11 Healthcare Certificate Programs You Can Complete in Under 2 Years (2026 Guide)

7. Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Patient Care Technician programs typically take three to nine months and often build on CNA coursework by adding skills such as phlebotomy, EKG basics, and specialized patient monitoring. PCTs work in hospitals, dialysis centers, and specialty units where a higher level of technical skill is beneficial. Many PCT programs expect or include CNA certification as a foundation, so students sometimes complete a CNA program first and then add PCT training to expand responsibilities and pay. Employers appreciate multi-skilled candidates who can cover a wider range of tasks on a busy floor. Clinical practice and supervised hands-on experience are common components of PCT training, and the combination of skills increases job flexibility. If you aim to move into a licensed role later, stacking credentials—CNA → PCT → LPN, for example—can reduce duplication of coursework and lower total training time and cost.