How Much Does Becoming a Patient Care Technician Cost?

$ Four-Year College - $30,000 to $60,000

$ $ Two-Year College - $2,500 to $5,000

$ $ $ Trade School - Up to $2,000

If you’re considering becoming a patient care technician, you must understand the costs associated, such as licensing fees, tuition, and more.

Once you have started your career as a patient care technician, some of your duties will include:

• Checking the pulse, heartbeat, and blood pressure of all patients
• Providing excellent care to all patients by actively listening to and addressing their concerns
• Keep the condition of patients monitored and give updates to team members
• Reposition and move patients between wheelchairs, seats, and beds
• Assist patients with using the bathroom and getting dressed
• Escort patients to have tests done

A career as a patient care tech is a promising one, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Patient care technician jobs are expected to increase by 4% from 2023 to 2033, which means there will be plenty of job opportunities.

How Much Does it Cost to Complete Patient Care Technician Trade/Vocational School?

Trade or vocational school programs for patient care technicians can vary in cost.

Many of them can cost up to $2,000.

The amount you pay will depend on the location, program length, institution, fees, textbooks, and additional costs included.

In addition, shorter programs may be less expensive.

They can take anywhere from four to 12 months to complete.

Community College

If you’re interested in earning a two-year degree to become a patient care technician, consider a community college.

An associate of applied science in patient care technician degree is a great option for those looking to prepare themselves to work in the healthcare industry.

Costs are typically higher compared to trade school and usually range from $2,500 to $5,000.

Classes can be taken either online or in person.

Some examples of courses you will take during your time in the program include:

• Anatomy
• Terminology
• CPR and First Aid
• Math Fundamentals
• Computer Basics

Other things that can influence the cost of community college programs for patient care technicians are the location, lab hours, study materials, exams, number of credits, and more.

Moreover, if you’re looking to expand your knowledge even further, you can consider earning a nursing degree to become a patient care technician, although this isn’t required.

Costs will exceed $30,000 per year.

Trade School vs. College by Numbers

National Average	Four-Year College	Two-Year College	Trade School
Average Cost	$30,000 to $60,000	$2,500 to $5,000	Up to $2,000
Time to Complete	4 years	2 years	4 to 12 months
Other Expenses	Books / Supplies / Equipment	Books / Supplies / Equipment	Books
Award	Bachelor’s degree	Associate’s degree	Certificate

How Much Does a Patient Care Technician License Cost?

The fee for patient care technician licenses ranges from $100 to $160, with the majority costing about $120.

The cost you pay for your license will depend on the certifying agency.

For example, the American Medical Certification Association may have a different fee compared to the National Healthcareer Association.

It’s also important that you check with your state’s requirements, as all states do not require PCTs to hold a license.

For example, the state of Florida allows you to start working as soon as you have completed a PCT training program.

But if you plan on working in a hospital in Florida, you will need to take and pass the state exam.

What Are the Additional Costs After Becoming a Patient Care Technician?

For many of the patient care tech programs, you’ll need to pay for a uniform, stethoscope, textbooks, and blood pressure cuff.

After you graduate, you’ll need to pay for a state examination study guide, which will vary depending on the state in which you reside.

A criminal background check and mandatory drug testing are all additional costs you must pay before you can start working as a patient care technician.

There are additional costs that you will need to pay after becoming a patient care technician.

For instance, you will need a reliable vehicle, which means you’ll have to pay for gas and car insurance continuously.

You may need to purchase work shoes and work scrubs.

Patient care technicians work with ECG machines, infusion pumps, vital sign monitors, and more, all of which will be provided once you begin working.

Is Becoming a Patient Care Technician Worth the Investment?

The overall costs related to becoming a patient care technician vary depending on the location you attend school, the type of program you enroll in, and where you choose to take your exam.

In addition, equipment, labs, tools, and insurance will change the final cost you pay to begin your career.

But for those wondering whether a career as a patient care technician is worth the investment, the job outlook looks promising, with nearly a 4% increase by the year 2033.

There’s also plenty of room for advancement, especially since you’re in the healthcare industry.

Key Takeaways

• Excellent job outlook with a 4% increase by 2033.
• Trade school is a great option and costs up to $2,000.
• Community college is another option for those interested in a two-year degree.
• Community college costs range from $2,500 to $5,000.
• A bachelor’s degree is an option although not required,
• Licensing fees vary but average around $120.
• Not all states require PCTs to hold a license.
• Additional costs to consider are uniforms, car insurance, drug testing, criminal background checks, and equipment.