To obtain a Certificate of Completion in Patient Care Tech, students must demonstrate basic patient care competency by completing the Nursing Assistant Program or the courses required for the EMT-Basic program. This program provides students the knowledge needed to function as a Patient Care Tech in the acute care setting. Courses provide instruction on medical terminology, supervised practice of sterile technique, urinary catheterization, nasogastric tube removal, EKG lead placement, venipuncture, point of care testing, and other procedures related to the care of a patient in an acute care setting.
Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions through the New Mexico Department of Health. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.
Other Compliance Requirements
Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.
Physical Requirements
Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS) Office for more information.
Program Fees
Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, etc.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites. (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.)
Students may select one of two Patient Care Technician (PCT) tracks. Students will complete either the Nursing Assistant Certificate or the EMT-Basic Certificate before starting Term 2. All courses in Term 2 are required for both tracks.
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