Patient Care Technician (Hybrid)
Patient Care Technician (Hybrid)
This course prepares a graduate to work as an entry level technician in a clinic, hospital or long-term care facility. Graduates will be able to check vital signs, assist in medical examinations and perform electrocardiograms, basic laboratory procedures and phlebotomy.
This program is taught with a combination of lecture, practical exercises in the medical laboratory and practical experience during the externship position of training conducted off-campus at a medical facility.
Online classes start immediately after acceptance. Upon successful completion of the required online instructional component of the program requirements, students will be notified of their eligibility to sit for the applicable national certification examination through MedCA recognized credentialing body where applicable to the program.
Eligibility to test does not guarantee certification and is subject to the policies and requirements of the credentialing organization. Externship placement is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Completion of an externship does not guarantee employment.
Externship participation where applicable is optional and is not a condition of program completion or graduation. Students who request externship consideration will be notified following completion of the certification exam and in accordance with instructional of externship policies. Certain externship sites may require additional documentation, background checks, health screenings or compliance with site specific policies. Failure to meet externship site requirements may result in denial of placement without refund or program extension.
Our record of job placement assistance is currently 90%. Recruiters pay for access to recruit Dorson VTI graduates.
Admission Requirements & Eligibility
Review the requirements below to see if you qualify for our Patient Care Technician program.
To Enroll, You'll Need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or proof of legal work status
- Ability to participate in hands-on clinical and laboratory training
- Basic reading and communication skills in English
Upon Completion You Will Receive:
- Eligibility to sit for MedCA national certification exam
- Patient Care Technician certification preparation
- Resume writing and interview coaching
- Job placement assistance with local employers
- Career advancement pathway guidance
- Dorson VTI certificate of completion
Program Cost:
- Full Course (Module 1–4): $6,000
- Registration Fee: $75 (non-refundable)
- Total: $6,075
- MEDCA fee billed separately
- WIOA funding may be available for eligible students
- Payment plans available — ask our admissions team
Program Schedule:
- 305 hours total (hybrid format)
- Estimated duration: ~16 weeks (4 hrs/day, Mon–Fri)
- Lecture + medical laboratory practical exercises
- Off-campus externship at an approved medical facility
- Online classes start immediately after acceptance
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Classes held in East Orange, NJ
Course Outcomes
Upon completing the Patient Care Technician program, graduates will be equipped to work as entry-level technicians in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Clinical Patient Care
- Vital signs monitoring (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration)
- Assisting in medical examinations
- Patient mobility, transfers, and positioning
- Personal care and hygiene assistance
- Infection control and universal precautions
Diagnostic Procedures
- Performing electrocardiograms (EKG)
- Phlebotomy and blood draw techniques
- Basic laboratory procedures and specimen collection
- Medical equipment operation and maintenance
- Point-of-care testing
Documentation & Communication
- Accurate patient record documentation
- Effective communication with clinical teams
- Reporting changes in patient condition
- Electronic health record (EHR) basics
- Cultural sensitivity and patient dignity
Professional Standards
- HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality
- Ethical and legal responsibilities
- Workplace safety and protocols
- MedCA certification exam readiness
- Career readiness and job search preparation
Average Annual Salary in NJ
Job Market Growth (2022–2032)
Local Job Openings in NJ
Comprehensive Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our Patient Care Technician program? Find answers below.
• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) — federally funded assistance that may cover tuition for eligible students.
• Bank Financing — low-interest education financing through our banking partners.
• Corporate / Employer Sponsored — if your employer offers tuition assistance, we can work directly with them.
• Other Funding Sources — we work with various community and government funding organizations.
• Flexible Payment Plans — ask our admissions team about installment options.
Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more, or call us at 973-676-6300.
