Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Emergency Room and Patient Care Technician Certificate


30 Credits

This program consists of two stackable certificates, both the Nursing Assistant and MA-Phlebotomy certificates. Graduates will be eligible for state examination and licensure for both MA-Phlebotomy and Nursing Assistant. Successful licensure will allow the graduate to work as a patient care or emergency room technician. The training provides basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ethical, legal and regulatory issues, safety measures, infection control, special collections, and patient care.

This role is similar to the role of first responders in the field but occurs within the Emergency Room Setting. Typical job functions include:  

  • Assisting with observation and care of patients
  • Performing care tasks such as taking vitals signs, mobility assistance, specimen collection, EKGs, venipuncture and capillary sticks
  • Responding to critical life-saving emergency situations
  • Gathering and identifying patient care needs 
  • Preparation of equipment and supplies for emergency procedures
  • Transporting and transferring patients
  • Department maintenance 
  • Assisting with clerical and communication tasks to support patient care

 Skills and techniques acquired in this program are veni and capillary blood collections, basic patient care, EKG and vital signs. BLS certificate is acquired during the program. A minimum grade of 2.5 or higher is required in each course. This program prepares graduates to develop concepts and knowledge necessary to provide entry level patient care as an emergency room or patient care technician.

Admission Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Valid photo ID (driver’s license or any state-issued photo ID)
  • Must pass a National, Washington State Patrol and DSHS Background Check
  • Required immunizations
  • Uniform, text book and class supplies
  • Liability Insurance

For the complete details, please refer to the Emergency Room Technician Application. Students must earn a grade of 2.5 or higher in each class in the program to earn the certificate.

Contact: Career and Advising Center-Student Affairs & Success Building, 104; nursing@greenriver.edu

Program Outcomes


Students who successfully complete the Emergency Room Technician Certificate will be able to:

  1. Function as a member of a health care team to provide safe, patient-centered care.
  2. Use appropriate medical language to communicate with co-workers and ancillary staff.
  3. Perform duties safely and effectively within their scope of practice as outlined by the Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy programs’ requirements.
  4. Apply problem solving and critical thinking skills within their scope of practice and in coordination with team members to foster good patient outcomes.
  5. Perform infection control techniques and safety complying with federal, state, and locally mandated regulations regarding safety practices.
  6. Use effective written and oral communication and listening skills in interactions with a diverse patient population.

Last Revised:


9/1/2024