Patient Care Assistant
Students are trained to provide basic nursing care of adults, children, infants and the elderly. After successful completion of the Texas Department of Aging Nurse Aide Competency Examination, students will focus on acute care and specialized patient care. Entry-level skills in phlebotomy, EKG, and monitor technician are included.
- Delivery: Daytime, afternoon, evening and web enhanced/hybrid Classes
- Start: Fall or Spring Semester, Full Time
- Location: Nursing and Allied Health and Starr County Campuses
Get Started at STC!
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1-855-Go-To-STCSelective/Competitive Entry Disclaimer
Students are admitted to South Texas College through the provisions of Board Policy 3200. General admission to the College does not imply admission to all programs of the College. The Nursing and Allied Health Division offers Selective Programs with application requirements. Application requirements are included in the description of each program. In addition, some Selective Programs have a Competitive Entry selection process based on a competitive point system.
Information Sessions
Due to COVID 19, we are unable to hold a face to face informational session.
To better serve our prospective student, the Patient Care Assistant Program will offer Informational Sessions on Zoom.
Students will need to download the Zoom app on their own devices, such as desktop or laptop computers, tablets, or cell phones. Please ensure your electronic device has a camera.
Zoom is a free application that you can download to any device.
To invite you to one of our informational sessions please email:
Claudia Tovar at ctovar@southtexascollege.edu
We will need your full name and preferred e-mail address
The sessions will be conducted on Tuesday(s) and Thursday at 2:00pm.
A certificate of attendance will be emailed to you after the session.
- May: 26, 28
- June: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 25, 30
- July: 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
- August: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
- September: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
- October: 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
- November: 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24
- December: 1, 3, 8, 10
PTCA Spring Registration
- Attend Advisement Session
- COMPLIO Complete
- Correct Degree Plan (Patient Care)
- Jagnet updated with correct phone number and email address
- Bring your COMPLIO compliance checklist and see Ms. Villanueva for Registration room 126
Degree Plans Faculty Staff Career Exploration Resources
For faculty not listed, please contact the department.
Work Environment
Long term care centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and home health agencies
Potential Job Titles
- Patient Care Technician
- Patient Care Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- EKG Technician
- Monitor Technician
- Nurse Aide
Salary Data
- Average Wage: $10.50/hour
- Top Earners: $15.00/hour
Keep CNA Current in Texas
Keep your "registry listing" with Nurse Aide Certificate (CNA) in Texas current! If you allow your CNA to expire you will lose your PTCA certification!
Texas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook: https://home.pearsonvue.com/getattachment/73a0c524-4cbe-401a-aa5c-fe1ebf4e2517/Texas
Additional information about CNA requirements in other states
PTCAs require yearly continuing education and renewal.
Patient Care Technician/ Patient Care Assistant Certification Phlebotomy Certification
EKG Technician Certification
National Healthcareer Association
NHA - National Headquarters
134 Evergreen Place, 9th Floor
East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone: 973-678-9100
Toll Free: 800-499-9092
FAX: 973-678-7305
Program Resources
- PTCA Student Handbook
- Future PTCA Students:
- Phlebotomy sites: Visit Site | Visit Site 2 | Visit Site 3
- EKG sites: Visit Site 1 | Visit Site 2
- CEUs for CNAs
DADs modules can be taken each year to maintain CNA certification and renewal process - Thinking Things Through
- Nurse Aide Registry FAQs
Contact Patient Care Assistant Program
Department Chair
Sharon Rice
NAHC 129
956-872-3109
Department Contact
Claudia Tovar
NAHC A-131
956-872-3119
