Are you looking to boost your career in the health care field? Texas Southmost College’s new Patient Care Technician track may be for you! The State workforce commission has identified patient care technicians as an emerging, high-growth and high-demand occupation, and funding is available through the college’s workforce development partners to fully scholarship students who meet Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) qualifications.
The program builds upon Texas Southmost College’s traditional Certified Nurse Assistant program, by adding instruction in phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG)–skills in high demand by local healthcare providers.
“It’s going to make the student more marketable in the workforce,” Associate Vice President of Instruction-Academic Success Dr. Angelica Fuentes said. “Healthcare is the number one field in the Valley, and there is always a need, locally, for patient care technicians.”
The starting average pay in Texas for Patient Care Technicians rages between $30,000 and $35,000 annually.
Classes begin August 7, however students seeking scholarship funding should begin the WIOA application process as soon as possible to ensure they have ample time to attend orientation, complete career coaching and testing sessions, and allow for document processing. Students may call Texas Southmost College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education division for more information at (956) 295-3724.
Funding for Patient Care Technician scholarships is provided by Workforce Solutions Cameron and Greater Brownsville Incentive Corporation, who have allocated $297,000 for eligible local students.
