12 Best Patient Care Courses To Build New Skills In 2024

These best patient care courses are a great way to learn from other people who've got their finger on the pulse of the patient care practice. Here's a summary of each course to help you learn who it's for and why it's great.

Best Patient Care Courses Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best patient care courses I think are worth your time in 2024:

1. Activities of Living Patient Care Course – (QQI Lvl 5) (The Open College)
2. Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care (Alison)
3. HSCI130 Introduction to Patient Care (Bucks County Community College)
4. Advanced Patient Care Skills (Howard Community College)
5. Patient Care Technician (Ivy Tech Community College)
6. Patient Care Associate (Advanced) (Parkway College)
7. Patient Care Assistant (Orange Technical College)
8. Patient Care Technician (St. Louis Community College)
9. Patient Care Specialist (Medical Training Institute of New York)
10. Patient Care for Allied Health (BCIT)
11. Patient Care Assistant Certificate (Columbus State Community College)
12. Online Patient Care Technician Certificate Program (U.S. Career Institute)

Find more details about each course below.

Overview Of The Best Patient Care Courses

1. Activities of Living Patient Care Course (QQI Lvl 5) – (The Open College)

This course offers learners the theoretical knowledge and interactive practical skills necessary to deliver holistic and safe patient care, focusing on promoting quality of life.

• Who It’s For: Best for those working or on work experience in the healthcare sector
• Topics Covered:
  • Activities of Living
  • Caring for the Patient/Client Utilizing Activities of Living
  • Infection Control
  • Health Assessment
  • Ethical and Legal Considerations in Healthcare
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 8 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Minimum Leaving Certificate, Level 4, or 3 years of relevant healthcare experience required
  • Mature students (23+) may be exempt from prerequisites
  • Must work or have work experience in the Healthcare Sector (6-8 hours/week)
  • Proficiency in English and basic IT skills are necessary
• Price: €295
• Take The Course: The Open College

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2. Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care - (Alison)

This course provides an in-depth understanding of nursing procedures and patient care, particularly in elderly care. It covers essential skills and the nurse's role in diet therapy and physical examinations. The course equips learners with the knowledge needed to deliver effective and compassionate care in various healthcare settings.

• Who It’s For: Healthcare professionals and those planning to pursue a career in nursing
• Topics Covered:
  • Categories of human needs
  • Equipment used for patient care
  • Guidelines for bed-making
  • Patient personal hygiene
  • Movement and exercise
  • Environmental health and safety
  • Nutritional needs and metabolism of elderly patients
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 10 to 15 hours
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Price: Free
• Take The Course: Alison

3. HSCI130 Introduction to Patient Care - (Bucks)

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the role of an unlicensed patient care technician in acute care settings. It covers essential skills along with the principles of end-of-life care and patient comfort. Through a combination of theory and lab work, students will learn to apply evidence-based practices in patient care and safety.

• Who It’s For: Individuals interested in becoming a patient care technician
• Topics Covered:
  • Safety
  • Patient assessment
  • Blood and specimen collection
  • Surgery and immobility
  • Patient care and comfort
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 62 hours and 30 minutes
• Eligibility Requirements: Nurse Aide Training Certification
• Take The Course: Bucks

4. Advanced Patient Care Skills - (Howard Community College)

This course prepares certified nursing assistants to work in hospitals and other healthcare settings as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Who It’s For: Certified nursing assistants
• Topics Covered:
  • Phlebotomy
  • Electrocardiograms
  • Glucose monitoring
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Wound care
  • Urinary catheterization
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
• Exam Required? Yes
• Duration: 8 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 92 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: Current CNA license
• Price: $1,335
• Take The Course: Howard Community College

