Health Science
Patient Care Assistant
Be part of the exciting health science field!
Begin your journey toward a rewarding healthcare career with Atlantic Technical College’s Patient Care Assistant program. This Integrated Education and Training (IET) program is designed for students who want to develop essential patient care skills while continuing to learn English through ESOL instruction.
Through classroom learning and hands-on training, students build foundational healthcare knowledge in communication, infection control, patient safety, emergency procedures, and resident care. Graduates are prepared to work as patient care assistants and nursing assistants in healthcare settings while gaining the skills needed to pursue Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
Patient Care Assistants (PCA) work as members of the healthcare team under the direction of nurses, helping monitor patients, record vital signs, and provide support with daily care needs. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program in accordance with state guidelines.
Classes are held at the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Campus, 1701 NW 23rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.
Additional Skills Covered:
-
- Communication Skills & Challenges
- End-of-Life Care
- Emergency Care/First Aid/Disasters
- Ethical & Legal Issues
- Human Needs & Development
- Infection Prevention & Control
- Nursing Assistant Role & Employability Skills
- Nutrition
- Personal Patient/Environment Care
- Rehabilitative & Restorative Care
- Safety & Body Mechanics
- Subacute Care
- The Body System
- Vital Signs
Admission Requirements
- 16 years of age or older
- Attend an ATC Program Information Session
- Meet with the Program Counselor/Advisor
- Clearance on FDLE Level II Background Check
- Negative drug test results
- Immunizations and physical examination
Tuition and Program Costs
Program costs include tuition, fees, insurance requirements, and program materials. Please review the current tuition and fee schedule below. Prices are subject to change.
| Item | In-State Fees | Out-of-State Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $658 | $2,632 |
| Lab Fee | $59 | $59 |
| Registration Fee | $25 | $25 |
| Annual Student Activity Fee | $20 | $20 |
| Liability Insurance (required) | $13 | $13 |
| Accidental/Health Insurance (if not currently covered) | $47 | $47 |
| Complio Bundle | $108 | $108 |
| Tuition & Fees Total | $930 | $2,904 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Patient Care Assistant program may pursue entry-level opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare environments.
Potential career pathways include:
- Patient Care Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Home Health Aide
- Patient Support Associate
Prepare for CNA Certification and Employment
Students will be prepared to take an approved state and/or nationally recognized industry certification or licensure exam in their field of study. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification examination. The Florida Department of Health Board of Nursing will issue a certificate to individuals who successfully pass the examination.
Exam costs are additional; however, students may qualify for reimbursement of exam costs upon passing. See your program counselor for additional information.
College Credit Transfer Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, students may be eligible to receive FREE associate degree transfer credits from Broward College or another state college.
To learn more and determine eligibility:
- Visit the Broward Technical Colleges Articulation Agreement webpage
- Scroll to the career cluster photos
- Select the Health Science career cluster
- Or contact your program counselor/advisor.
Additional college credit may be awarded through the attainment of industry certifications.
Start Your Healthcare Career
If you’re interested in helping others and entering the healthcare field, the Patient Care Assistant program can provide the foundational training needed to get started.
Enroll in Atlantic Technical College’s Patient Care Assistant program today and take the first step toward a career in healthcare.
To get started, sign up for an ATC Program Information Session.
Program Counselor: [email protected]
Program Information:
Program Length:
235 hours (approximately 10 weeks – full-time)
Program Offered:
August, November & February
Delivery Method:
Traditional – 100% classroom-based
The Daytime Program is offered at the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Campus
1701 NW 23rd Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, 33311
Days & Times:
Traditional:
Monday – Friday
7:05 a.m. – 1:50 p.m
