Online Patient Care Technician Classes and Courses

Aspiring patient care technicians can find a handful of training programs offered online. Due to the clinical nature of the field, schools may require that students complete some training in a medical facility, although this element may also be conducted in a virtual environment.

Overview of Online Patient Care Technician Courses

Online patient care technician programs generally don't result in a degree, although some graduates receive certificates or diplomas. Instead, programs train students for state certification exams in patient care, as well as EKG and phlebotomy technology. After successfully passing these exams, graduates are prepared to work as home health aides or in hospitals or medical centers. Most programs require students to either have previous training, class prerequisites, or CNA certification prior to or by the end of the program.

Course Requirements

Students need a reliable Internet connection for online patient care technician courses. Lectures and demonstrations may be given via streaming video or in DVD form. Purchase of specialized software may be necessary depending on the school. Students may also need basic medical equipment with which to practice.

List of Online Patient Care Technician Courses

While some programs are offered fully online, many programs incorporate a minimal on-campus or clinical component for which students must physically be present.

Fundamentals of Anatomy Course

This course is generally offered near the beginning of online patient care technician programs. Students learn about the various systems of the human body, including skeletal structure, endocrinology and muscle tissue. This course provides a basis for understanding basic medical procedures and generally involves lectures and weekly assignments.

Nutritional Elements Course

Nutrition is one of the fundamental elements of patient care, and this class covers the basic principles of proper diet and its integration into patients' routines. Students may also learn about the therapeutic effects of the regulated diet. This course may include hypothetical patient diet assignments.

Patient Handling Course

This class is generally offered in the middle of the program, and prepares students for medical procedure training. Topics include moving and feeding patients, as well as assistance with everyday activities, such as getting dressed. Some programs spread this course material out over two or three specialized classes.

Basic Medical Techniques Course

Most programs separate this topic into specialized classes that cover phlebotomy, EKG procedures, catheterizations and first aid techniques. Virtual lab software may be used to demonstrate proper technique. Students generally take this class near the end of the program in preparation for clinical practice. Medical props with which to simulate procedures may be provided by the program.

Clinical Practicum Course

Depending on the school, this course may either take place in a virtual environment or a real clinic. Students apply skills learned throughout the program to virtual patients via specialized software, or conduct a clinical internship within a hospital or medical clinic affiliated with their school. This final course component prepares students for jobs in the medical field and demonstrates technical ability to potential future employers. Graduates are prepared to take a number of state certification exams.