Are you compassionate, detail-oriented, and interested in a rewarding healthcare career? Becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) might be the perfect path for you. Patient Care Technicians play a vital role in healthcare settings, providing hands-on care to patients under the supervision of nurses and doctors. If you’re looking for a fast track into the medical field, Ivy Tech Community College offers an accessible and straightforward way to start your journey. Applying to Ivy Tech is free and easy, and you don’t need specific test scores or GPAs to begin. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get you started on your path to becoming a Patient Care Technician at Ivy Tech.
Your Path to Becoming a PCT Starts with Applying to Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech makes the application process as smooth as possible. Unlike some institutions, there are no strict application deadlines. Ivy Tech operates on 8-week class sessions that begin multiple times throughout the year – in January, March, June, August, and October. While there’s no hard deadline, applying about a month before your intended start date is recommended. This allows ample time to complete essential steps like degree planning, financial aid arrangements, and course registration before your classes begin.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech – Your First Step Towards a Healthcare Career
If you’re new to Ivy Tech or haven’t attended classes in the last two years, your first step is to apply. This can be done conveniently online, or if you prefer personalized assistance, you can apply in person. To apply in person, connect with your local Ivy Tech admissions team to schedule a meeting. Alternatively, visit any Ivy Tech campus on a Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech. These events offer dedicated support for application and registration processes.
Apply Now – Start your application for the Patient Care Technician program today!
(2) Submit Necessary Documents for Program Assessment
After submitting your application, you’ll be prompted to upload documents. For aspiring Patient Care Technicians, this might include high school and college transcripts. These documents help Ivy Tech assess your academic background and ensure you’re placed in courses that align with the requirements of the PCT program and your skill level. Learn more about uploading assessment documents.
Don’t worry if you don’t have these documents immediately available. You can submit your application first and upload the documents later. You have until the end of the term you’re applying for to submit these materials.
(3) Confirmation Email – Your Ivy Tech Welcome
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This usually arrives within 1-2 business days, but during peak periods (April-June), it might take 5-10 business days.
This confirmation email is crucial as it contains instructions for class registration and important information about your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition details, payment options, and more essential details to get you started on your Patient Care Technician education.
(4) Activate Your MyIvy Account – Your Student Hub
MyIvy is Ivy Tech’s online student portal and will be your central hub throughout your PCT program. Use MyIvy to check your Ivy Tech email, register for Patient Care Technician courses, pay tuition, manage financial aid, and stay updated with the latest Ivy Tech news and announcements. It also provides quick links to important Ivy Tech resources and online tools. Explore MyIvy features.
For guidance on setting up your account and navigating MyIvy, View/Print the MyIvy Help Sheet.
(5) Course Placement – Ensuring Your Success in PCT Courses
Before registering for classes, especially those specific to the Patient Care Technician program, you might need to submit further documentation or complete an assessment. This step helps determine the most appropriate English and math courses for you, ensuring you have a strong foundation for your PCT coursework. Review the Test Score Course Placement Chart.
If you provided assessment documents during application, your advisor can likely use these to determine course placement for your PCT program prerequisites. If not, or if scores don’t meet requirements, your advisor will guide you to complete the free Knowledge Assessment. This assessment helps create a personalized learning path tailored to prepare you for the Patient Care Technician curriculum.
(6) Register for PCT Program Classes – Building Your Healthcare Skills
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you are ready to register for your Patient Care Technician program classes. Ivy Tech utilizes the Schedule Builder tool within MyIvy for course registration. As a new Ivy Tech student pursuing a PCT career, meeting with your advisor is highly recommended. Your advisor will assist you in developing your Academic Completion Plan, specifically tailored to the Patient Care Technician program, and help you select the most suitable courses to begin your healthcare training.
For a comprehensive guide on registration, including detailed steps, deadlines, and information on important registration aspects, visit the Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition – Investing in Your PCT Future
After registering for your Patient Care Technician courses, your bill will be available in your MyIvy account under Student Dashboard -> View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made directly through your MyIvy account. For complete details regarding payments, including payment options, payment plans, immediate payment methods, due dates, and refund information, please visit the Payments page. Investing in your education at Ivy Tech is an investment in your future as a Patient Care Technician.
Start Your Journey Today
Becoming a Patient Care Technician is a fulfilling career path, and Ivy Tech Community College provides an accessible and supportive environment to achieve your goals. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting your education and making a difference in the lives of patients. Apply to Ivy Tech today and take the first step towards your rewarding healthcare career.
