Georgia Highlands College (GHC), through its Center for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE), is excited to announce the launch of its new Patient Care Technician (PCT) program at the Cartersville campus. Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, the program offers in-depth, hands-on training to prepare students for high-demand roles in hospitals, clinics, and other vital healthcare settings.

The comprehensive program was developed and will be led by longtime healthcare educator Donna Mathias. “We created this program with the community in mind,” said Mathias. “After teaching PCT at the Bartow County College and Career Academy, I saw a real opportunity to bring this training to Georgia Highlands. It took a year to get started, but it will be worth it — not just for the students, but for the community we serve.”

GHC’s PCT program distinguishes itself in the region through its dedicated in-person instruction and unique clinical rotations at Piedmont Hospital in Cartersville. These invaluable experiences provide students with exposure to every department within the hospital, offering a full understanding of the wide range of responsibilities a PCT license enables and highlighting their crucial role in modern healthcare.

Throughout the intensive, semester-long program, students will master core healthcare skills essential for the role. Curriculum includes Phlebotomy, EKG monitoring, wound care with sterile dressing, urinary catheterization, respiratory support, as well as foundational medical terminology and body systems. Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 4 PM, combining lectures, skill labs, and hands-on training each week.

The first cohort is set to begin on August 12 and will run through December 11. Graduates of the program will be immediately eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Association PCT Certification Exam, with the potential for employment as early as the same day they pass.

“There’s a growing need for Patient Care Technicians both in our area and across the country,” Mathias emphasized. “From hospitals and urgent care clinics to nursing homes and surgical centers, PCTs are in high demand. Their role is nearly as crucial as the growing need for nurses.” PCTs in Georgia typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on location and experience.

The program’s clinical component at Piedmont Cartersville is particularly beneficial, providing not only real-world training but also crucial opportunities for students to connect with potential employers. “Hospital staff are watching during clinicals,” Mathias noted. “They observe work ethic, professionalism, communication, and skill. When it’s time to apply for jobs, they already know who’s ready.”

The PCT program is ideal for individuals with a background or strong interest in healthcare, particularly those considering future nursing degrees. GHC also emphasizes developing critical soft skills alongside technical expertise. “We focus on more than just technical skills,” Mathias added. “We’re teaching students critical thinking, problem solving, and how to adapt to patient needs in real time. Those are the skills that make a great healthcare provider.”

Financial support options are available for prospective students, including payment plans, Smart Option Loans, and limited financial assistance through Tallatoona CAP at 770-773-7730 ext. 123.

Students interested in beginning or expanding their healthcare career are encouraged to learn more and register through the GHC Center for Continuing and Professional Education website.