5. Patient Care Technician - (Ivy Tech Community College)

This program trains students in essential patient care skills. It offers flexible options for earning certificates or an associate degree, preparing graduates for roles in various healthcare settings.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking education and certification as a patient care technician/assistant, phlebotomy technician, nursing assistant, or electrocardiography technician
• Topics Covered:
  • Taking vital signs
  • Performing electrocardiography
  • Drawing blood
  • Collecting other lab specimens
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? Yes
• Duration:
  • Patient Care Technician (Long-Term): 3 semesters
  • Patient Care Technician (Short-Term): 2 semesters
• How Many Hours Of Instruction:
  • Patient Care Technician (Long-Term): 36 credit hours
  • Patient Care Technician (Short-Term): 18 credit hours
• Eligibility Requirements: ENGL 093 Introduction to College Writing
• Price:
  • Patient Care Technician (Long-Term): $6,422
  • Patient Care Technician (Short-Term): $3,211
• Take The Course: Ivy Tech Community College

6. Patient Care Associate (Advanced) - (Parkway College)

This course provides participants with advanced theoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for delivering high-quality nursing care under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team. The training program prepares participants to effectively meet patient needs in various healthcare settings.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking advanced nursing care skills
• Topics Covered:
  • Theoretical knowledge
  • Fundamental concepts
  • Hands-on Clinical skills
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 7 days
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 80 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: For participants who are working in any healthcare organization
• Price: $3,270
• Take The Course: Parkway College

7. Patient Care Assistant - (Orange Technical College)

This program provides comprehensive training in assisting nurses with procedures, patient hygiene, and basic healthcare tasks. It prepares students to take the state Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam and equips them for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health care settings. The course is structured into four Occupational Completion Points (OCPs), allowing for progressive learning and early employment opportunities.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to become patient care assistants
• Topics Covered:
  • Basic patient care skills
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Infection control
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? Yes
• Duration: 10 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 290 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: None
• Take The Course: Orange Technical College

8. Patient Care Technician - (St. Louis Community College)

This course prepares students to work as patient care technicians (PCTs) alongside healthcare professionals in hospital settings. It includes classroom instruction, skill labs, and clinical practice at local hospitals.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to become patient care technicians
• Topics Covered:
  • Basic life support
  • Patient care under direct nursing supervision
  • Clinical practice
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 9 to 11 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 8 hours per day
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification
• Take The Course: St. Louis Community College

9. Patient Care Specialist - (Medical Training Institute of New York)

This course trains students to assist medical professionals in both administrative and clinical tasks within healthcare settings. It covers essential skills needed to support patient care under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Graduates are prepared to work in various healthcare environments, providing comprehensive care and support to patients.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a comprehensive patient care role
• Topics Covered:
  • Dialysis
  • Nursing assistant
  • Phlebotomy
  • Patient care technician
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 30 to 47 weeks
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: 750 hours
• Eligibility Requirements: GED/High School Diploma
• Price: $7,850
• Take The Course: Medical Training Institute of New York

10. Patient Care for Allied Health - (BCIT)

This course introduces students to essential health and safety practices in patient care within hospital and laboratory settings. It covers basic healthcare procedures, the use of patient care equipment, and the application of client-centered care in complex situations. 

• Who It’s For: Individuals in the cardiology diploma program
• Topics Covered:
  • Health and safety measures
  • Basic health care procedures
  • Equipment in patient care environments
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Eligibility Requirements: 60% in CARD 1103
• Price: $920.86
• Take The Course: BCIT

11. Patient Care Assistant Certificate - (Columbus State Community College)

The course prepares students with the essential skills and knowledge to provide nursing care in various healthcare settings. This course equips students to meet the demands of patient care in diverse healthcare environments.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to become patient care assistants
• Topics Covered:
  • Basic patient care skills
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Infection control
• Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
• Exam Required? Yes
• Duration: 3 hours
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must place into ENGL 1100, DEV 0114, "No Reading Required," or have a college transcript with prior ENGL coursework
  • Must complete NURC 1001 with a grade of "C" or higher, or hold a current STNA
• Take The Course: Columbus State Community College

12. Online Patient Care Technician Certificate Program - (U.S. Career Institute)

The course equips learners with the skills needed for careers in hospitals, doctor's offices, and long-term care facilities. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the healthcare field with the certification and training required for patient care roles.

• Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a flexible, online learning option
• Topics Covered:
  • Medical terminology
  • Patient care
  • Safety in the medical office
• Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
• Exam Required? No
• Duration: 4 months
• How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
• Eligibility Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
• Price: $979
• Take The Course: U.S. Career Institute

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