Thinking about starting a Patient Care Technician (PCT) program at Ivy Tech? You might be wondering about the program duration itself, but first, let’s address how quickly you can actually get your application in and get started. The good news is that applying to Ivy Tech is designed to be a fast and straightforward process, and it’s completely free. You don’t need to worry about specific test scores or GPA cutoffs to begin your journey at Ivy Tech. The online application typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Ivy Tech operates with open enrollment and offers flexible start dates throughout the year. This means there are no rigid application deadlines to stress about. With 8-week class sessions kicking off in January, March, June, August, and October, you have multiple opportunities to jumpstart your Patient Care Technician education. While there isn’t a strict deadline, it’s wise to apply early – ideally about a month before your intended start date. This buffer time allows you to smoothly navigate degree planning, financial aid arrangements, and course registration before your classes begin. Check out upcoming start dates to align your application timeline.
Steps to Get Enrolled Quickly
The application process at Ivy Tech is broken down into clear, manageable steps to make enrollment as efficient as possible for aspiring healthcare professionals like yourself.
(1) Submit Your Ivy Tech Application
If you are a new student to Ivy Tech Community College, or if it’s been a couple of years since you last attended, applying is your first step. You have the convenience of applying online from anywhere, or you can apply in person if you prefer a more hands-on approach. For those who want face-to-face assistance, reaching out to your local admissions team to schedule a meeting is a great option. Alternatively, you can visit any Ivy Tech campus on Tuesdays for “Tuesdays@TheTech”. This initiative offers personalized support with application submission and course registration, making the initial steps even easier.
Apply Now and take the first step towards your Patient Care Technician program.
(2) Provide Assessment Documents
After submitting your application, the next step involves providing documentation that helps Ivy Tech assess your readiness for college-level courses. This might include SAT, ACT, or PSAT scores, or your high school and previous college transcripts. These documents ensure you are placed in courses that are the right fit for your current skill level, setting you up for success in your Patient Care Technician studies. Learn more about how to upload assessment documents.
If you don’t have these documents immediately available, don’t let it hold you back. Submit your application first. You can always return to upload assessment documents at any later point, up until the end of the term for which you are applying. This flexible approach keeps the enrollment process moving forward without unnecessary delays.
(3) Watch for Your Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed by Ivy Tech, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This email is sent to the address you provided in your application. Typically, you can expect this email within 1-2 business days after submitting your application. However, during peak processing times, particularly from April to June, it might take slightly longer, possibly up to 5-10 business days.
This confirmation email is crucial as it contains instructions on how to register for classes and provides important details about your Ivy Tech student portal, known as MyIvy, as well as tuition information, payment options, and other essential resources.
(4) Set Up Your MyIvy Account
MyIvy is your central online hub as an Ivy Tech student. It’s where you’ll handle many essential tasks throughout your Patient Care Technician program. Through MyIvy, you can check your Ivy Tech email, register for courses, manage tuition payments, access financial aid information, stay updated with the latest Ivy Tech news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also features convenient “QuickLinks” to frequently used Ivy Tech websites and online tools, streamlining your access to important resources. Explore more about MyIvy and its features.
For step-by-step guidance for first-time users and helpful tips for navigating MyIvy, View/Print the MyIvy Help Sheet. This resource will help you quickly become proficient in using this essential student tool.
(5) Course Placement Process
Before you can register for specific courses within the Patient Care Technician program, course placement is necessary. This ensures you begin your studies at the appropriate level. You can achieve course placement by submitting relevant documentation or by completing an assessment test. Your scores from tests like Accuplacer help advisors determine the most suitable English and math courses for you initially. Refer to the Test Score Course Placement Chart for detailed information.
If you have already submitted assessment documents during the application process, your academic advisor will likely use these to determine your course placement, and you might not need to take any further steps. If you don’t have qualifying documents, or if your scores don’t meet the required minimums, don’t worry. Your advisor will guide you to complete the free Knowledge Assessment. This tool helps create a personalized learning path tailored to best prepare you for your chosen courses.
(6) Register for Your PCT Program Classes
Once you’ve completed the preceding steps, you’re ready to register for your Patient Care Technician program classes. Ivy Tech students use the Schedule Builder tool, accessible through MyIvy, to register for courses. If you’re a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, it’s highly recommended to connect with your advisor. Your advisor will assist you in developing your Academic Completion Plan and help you enroll in courses that are the best fit for your academic goals and the Patient Care Technician curriculum.
For a comprehensive guide to registration, including detailed steps, important deadlines, and information on holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, please visit the Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After successfully registering for your Patient Care Technician courses, your tuition bill will be available for viewing and payment in your MyIvy account. Navigate to your Student Dashboard, and then to View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made directly through your MyIvy account. For complete details regarding payments, including all payment options, setting up payment plans, making immediate payments, understanding due dates, and refund policies, please visit the Payments page.
By following these steps, you can efficiently complete your application and enrollment process at Ivy Tech and quickly begin your journey towards becoming a certified Patient Care Technician. Remember to start early, especially if you have a specific start date in mind, to allow ample time for each step and ensure a smooth transition into your program.
