Get hands-on healthcare skills to work directly with patients
If you’re interested in working directly with patients, this program could be for you. NT/PCT introduces you to the essentials of health care, core skills, health care professional behavior, and a variety of pathways to becoming a trained and educated health care professional.
While learning in our simulated patient rooms, you’ll:
- Gain approximately 50 patient care skills
- Operate real medical equipment
- Practice phlebotomy, EKG and measuring vital signs
- Learn about many diseases and disorders
- Explore legal and biomedical ethics
- Learn infection control and patient safety
Plus, you’ll have opportunities to get clinical experience in real hospitals and participate in real internships.
Learn to Use
Tools & Equipment
Here are some of the tools that you'll learn to use in this course:
- Stethoscopes
- Blood pressure cuffs
- EKG
- Hoyer/patient lift
Earn Certifications
Available Certifications
Through this program, you’ll be prepared to earn certifications in:
- CPR certification
- National Nurse Tech/Patient Care Tech certification (cPCT/A)
Earn College Credit
Potential College Credit
Up to 10 free college credits available*
The number of possible credits vary by college.
*Students must meet minimum requirements.
Future Career Options & Earnings
Possible Career Options & Earning Potential
The range of pay for professionals in various health careers covers a broad range and depends upon many factors. Below are annual salary ranges for a few roles this program may lead you into.
With a HS diploma (some certification could be required):
- Nursing Assistant
Entry Level: $36,830 | Median: $39,570 | High End: $46,740 - Endoscopy Tech
Entry Level: $31,560 | Median: $40,280 | High End: $59,490
With additional college and/or advanced certifications:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Entry Level: $56,160 | Median: $65,460 | High End: $77,780 - Radiology/X-Ray Tech
Entry Level: $55,450 | Median: $76,420 | High End: $97,250 - Respiratory Therapist
Entry Level: $64,770 | Median: $79,850 | High End: $90,210 - Sonographer/Ultrasound Tech
Entry Level: $66,960 | Median: $82,490 | High End: $96,360 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Tech
Entry Level: $73,130 | Median: $84,620 | High End: $96,700 - Registered Nurse (RN)
Entry Level: $77,260 | Median: $94,300 | High End: $116,710 - Radiation Therapist
Entry Level: $79,610 | Median: $95,890 | High End: $110,030
* Note: Job titles and salary data are taken directly from O*Net (as of 2026).
Locations
Program Location(s)
Classes take place at:
Kent Career Tech Center
Instructors
Related Programs
EMT
Health Career Foundations
Medical Assistant
Nurse Tech (NT) / Patient Care Tech (PCT)
Pharmacy Tech
Phlebotomy & Diagnostic Sciences
Pre-Med Pathways at GVSU


