Program faculty must possess an active, unrestricted healthcare license or nationally recognized certification appropriate to the subjects they teach, together with relevant clinical experience. Lead patient-care instructors must hold, at minimum, an active Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse license and have at least two years of direct patient-care experience.

Faculty providing specialized phlebotomy or EKG instruction must demonstrate education, certification, licensure, or documented occupational competency in the applicable content area. Examples include an RN or LPN license, Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification, Certified EKG Technician certification, Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant certification, or an equivalent nationally recognized credential.

All instructors must demonstrate competency in the procedures they supervise, remain current with applicable OSHA, HIPAA, infection-control, patient-safety, and basic life support requirements, and meet Saint Joseph’s College’s faculty-qualification standards. Laboratory and clinical instruction is conducted under appropriately qualified personnel and in accordance with institutional and clinical-site requirements.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma, high school equivalency credential, or a higher level of completed education. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English-language reading, communication, and basic mathematics proficiency to understand medical terminology, follow written and verbal clinical instructions, calculate and record basic measurements, and communicate safely with patients and healthcare professionals.

Because the program includes laboratory and patient-care activities, students must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. These include standing for extended periods, assisting with patient positioning and mobility, performing fine-motor clinical procedures, observing and documenting patient information, communicating effectively, and following infection-control and safety protocols.

Before participating in an external clinical or work-based learning experience, students may be required to complete a criminal background check, drug screening, health examination, immunization or immunity verification, tuberculosis screening, CPR/BLS certification, and any other onboarding requirements established by the clinical partner. A criminal history or failure to satisfy a clinical site’s requirements may affect clinical placement or employment eligibility. Requirements are disclosed before enrollment whenever applicable.

Students must successfully complete the approved program, including required classroom, online, laboratory, and practical competencies, to qualify for program completion and eligibility to pursue the NHA Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant examination.

Upto 2 weeks prior to any cohort start date.