15-Week Patient Care Technician (PCT) & Phlebotomy Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to Healthcare & the PCT Role

• • Healthcare System Overview Understanding healthcare settings: hospitals, long-term care, outpatient clinics, home healthcare
  • Roles of healthcare professionals: nurses, physicians, PCTs, and others
  • PCT responsibilities: key duties, ethical considerations, scope of practice
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  • Patient Rights and Confidentiality Patient rights under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
  • Confidentiality and privacy in healthcare
  • Introduction to informed consent
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  • Professionalism in Healthcare Importance of professionalism, including communication, dress code, and behavior
  • Maintaining patient dignity and respect
  • Understanding cultural competence and diversity in patient care
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Week 2: Basic Medical Terminology

• • Overview of Medical Terminology Prefixes, suffixes, and root words used in medical language
  • Common abbreviations and acronyms in healthcare settings
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  • Anatomy and Physiology Review Basic understanding of body systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal)
  • Key medical terms related to body systems and diseases
  • Terminology related to common patient conditions and treatments
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  • Medical Charting and Documentation

• Types of patient records: paper vs. electronic health records (EHR)
• Proper documentation practices and terminology
• Understanding medical orders and prescriptions
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Week 3: Vital Signs & Patient Monitoring

• • Understanding Vital Signs Key vital signs: blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation
  • Normal ranges for different age groups
  • The role of vital signs in patient care and monitoring
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  • Techniques for Monitoring Vital Signs Theoretical approach to taking vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc.
  • Common factors influencing vital signs (age, activity level, health status)
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  • Documenting and Reporting Vital Signs Accurate charting of vital signs in patient records
  • Identifying abnormal readings and the importance of reporting them to the healthcare team
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Week 4: Infection Control & Safety Protocols

• • Infection Control Basics Importance of infection control in patient care
  • Standard precautions (hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning practices)
  • Transmission-based precautions: contact, droplet, and airborne
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  • The Chain of Infection Understanding how infections spread (pathogen, reservoir, portal of entry/exit)
  • Ways to break the chain of infection
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  • Workplace Safety Healthcare workplace hazards: physical, chemical, and biological
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• Fire safety, emergency codes, and disaster protocols
• Fall prevention strategies and safety regulations
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Week 5: Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• • Overview of ADLs Key activities of daily living: bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and mobility
  • Importance of ADLs in maintaining patient independence
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  • Theory of Patient Mobility and Positioning Understanding body mechanics and positioning techniques to prevent injury
  • Importance of preventing pressure ulcers (bedsores)
  • Theoretical approaches to using assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers)
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  • Patient Care in ADLs Recognizing patient needs in ADLs (e.g., assistance, emotional support)
  • Communicating effectively with patients during ADL assistance
  • Ethical considerations in assisting with personal care
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Week 6: Phlebotomy & Laboratory Procedures (Theory)

• • Introduction to Phlebotomy Basic principles of phlebotomy: blood collection methods (venipuncture, capillary puncture)
  • Understanding common blood tests and their purposes (CBC, glucose, lipid profile)
  • Theoretical preparation for blood collection: patient identification, blood tube types
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  • Safety Protocols in Phlebotomy Infection control measures during blood collection
  • Preventing needlestick injuries and managing exposure to bloodborne pathogens
  • Legal and ethical aspects of drawing blood and handling specimens
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• Lab Procedures and Specimen Handling Overview of common lab tests and specimen types (urine, stool, blood, sputum)
• Proper labeling and handling of specimens
• Chain of custody and confidentiality for laboratory specimens
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Week 7: EKG Monitoring & Cardiovascular Concepts

• • Basic Understanding of EKG The electrical system of the heart and how it relates to an EKG
  • Overview of heart anatomy: chambers, valves, and blood flow
  • Introduction to common arrhythmias: normal sinus rhythm, bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation
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  • Electrocardiogram (EKG) Basics What an EKG measures: heart rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction
  • Theoretical understanding of EKG waves: P wave, QRS complex, T wave
  • Understanding how to read an EKG strip
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  • The Role of EKG in Patient Monitoring The importance of EKG in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions
  • Theoretical preparation for setting up and interpreting EKGs
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Week 8: Psychological & Emotional Support for Patients

• • Understanding Psychological Aspects of Patient Care Psychological stages of illness and the patient’s emotional journey
  • Supporting patients with chronic conditions, disabilities, and terminal illnesses
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  • Mental Health Considerations in Patient Care Recognizing signs of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, dementia)
  • Communicating with patients with mental health conditions
  • Providing emotional support to patients and their families
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• Patient Advocacy and Family Support The PCT’s role as an advocate for the patient’s physical and emotional well-being
• Communicating with families about patient conditions and care plans
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Week 9: Emergency and Critical Care Procedures

