Patient Care Assistant, O.C.

(290 clock hours) (9.66 occupational credits)

The Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Program is a component of the Patient Care Technician program and a certificate program which prepares a student to provide basic nursing care for the patient in the hospital, long-term care, outpatient clinic, or home health. A student who completes this program is eligible to take the State Certification Exam for the Certified Nursing Assistant.

An in-depth background screen is required for participation in the program.

In addition, students must establish that they are drug free by voluntarily submitting to drug screening analysis. Testing will be done by attended urinalysis for the following drug classes: amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, and PCP. Instructions for the testing will be given at the beginning of HCP 0001C .

This is a limited access program. A student should not assume assured admission until officially registered.

Program Notes:

• Students must receive a C or better in each course in order to continue in the program.
• Students must have means of transportation to clinical and home health sites
• HCP 0430C  and HCP 0620C  are offered in the Fall and Spring terms.  

Patient Care Assistant Total: 290 clock hours, 9.66 occupational credits

Program Notes:

Students must:

• purchase liability insurance, included in fees
• purchase a uniform,
• complete specific medical exams,
• obtain personal health insurance, or accident insurance.

The following courses qualify as occupational completion points within the patient care assistant program:  HCP 0001C Health Careers Core 90 clock hours, 3 occupational credits , HCP 0430C Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide 125 clock hours, 4.16 occupational credits , HCP 0620C Patient Care Assistant 75 clock hours, 2.5 occupational credits .