St. Louis Community College’s Patient Care Technician (PCT) program is a 9–11 week, hybrid training that prepares students to work in healthcare and gives them eligibility to challenge the CNA exam. While online components are limited to homework, the structure includes classroom instruction, hands‑on labs, and paid clinical rotations through partnerships with BJC HealthCare and SSM Health. This isn’t a traditional CNA class, but graduates can become CNAs and gain valuable hospital experience.
Program Overview
St. Louis Community College’s PCT program is a unique pathway into healthcare—it’s an earn-while-you-learn model that blends online homework with classroom lectures, lab skill training, and clinical shifts at partner hospitals. This hybrid structure allows trainees to get real-world hospital experience while receiving a tuition-supported education.
Although marketed as online, the majority of academic content is delivered in-person—online components are strictly self-paced homework. The program does not issue a CNA license directly, but upon completion, participants can sit for the state’s CNA exam thanks to satisfying Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) requirements established by Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services.
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Curriculum and Clinical Experience
The PCT curriculum includes 5–7 weeks of weekday classroom learning (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and weekly skill labs (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Students follow this with 4 weeks of clinical practice, working three 12‑hour shifts per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in reputable healthcare facilities. This setting offers stronger clinical exposure and potential hiring connections compared to standard CNA programs.
Key skills taught include patient comfort routines, vital sign monitoring, infection control, mobility assistance, hygiene support, prompt condition reporting, and Basic Life Support certification. These align well with CNA duties and hospital standards.
Structure and Requirements
This full-time program demands full commitment: Monday–Friday availability and readiness for 12-hour clinical shifts. Students must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check, drug screening, physical examination, and required immunizations. Additionally, technology savvy is needed for online coursework, including reliable internet and basic computer skills. STLCC supports this with device checkouts and campus internet access.
Cost, Funding, and Certification
Tuition is funded through partnerships with BJC or SSM, possibly requiring a 1–2 year work commitment at the clinical site post-graduation. Students earn a Certificate of Completion and American Heart Association Basic Life Support credential. Graduates may then challenge the CNA exam and pursue work as CNAs or PCTs, often with potential employer sponsorship.
Enrollment Process
Applying requires signing up for email alerts before the 2–3 month application windows. Interested individuals apply directly with the employer partner, undergo screening and interviews, and then complete STLCC’s application only if selected. All communication and final decisions come directly from the employer partner.
Campus Locations
The program runs at both STLCC-Florissant Valley (Ferguson, MO) and STLCC-Forest Park (St. Louis, MO). Florissant Valley has strong general education and trades programs, while Forest Park is close to urban amenities and supports health sciences, including nursing, dental hygiene, HVAC, cybersecurity, and more. Both campuses offer labs and online access for PCT participants.
Comparison with Traditional CNA Programs
Unlike typical CNA classes that focus on fulfilling state-mandated hours, this PCT program doubles as job training with clinical partner integration. Graduates gain practical experience in hospitals, which is more robust than the usual long-term care placements. Passing the CNA exam takes extra steps—participants must arrange the exam independently since it’s not directly included.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
- Paid clinical shifts that build hands-on experience
- Direct connections with hospital employers
- Solid credentials including BLS and certificate
- Immediate readiness to challenge CNA licensure
Limitations:
- Limited online content—no fully remote classes
- Requires intensive weekday commitment
- Must secure employer sponsorship early
- No built-in CNA licensure; certification requires additional effort
Outcomes and Career Path
Graduates are positioned to move into healthcare roles as CNAs or PCTs. Many stay on with sponsoring hospitals, gaining full employment. The CNA exam opens doors to long-term care positions or career advancement. Some may go on to pursue nursing or allied health roles, supported by employer tuition assistance and professional development paths.
Who Should Consider STLCC’s PCT Program
If you’re looking to enter healthcare through hands-on hospital training, this is a smart match. Ideal candidates are committed, ready to work long shifts, and motivated to take initiative—especially those aiming for CNA certification with employer backing. The hybrid setup supports learners who want both structured instruction and immersive clinical experience.
This path stands out if you’re seeking practical exposure in a hospital setting instead of a traditional CNA classroom. You’ll graduate job-ready, credentialed, and with strong career connections—ready to make an immediate impact in patient care.
| Category | Details |
| Cost: | Tuition is covered by employer partners (BJC HealthCare or SSM Health) with a 1–2 year work commitment. |
| Duration & Clock Hours: | 9–11 weeks total. Includes 5–7 weeks of weekday classroom/lab work and 3–4 weeks of clinical rotations. |
| Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Clinicals may include weekend or overnight shifts; no evening classroom instruction. |
| Online Classes?: | Partially – only includes online homework. No online lectures or virtual training hours. |
| Job Placement?: | Graduates often secure employment with their clinical sponsor (BJC or SSM), though not guaranteed. |
| Requirements: | – 18+ years old – High school diploma or GED – Pass background check, drug screen, physical – Basic computer skills and internet access – Must apply and be accepted by employer partner |
| Address: | Forest Park: 5600 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 Florissant Valley: 3400 Pershall Road, Ferguson, MO 63135 |
| Phone: | Forest Park: 314-644-9410 Florissant Valley: 314-513-4200 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Website: | https://stlcc.edu/pathways/health/patient-care-technician/ |
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