Embarking on a healthcare career is a rewarding choice, and becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is an excellent starting point. Ivy Tech Community College makes this journey accessible and straightforward. Applying to Ivy Tech for your Patient Care Technician Certification is free and easy. You don’t need specific test scores, GPA, or class ranks to begin. The application process is designed to be completed online in approximately 10-15 minutes, setting you on the path to a fulfilling career in patient care.
Enroll Anytime: Flexible Admission
Ivy Tech understands that life is dynamic, which is why there are no strict application deadlines. With multiple 8-week class sessions commencing throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—you can find a start date that fits your schedule. While there’s no firm deadline, applying about a month before your intended start date is advisable. This allows ample time to navigate degree planning, financial aid arrangements, and course registration before your classes begin. Explore upcoming start dates to plan your enrollment into the Patient Care Technician certification program.
Simple Steps to Your Certification
(1) Initiate Your Application to Ivy Tech
Whether you’re a first-time applicant to Ivy Tech Community College or returning after a couple of years, your initial step is to apply. For the Patient Care Technician certification, the application process is the same as for any other program at Ivy Tech. You can conveniently apply online or opt for in-person assistance. To apply in person, connect with your local Ivy Tech admissions team to schedule a meeting. Alternatively, visit any campus on Tuesdays for Tuesdays@TheTech and receive personalized support with your application and course registration for your PCT certification.
(2) Submission of Necessary Documents
Following your application submission, you will be prompted to upload relevant documents. These may include SAT/ACT/PSAT scores, high school transcripts, or previous college transcripts. These documents aid Ivy Tech in assessing your preparedness for college-level coursework and ensure you are placed in the most suitable classes to succeed in your Patient Care Technician certification journey. Learn more about uploading assessment documents.
If you don’t have these documents immediately available, don’t worry. Proceed with your application and upload the assessment documents at your convenience, up until the end of the term for which you are applying. This ensures a smooth process towards starting your patient care technician training. You can always return to upload assessment documents later.
(3) Await Your Confirmation Email
Upon processing your application, a confirmation email will be dispatched to the email address you provided. Typically, this email arrives within 1-2 business days post-submission, but during peak periods (April-June), it might take 5-10 business days. This confirmation is your gateway to enrolling in the Patient Care Technician certification program.
The email will provide essential instructions on how to register for classes, along with vital information concerning your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition details, payment options, and further steps to get you started in your healthcare education.
(4) Setting Up Your MyIvy Account
MyIvy serves as Ivy Tech’s online student portal, a crucial tool for your academic journey towards becoming a certified Patient Care Technician. Students utilize MyIvy for various tasks, including checking emails, registering for PCT certification courses, managing tuition payments, accessing financial aid information, and staying informed about the latest Ivy Tech news and announcements. MyIvy also offers convenient “QuickLinks” to frequently used Ivy Tech websites and online resources. Discover more about MyIvy.
For step-by-step guidance for first-time users and helpful MyIvy tips, View/Print the MyIvy Help Sheet. This will be your central hub throughout your Patient Care Technician certification program.
(5) Determining Course Placement
Before you can register for classes specific to the Patient Care Technician certification, you may need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores play a role in determining the most appropriate starting classes in English and math, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your PCT training. Refer to the Test Score Course Placement Chart.
If you provided assessment documents during the application stage, your advisor will likely use these to determine your course placement, potentially eliminating the need for further steps. If you lack these documents or if your scores don’t meet the required minimums, your advisor will guide you to complete the free Knowledge Assessment. This assessment helps create a personalized learning path, better preparing you for the academic rigor of the Patient Care Technician certification program.
(6) Registering for Your PCT Certification Classes
Once you’ve completed the preceding steps, you are ready to register for your Patient Care Technician certification classes. Ivy Tech students use the Schedule Builder tool, accessible through MyIvy, for course registration. As a new, first-time Ivy Tech student pursuing PCT certification, it’s highly recommended to consult with your advisor. Your advisor will assist you in developing your Academic Completion Plan and help you enroll in courses that are the best fit for your certification goals and career aspirations in patient care.
For a comprehensive guide to registration, including detailed steps, deadlines, and information on holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, please visit our Registration 101 page. Get ready to start your journey towards becoming a certified patient care technician!
(7) Managing Your Tuition Payments
After registering for your Patient Care Technician courses, your bill can be viewed and managed 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 our dedicated Payments page. Ivy Tech provides various resources to help you manage the financial aspects of your Patient Care Technician certification program.
