PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE

The Patient Care Assistant Certificate prepares students to work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical clinics, skilled nursing facilities, as well as other short-term and long-term care facilities under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the competency exams for state certification in Nurse Assisting through the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and national certification in Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy.

Mandatory Requirements once accepted into the program:

Students must have evidence of valid AHA Healthcare Provider CPR certification and preclinical orientation as applicable.

Completed health physical, including required immunizations, before starting the PCA program.

A criminal background check is required for clinical experiences. Students must be able to attend all clinical experiences.

A negative 10-panel drug screen is required. Random screens can be performed throughout the program.

After registering for the PCA program, students are required to attend a scheduled mandatory orientation meeting.