CNA–PCT Bridge Program

CNA to PCT Bridge Program Advance your healthcare career with the CNA to PCT Bridge Program at DMS Care Training Center. This program is designed for current Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who want to become Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) by developing additional clinical skills required in hospitals and healthcare settings. Our hybrid PCT training program provides hands-on instruction in phlebotomy, EKG, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and advanced patient care skills. Students are prepared to pursue the NHA CPCT/A (Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant) certification. * Certification Issuing Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Why Choose the CNA to PCT Bridge Program? Designed specifically for current CNA professionals seeking career advancement Avoid repeating basic CNA coursework by receiving credit for previous CNA training Develop additional technical skills required for Patient Care Technician positions Gain hands-on laboratory experience in phlebotomy and EKG procedures Prepare for the NHA CPCT/A certification exam Program Overview The CNA–PCT Bridge Program is designed for students who have completed a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. Students receive credit for foundational CNA education, including patient care, infection control, and communication skills. The program focuses on additional skills required for PCT roles, including: Medical terminology Anatomy and physiology Phlebotomy skills EKG and cardiac monitoring Professional healthcare communication Advanced patient care skills This streamlined pathway allows qualified CNA graduates to advance toward PCT certification without repeating previous CNA training. Program Information Total Program Hours: 100 hours Program Length: 6–8 weeks Delivery Method: Hybrid (Online + Hands-On Lab Training) Clinical Externship: Not required for this bridge program Certificate Awarded: NHA CPCT/A Certificate The CNA–PCT Bridge Program provides a focused training pathway aligned with the updated PCT program structure. CNA to PCT Bridge Curriculum HC100 – Medical Terminology HC101 – Anatomy & Physiology HC103 – Phlebotomy Skills HC104 – EKG & Cardiac Monitoring HC102 – Communication & Professionalism Credit for Previous CNA Training Students entering the CNA to PCT Bridge Program receive credit for CNA-equivalent coursework already completed during CNA training. PCT102 – Introduction to Patient Care PCT103 – Infection Control & Safety HC102 – Communication & Professionalism Tuition Information Total Tuition: $1,700 Tuition includes online coursework, hands-on laboratory training, textbooks, required supplies, and liability insurance. Registration Fee: $50 AHA BLS (CPR) Certification required separately NHA CPCT/A certification exam fee is not included Payment plans available (credit approval required) NHA CPCT/A Certification Preparation After successful completion of the CNA to PCT Bridge Program, graduates are eligible to take the NHA Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) certification exam. The certification exam evaluates knowledge and skills related to: Patient care procedures Infection control and safety Phlebotomy EKG procedures Healthcare communication Professional healthcare practices Admission Requirements Current CNA certificate in good standing Government-issued photo identification or passport High school diploma/GED, or current high school enrollment when eligible under the NHA provisional certification pathway Vaccination records may be required Must pass criminal background check BLS (CPR) certification required prior to graduation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is a CNA to PCT Bridge Program? A CNA to PCT Bridge Program allows certified nursing assistants to build additional skills needed for Patient Care Technician roles, including phlebotomy and EKG. How long is the CNA to PCT Bridge Program at DMS? The DMS CNA to PCT Bridge Program consists of 100 hours and can be completed in approximately 6–8 weeks. Do I need CNA certification before enrolling? Yes. Students must have a current CNA certificate in good standing before entering the program. Does this program include clinical externship? No. Because CNA students receive credit for previous foundational training, this bridge program focuses on additional PCT technical skills and does not require additional clinical externship. Where is the CNA to PCT Bridge Program offered? DMS Care Training Center provides healthcare career training in Carrollton, Texas, serving students in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Start Your CNA to PCT Career Advancement Journey To enroll, students must complete the application form and pay the registration fee. Enrollment will be processed after both steps are completed. Complete Application & Pay Registration Fee ※ After registration fee payment is confirmed, our admissions team will contact you with next-step instructions. High School Students & NHA Provisional Certification Effective October 1, 2026, current high school or GED students pursuing NHA CPCT/A may be eligible to take the NHA certification exam before graduation when their expected graduation/completion date is within 18 months of the date they pass the exam. After graduation, NHA-accepted proof of graduation must be submitted to NHA to convert the provisional credential to full certification. All other NHA exam eligibility, training, and hands-on requirements still apply, and NHA determines final exam eligibility.