• • Basic Life Support (BLS) Overview Theoretical principles of CPR for adults, children, and infants
  • The use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • Emergency response roles for PCTs in critical care settings
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  • Managing Medical Emergencies Recognizing signs of medical emergencies (e.g., stroke, heart attack, respiratory failure)
  • Theoretical approach to providing first aid: bleeding control, burns, and fractures
  • The role of the PCT in emergency response and assisting nursing and medical teams
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Week 10: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Healthcare

• • Legal and Ethical Issues in Patient Care Understanding patient rights, consent, and confidentiality
  • The ethical dilemma in patient care: autonomy vs. beneficence
  • Legal considerations for PCTs: documentation, malpractice, and negligence
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  • Professional Conduct in Healthcare Work ethics, professional boundaries, and handling difficult situations in healthcare
  • The importance of continuing education and maintaining certifications
  • Exploring the career trajectory and advancement options for PCTs
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Week 11: Healthcare Technology & Medical Equipment (Theory)

• • Medical Equipment and Devices Overview of common medical equipment (e.g., blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, pulse oximeters)
  • Theoretical understanding of monitoring devices and how they work
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  • Technology in Patient Care Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHR) and their role in patient care
  • Theoretical knowledge of how healthcare technologies improve patient safety and care delivery
  • Ethical and privacy concerns related to health technology
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Week 12: Review, Exam Preparation, and Final Exam

• • Comprehensive Review of Key Concepts Review all major topics: vital signs, infection control, phlebotomy, EKG, patient care, and emergency procedures
  • Discussion and clarification of any questions or concepts
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  • Final Written Exam A comprehensive exam covering all theoretical knowledge from the course
  • Multiple-choice, short answer, and case study questions
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  • Preparing for Certification Exams Guidance on certifications available for PCTs (CPR, Phlebotomy, EKG)
  • Final tips for professional development and job search in the healthcare field
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3-Week Phlebotomy Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to Phlebotomy & Foundational Concepts

• Introduction to Phlebotomy Overview of phlebotomy as a profession
• The role of blood collection in healthcare
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• • Responsibilities of a phlebotomist in patient care and diagnostics
  • Principles of infection prevention and control in phlebotomy
  • Standard precautions: hand hygiene, PPE
  • The role of phlebotomists in minimizing infection risk
  • Safe practices when working with blood and bodily fluids
  • Handling sharps, spills, and hazardous materials
  • Following OSHA and safety protocols in the lab
  • Overview of body systems with a focus on the circulatory system
  • Understanding veins, arteries, and capillaries for effective venipuncture
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• Infection Control
• Safety Guidelines
• Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology

Week 2: Phlebotomy Techniques & Specialized Procedures

• • Phlebotomy Equipment Introduction to essential blood collection tools (needles, vacutainers, collection tubes)
  • Types of needles and when to use them
  • Proper sterilization and maintenance of equipment
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  • Phlebotomy Techniques Step-by-step venipuncture and capillary collection procedures
  • Patient positioning and vein selection
  • Minimizing discomfort and ensuring a successful blood draw
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  • Handling Complications & Patient Reactions Common reactions (fainting, hematoma, nausea) and how to manage them
  • Identifying and handling complications: arterial puncture, nerve injury
  • Strategies to comfort anxious or difficult patients
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• Special Populations: Pediatric Phlebotomy Techniques for capillary blood collection (fingerstick, heelstick)
• Special considerations for pediatric patients
• Communicating effectively with children and caregivers
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Week 3: Advanced Phlebotomy Topics & Competencies

• • Non-Blood Collection Special Procedures Collection of non-blood specimens (urine, sputum, throat cultures)
  • Proper techniques for non-blood sample collection and handling
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  • Sample Preparation & Handling Preparing blood samples for testing (centrifugation, aliquoting)
  • Storage and transport guidelines to maintain sample integrity
  • Importance of labeling and chain of custody
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  • Customer Service in Phlebotomy Key customer service skills for phlebotomists
  • Dealing with difficult patients and providing exceptional care
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  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Phlebotomy Legal considerations (consent, confidentiality, patient rights)
  • Ethical responsibilities in phlebotomy: professionalism, accuracy, patient dignity
  • Overview of HIPAA and its relevance to phlebotomists
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  • Phlebotomist Competencies Required competencies for effective phlebotomy practice
  • Introduction to laboratory tests, specimen requirements, and phlebotomist’s role
  • Preparing for certification exams
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