Facebook pixel Patient Care Technician Training

Make a Difference as a Patient Care Technician

Develop the health care skills employers are looking for through on-the-job training. St. Louis Community College’s patient care technician program partners with local hospitals and health care systems to place you in real clinical environments from your very first day. By working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll gain practical experience in patient care, medical procedures and teamwork, building the confidence and competence needed to succeed in a variety of health care roles.

What is the Patient Care Technician Program at St. Louis Community College?

Earn as you learn with the PCT short-term career training. This full-time program combines face-to-face lectures, hands-on skill labs and online coursework with paid clinical training at a partnering hospital.

The PCT program is a short-term career training followed by clinical practice. You'll learn the skills to collaborate with nurses, physicians and other health care professionals to deliver quality care. You'll be equipped to perform a variety of essential tasks, including:

  • Ensuring patients' comfort, hygiene and dietary needs are met.
  • Monitoring and recording temperatures and vital signs.
  • Maintaining cleanliness in patient rooms and beds.
  • Assisting patients with mobility.
  • Promptly reporting any changes in patients' conditions or behaviors to the attending nurses or physicians.

This training program satisfies the requirement of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) in Missouri hospitals. Graduates are eligible to challenge the certified nursing assistant (CNA) exam when working as a UAP.  

Pathways Illustration

What Can You Do as a Patient Care Technician? 

After completing this program, you'll work full-time with the sponsoring employer partner for one to two years as a patient care technician. As a PCT, you will work three 12-hour shifts weekly, including weekends and holidays. Many PCTs work overnight.

In addition to clinical duties, you'll also provide emotional support and comfort to patients and their families, making a significant impact on their well-being during their health care journey. Your compassionate care and technical skills will help improve patient outcomes and contribute to a positive experience. By choosing a career as a PCT, you'll be on the front lines of patient care, making a meaningful difference every day.

Patient Care Technician Short-Term Career Training 

  • Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, William J. Harrison Center
  • Upcoming Classes: Spring 2026
  • Class schedule: 9 week training
    - Classroom instruction: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for 5 weeks
    - Clinical practice: 12-hour shifts between 6:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. at a partnering hospital for 4 weeks. May involve weekends. 
  • Format: Hybrid
  • Student cost: Funding is available for individuals selected for the program. Funding may require a one year employment commitment to the clinical partner. 
  • Employer partner: BJC HealthCare
  • Award: Certificate of Completion
  • Contact information: acceleratedjobtraining@stlcc.edu | 314-984-7777

How to Apply

This program is delivered in partnership with BJC HealthCare. All interested candidates must apply directly with BJC HealthCare, and only BJC will determine selection.

 

Apply with BJC HealthCare

To be considered, apply for any open "Patient Care Tech Training" position with BJC HealthCare. These positions open and close regularly throughout the year based on BJC’s current needs.

Check back often for new opportunities if you don’t see an open training position. No prior patient care experience is needed. Consideration is based on your resume and past employment history. You can check the status of your application in your BJC Careers Portal.

 

Tips from Our Career Coaches

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills are essential for success as a patient care technician. Highlight any customer service experience on your resume. This may include retail, hospitality, food service or any role where you regularly interacted with people.

If you don’t have customer service experience, consider applying for other entry-level positions at BJC such as patient transporter, patient access rep, housekeeper or food service. These positions provide a valuable introduction to health care and can be a pathway into the PCT training program. BJC often promotes from within, so gaining experience in another role may help you qualify later.

 

Upcoming Classes

New PCT classes are forming throughout the year. Applying early and checking regularly increases your chances of being placed in an upcoming class. 

 

How Do I Know if I’ve Been Selected?

All communication comes directly from BJC HealthCare. BJC will schedule qualified applicants to interview, then guide candidates through the selection process. Updates will be communicated via phone and email. You can also monitor the status of your application in the BJC Careers Portal.

Class Schedule

Upcoming Classes

Spring 2026

Training Schedule

The PCT program is 9 weeks in length. Students should be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Clinical practice hours will include 12-hour shifts at a partnering hospital location. Please see below for more details. 

  • Classroom Instruction (5 weeks): Mondays through Fridays. Classroom instruction is from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at an STLCC campus followed by online coursework. 
  • Clinical Practice (4 weeks): Three 12-hour shifts weekly at a clinical partner location as assigned. May involve weekends.

Request More Information

Why You Should Choose STLCC's Patient Care Technician Program

Group of college students in hallway

Gain Real-World Clinical Experience 

Immerse yourself in hands-on clinical settings to enhance your skills and confidence. Our program includes clinical placements in partnering hospitals and health facilities, giving you the practical experience needed to excel in real-world health care environments.

Student reading a book outside

Short-Term Training

STLCC’s short-term training programs are designed to quickly equip students with the skills needed for immediate employment. These programs focus on practical, hands-on learning to ensure students are job-ready upon completion.

Students laughing in a cafeteria

Meet State Requirements with Confidence

The PCT training program fully satisfies the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' requirements for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel. By completing this program, you ensure compliance with state regulations, positioning yourself as a qualified and trusted professional in the health care field.

David Frank, PCT program graduate

Gain Entry to a Successful Health Care Career

"STLCC provided me with the education and training needed for my job. This program was a wonderful opportunity for me, and I’m so glad I utilized it. I’ve been so happy in my role and with BJC HealthCare." - David Frank, PCT program graduate

Back to top