Embark on a fulfilling healthcare career with the Sentara Care Partner Certification Program. This comprehensive 16-week program is meticulously designed to equip you with the essential skills and hands-on experience needed to excel as a Patient Care Technician (PCT). Under the expert guidance of registered nurses, you will gain invaluable experience in providing direct patient care within a hospital setting. Offered at multiple Sentara locations, this program is your stepping stone to a rewarding and in-demand profession.
Fast-Track Your Healthcare Career in Just 16 Weeks
The Sentara Care Partner Certification Program, also known as the Patient Care Technician Program, is your gateway to becoming a certified Patient Care Technician. Graduates are prepared to deliver crucial patient care under the direct supervision of nurses. Your role will involve assisting patients with daily activities like personal hygiene and meals, alongside vital medical tasks such as monitoring vital signs, collecting blood samples, performing wound care, inserting urinary catheters, and conducting EKGs. Beyond technical skills, you will develop essential communication skills for interacting effectively with healthcare teams, patients, and their families, especially in sensitive situations. This program emphasizes delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in acute care environments.
A Blend of Learning Environments for Optimal Skill Development
Sentara College of Health Sciences prioritizes a holistic educational experience, integrating classroom learning, hands-on skills labs, real-world clinical settings, and flexible online modules. This hybrid approach allows you to learn at your own pace and then apply your knowledge in practical scenarios. Our skills labs are designed to simulate diverse medical situations, providing a safe space to hone your abilities. You will accumulate 180 hours of practical experience, ensuring you graduate with exceptional preparedness. Upon completion, you will be eligible to take the national Patient Care Technician certification exam, opening doors to employment opportunities across the nation. Sentara College’s commitment to innovative education distinguishes it as a leading healthcare institution in the region, giving our graduates a competitive edge.
Program Highlights at a Glance
- Duration: 16 weeks of intensive training
- Schedule: Part-time classes, approximately 16 hours per week, encompassing instruction, skills labs, and clinical practice.
- Flexibility: Day and evening classes and clinical hours are offered based on availability.
- Hands-on Experience: 180 hours dedicated to practical learning in skills labs, simulations, and clinical rotations.
- Start Dates: Programs commence in January and August annually.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years old by the program’s start date.
- Application Status: Applications are currently being accepted for August 2025.
- Career Focus: Specifically designed to prepare you for Patient Care Technician roles within the Sentara Healthcare system.
- Job Market: Patient Care Technicians are in high demand both within Sentara and across the healthcare industry nationwide.
- Placement Assistance: Sentara provides career placement support to program graduates within its network.
- National Certification: Graduates are qualified to sit for the national Patient Care Technician certification exam.
- Financial Information: Please note that this program is not eligible for federal student aid; however, payment plans and alternative financial assistance options may be available.
- Tuition and Fees: For detailed information on the 2024-2025 tuition, fees, and total program cost, please refer to this document.
Diverse Career Paths for Certified Patient Care Technicians
Becoming a Certified Patient Care Technician through the Sentara program opens up a wide array of career opportunities in hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The patient-centered care skills and specialized communication abilities you gain are highly transferable and valuable across various healthcare settings. Patient Care Technicians play a vital role in patient well-being, offering personal care and utilizing skills that can propel your career forward and establish a solid foundation for long-term professional growth. National certification enhances your employability, making you a sought-after candidate for similar positions nationwide.
For information regarding program authorizations and compliance disclosures, please click here.
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Accelerated 12-Week Summer Program Option
Sentara College also offers an accelerated 12-week Patient Care Technician Program during the summer months. This intensive program is tailored for highly motivated students aiming for careers in nursing or other advanced healthcare roles. By condensing the 16-week curriculum into 12 weeks, this program demands a strong commitment and stricter admission criteria. Class sizes are intentionally small, and enrollment is limited.
Key Differences in the Accelerated Program:
- Shorter Duration: Completed in 12 weeks versus the standard 16 weeks.
- Daytime Focus: Classes are exclusively held during the daytime.
- Summer Availability: Offered each summer, with applications now open for May 2025.
- Target Audience: Specifically designed for aspiring nurses and future healthcare providers.
- Advanced Prerequisites: Applicants must meet all requirements for the 16-week program, plus successful completion of high school or college coursework in Biology, Anatomy, Physiology/Pathophysiology, or Microbiology with a minimum grade of “C-“.
For details on program authorizations and compliance, please click here.
Interested in the accelerated path?
Discover the Accelerated Program
