Inaugural Class Completes Patient Care Technician Program
Saint Francis University Celebrates the Inaugural Class of its Patient Care Technician Program in Altoona
Saint Francis University celebrated the first graduating class of its new Patient Care Technician (PCT) program, a career-focused opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Division of Professional Studies (DPS) at Saint Francis University hosted a special recognition and program completion ceremony at SFU’s Curry Innovation Center in Altoona to honor nine students who successfully completed the Patient Care Technician (PCT) program.
This group began their journey while still in high school—four from Bishop Guilfoyle High School and five from Altoona Area High School. Over the past year, they gained hands-on experience through skill labs at SFU's Curry Innovation Center and monthly clinicals at UPMC-Altoona, learning the fundamentals of patient care in real-world settings.
Having graduated high school this spring, the students completed their PCT program requirements in early August. Each one is now preparing to begin college this fall, all majoring in health-related fields. We are especially proud that two of these students will be joining the Red Flash family as they continue their education here at Saint Francis University.
Congratulations to:
- Addison Berardi (BGHS, Altoona, PA)
- Colton Chathams (AAHS, Altoona, PA –SFU undergrad)
- Adaya Craig (BGHS, Tyrone, PA)
- Dominic Danastasio (BGHS, Monroeville, PA)
- Riley Gofus (BGHS, Hollidaysburg, PA – SFU undergrad)
- Madalyn Miller (AAHS, Altoona, PA)
- Lauryn Ryan (AAHS, Altoona, PA)
- Rosemary Wei (AAHS, Altoona, PA)
- Lanie Wilt (AAHS, Altoona, PA)
A second cohort of students starts class on Monday, August 25.
About the Patient Care Technician Program
The Patient Care Technician program at Saint Francis University provides students with the skills and certifications needed to support patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. PCTs work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals, assisting with vital signs, phlebotomy, EKGs, patient mobility, and daily care.
Through a blend of classroom instruction, lab practice, and supervised clinical experiences, students graduate well-prepared to enter the healthcare workforce—or, as in this case, to carry their skills forward into college studies in nursing, medicine, or allied health.
Future cohorts are now forming, and we invite motivated students to consider this exciting opportunity. Whether you are a high school student looking to explore healthcare or an adult learner seeking a career change, the PCT program offers a supportive, hands-on path into one of today’s most in-demand fields.
Interested in becoming a Patient Care Technician? Visit francis.edu/pct to learn how you can apply for an upcoming cohort.
In the photos:
Celebration photo: Front, From left: Dominic Danastasio, Lanie Wilt, Adaya Craig, Madalyn Miller, and Colton Chathams. Back from left: Ms. Vicki Davis, BSN, RN (Program Director), Riley Gofus, and Lauryn Ryan.
Practicing with the Hoyer Lift: Addison Berardi in the sling and Rosemary Wei operating the Hoyer.