LEAD WITH CARE: BECOME A PCT
Looking for a hands-on healthcare career where you can make a real difference every day? Become a Patient Care Technician! PCTs work alongside nurses and other medical professionals to deliver compassionate, essential care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
For example, PCTs:
- Help patients with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, eating and mobility.
- Check and record vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration.
- Collect blood and other laboratory specimens.
- Offer emotional support to patients and their families.
- Assist with transporting patients to appointments and procedures.
- Perform procedures such as EKG and basic wound care.
PCTs are in demand in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers and home healthcare environments.
The Program
TCL’s NEW 21-credit-hour, two-semester PCT program will be offered at the Beaufort Mather Campus, Colleton Campus, and Hampton Campus beginning January 2026.
Courses include
- Medical Terminology
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Phlebotomy
- Electrocardiography
- Long Term Care
- Ethics and Law for Allied Health Professionals
Interested in enrolling?
Complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch!
Certify Your Skills
Successful graduates will be prepared to take a number of professional credential exams including:
- SC State Certification (SC Nurse Aide Certification)
- National Healthcare Association (NHA) exams in
- Certified EKG Technician
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant
Accreditation & Accolades
Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
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FLEXIBLE
TCL's PCT program combines in-person classes with online options for maximum flexibility.
Quick Facts
CAREER IN A YEAR
The 21-credit- hour PCT program is completed within two semesters.
POTENTIAL
Employment demand for PCTs will continue to grow.
JOB OUTLOOK
South Carolina’s annual mean wage for patient care technicians is $39,430 according to 2024 reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an aging population and growing need for long-term care services, there is an expected 9% job growth by 2028 for PCTs. Certifications and experience can lead to higher-paying roles or specialized positions in areas like dialysis or emergency care.
PROGRAM COST
Total Program Tuition: 21 credits x $228 per credit = $4,788.
Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs significantly. In fact, after financial aid, many students attend for free. See more about paying for TCL.
*Based on Fall 2025 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Does not include fees, books and other costs. Qualifications vary.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“With rising demand for skilled Patient Care Technicians, TCL’s program combines flexible scheduling, personalized support and hands-on training with industry-recognized certifications to prepare students for success in today’s healthcare field.”
A. Paige Thompson, MSN, RN
PCT Program Director