Media release from Georgia Highlands College:
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. Developed and led by longtime healthcare educator Donna Mathias, the program is designed to offer in-depth, hands-on training to prepare students for high-demand roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
“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 stands apart in the region for its in-person instruction and clinical rotations at Piedmont Hospital in Cartersville, where students gain exposure to every department within the hospital. These experiences give students a full understanding of what a PCT license enables them to do — and how vital their role is in modern healthcare.
Throughout the semester-long program, students will learn core healthcare skills, including Phlebotomy, EKG monitoring, wound care with sterile dressing, urinary catheterization, respiratory support, as well as medical terminology and body systems.
Classes begin August 12 and run through December 11, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9AM to 4PM. Each week includes lectures, skill labs, and hands-on training.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Association PCT Certification Exam—and may be employed 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 said. “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 not only provides real-world training, but also helps students connect with potential employers. “Hospital staff are watching during clinicals,” said Mathias. “They observe work ethic, professionalism, communication, and skill. When it’s time to apply for jobs, they already know who’s ready.”
Financial support options are available, including payment plans, Smart Option Loans, and limited financial assistance through Tallatoona CAP at 770-773-7730 ext. 123.
The program is ideal for students with a background or strong interest in healthcare, especially those pursuing future nursing degrees.
“We focus on more than just technical skills,” said Mathias. “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.”
