

04 Identification

Submit a valid government-issued photo ID.

05 Residency

Live within commuting distance of FVI’s Miami campus to attend required labs and clinical training.

06 Health & Safety

Meet all clinical site requirements, including a background check, drug screening, and required immunizations (such as PPD, flu, or COVID-19, if applicable).

Patient Care Tech Program Curriculum

Patient Care Tech Program Curriculum
The PCT diploma program is designed to give you a strong foundation in patient care, medical terminology, and essential healthcare procedures. With a mix of online, blended, and in-person classes, the program is flexible and convenient for students balancing work, family, or other commitments.

Graduates are qualified for roles such as Patient Care Technician, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and EKG Technician in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health care settings.

View our Patient Care Tech Course List

You’ll receive hands-on training in phlebotomy, EKG administration, and CNA-level patient care skills, along with in-service trainings such as OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, and Alzheimer’s care. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to sit for certifications including:

Financial Aid & Scholarships for PCT Students

FVI School of Nursing and Technology is committed to helping make your education accessible and affordable. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, which may include federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Our Financial Aid team will guide you through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the federal form used to determine eligibility for most types of financial aid, including Pell Grants and low-interest federal loans. In addition to federal aid, students may also explore scholarships and flexible payment plan options to help manage the cost of their education.

Ready To Get Started?

Patient Care Technician School in Miami, FL

Students pursuing their patient care technician certification in Florida can first earn their patient care technician diploma at FVI Miami. This is your first step towards working as a PCT in Florida.

You will find FVI’s Miami campus an accessible and supportive place to learn. Located in Midway Crossings Mall near top hospitals, it offers modern simulation labs and hands-on training to prepare you for real-world nursing. Our Miami campus is perfect for students living in Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas such as: Hallandale Beach, Aventura, and Miami Gardens.

Testimonials

Hear What our Grads are Saying

Don’t take our word for it – Hear from actual graduates on why they chose FVI to start their career as a patient care technician.

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What To Expect in FVI’s Patient Care Tech School In Miami, FL

Learn more about what you’ll experience in FVI’s patient care technician program.

What PCT skills will I learn?

When you graduate, will have learned many skills including:

Assisting the nurse with wound care procedures
Properly conducting an ECG
Assisting the nurse during insertion of intravenous saline locks
Properly drawing blood
Handling emergency room procedures
Taking care of patients where immobilization has been used
Removing a nasogastric tube

Do I need to be a certified patient care technician?

To work in a hospital setting in Florida, patient care technician graduates must sit and pass the state Certified Nursing Assistant written and practical exam. As a graduate at FVI, you’ll be primed and eligible to sit for the Florida State Certification Nursing Assistant Exam.

You’ll also acquire essential in-service training and certifications, spanning:

Domestic Violence
HIV/AIDS
OSHA
Infection Control and Universal Precautions
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease
Assistance with Self-Administered Medication Training
CPR

Finally, you’ll have different certification paths upon completing your patient care technician program in Miami or Miramar. Certification opens doors—potential for more job offers and higher pay—and here are some that you can pursue:

NRCPCT: National Registered Certified Patient Care Technician
NRCPT: National Registered Certified Phlebotomist
NRCEKG: National Registered Certified EKG Technician
CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant

Which certifications will I be eligible for after graduating?

The Patient Care Technician program at FVI prepares you to pursue several certifications that demonstrate your skills and open doors to a variety of healthcare roles:

Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Required for many entry-level patient care positions in Florida. Eligible graduates may receive a voucher covering the cost of the exam (up to $155) if they test within 90 days of graduation and the lead instructor confirms readiness.
Nationally Registered Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NRCPT): Confirms your training in safely drawing blood, handling specimens, and following laboratory procedures.
Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technician (NRCEKG): Shows you are trained to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), monitor heart rhythms, and support physicians in identifying cardiac conditions.

These certifications align with the program’s curriculum and can help graduates qualify for roles such as Patient Care Technician, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and EKG Technician in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

How long does it take to get PCT certified after graduation?

Timing depends on the certification exam schedules. Many students test within a few weeks to a few months after graduation, depending on exam availability and readiness.

Can I transfer my PCT certification to other states?

Phlebotomy and EKG certifications are nationally recognized and can be used across state lines. However, CNA certification is regulated at the state level. If you relocate, you may need to apply for reciprocity in your new state or complete additional testing before being licensed to work there.

What is the difference between Patient Care Technicians, Medical Assistants, and Nursing Assistants?

CNAs assist patients primarily with daily living activities under nursing supervision.
PCTs perform direct patient care tasks (similar to CNAs) but also receive additional training in phlebotomy and EKG.
Medical Assistants focus more on outpatient/clinic-based tasks, including administrative work alongside clinical duties.

By completing the Patient Care Technician program at FVI, you gain CNA-level training along with the knowledge and hands-on skills in phlebotomy and EKG that prepare you to sit for national certification exams in those areas. This combination broadens your qualifications and helps you pursue a wider range of healthcare roles.

How do I apply to Patient Care Tech school?

You can start the application process online or contact FVI’s Admissions team for more information. To apply, you’ll complete an admissions interview with a counselor, provide a government-issued photo ID, and submit proof of high school graduation (or equivalent). Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and additional requirements such as a background check and drug screening must be met before beginning clinical training.

How much does the Patient Care Tech program cost?

For the most current and detailed tuition and fee information, please see our Consumer Information page.

When can I start the program?

FVI offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Speak with Admissions for the next available class start.

Is this Patient Care Tech program online?

The Patient Care Technician program is offered in a flexible format that combines online, blended, and in-person learning. Foundational courses such as Introduction to Healthcare and Anatomy & Physiology are taught live online, giving students the convenience to learn from home. Courses like Phlebotomy and EKG are delivered in a blended format with both online instruction and on-campus labs. All core patient care skills training, CNA exam preparation, and the clinical externship are completed in person.

Is PCT school taught in English and Spanish?

Yes. At our Miami campus, the program is offered in bilingual Spanish/English. At our Miramar campus, classes are taught in English.

What career advancement opportunities are there for Patient Care Technicians?

The Patient Care Technician program is often a first step into the healthcare field, giving you a versatile foundation of CNA-level skills, phlebotomy, and EKG training. With this background, many graduates begin in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or home health and then choose to advance in several ways:

Specialized Technician Roles: Some PCTs focus on areas like dialysis, phlebotomy, or cardiac monitoring (EKG), where additional certifications and on-the-job training can lead to more specialized positions.
Nursing Pathways: Others continue their education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). FVI offers both a Practical Nursing diploma and an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree, giving PCT graduates clear next steps toward nursing licensure.
Allied Health Careers: Experience as a PCT can also be a springboard to roles such as Medical Assistant, or later, healthcare administration or leadership positions with additional training.

FVI’s Career Services team works closely with graduates to explore advancement options, connect with employers, and outline the best pathway based on each student’s career goals.