Patient care courses can help you learn effective communication with patients, the basics of medical terminology, ethical considerations in healthcare, and techniques for managing patient records. You can build skills in empathy, critical thinking, and teamwork, which are vital for providing high-quality care. Many courses introduce tools like electronic health record systems and patient management software, showing how these resources enhance patient interactions and streamline care processes.

Stanford University
Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Pharmaceuticals, Health Systems, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Managed Care, Health Care, Medical Billing, Health Care Administration, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Medicaid, Medicare, Health Policy, Hospital Experience, Value-Based Care
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Skills you'll gain: Patient Communication, Nursing Care, Patient Education And Counseling, Nursing Process, Clinical Assessment, Basic Nursing Skills, Health Assessment, Patient Safety, Care Management, Patient-centered Care, Communication, Infection Control, Prioritization, Collaboration, Project Documentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Care Coordination, Follow Through, Patient Registration, Setting Appointments, Practice Management Software, Medical Records, Record Keeping
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Phlebotomy, Blood Collection, Sterilization, Urinalysis, Patient Communication, Medical Terminology, Patient-centered Care, Nutrition Education, Infection Control, Asepsis, Pathology, Basic Patient Care, Patient Education And Counseling, Vital Signs, Geriatrics, Hand Hygiene, Electocardiography, Anatomy, Pediatrics, Patient Evaluation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Patient Safety, Design Thinking, Change Management, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Leadership, Conflict Management, Performance Measurement, Systems Thinking, Healthcare Project Management, Solution Design, Health Systems, Data Analysis, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA), Value-Based Care, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Quality Improvement, Risk Management, Initiative and Leadership, Data Analysis Software, Patient-centered Care
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

MedCerts
Skills you'll gain: Patient Communication, Patient-centered Care, Nutrition Education, Basic Patient Care, Patient Education And Counseling, Vital Signs, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Nursing and Patient Care, Patient Observation, Health And Wellness Coaching, Medical History Documentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Patient Evaluation, Airway Management, Trauma Care, Emergency and Intensive Care, Medical History Documentation, Patient Communication, Child Health, Childbirth, Automated External Defibrillator, Medical Terminology, Health Assessment, Maternal Health, Patient Advocacy, Basic Patient Care, Respiratory Care, Neurology, Medication Administration, Cardiology, Pharmacology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Pain Management, Hospice, Patient-centered Care, Patient Communication, Patient Education And Counseling, Care Management, Patient Evaluation, Patient Advocacy, Active Listening, Compassion, Treatment Planning, Healthcare Ethics, Respiratory Care, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Health Assessment, Psychiatric Assessments, Clinical Assessment, Care Coordination, Communication
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Houston
Skills you'll gain: Value-Based Care, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Chronic Diseases, ICD Coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), Community Health, Continuous Improvement Process, Medical Management, Managed Care, Health Equity, Preventative Care, Constructive Feedback, Care Management, Active Listening, Medical Coding, Health Disparities, CPT Coding, Public Health, Social Determinants Of Health, Organizational Change, Leadership
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Patient Communication, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Patient Observation, Clinical Assessment, Mental Status Examination, Patient-centered Care, Blood Pressure, Patient Treatment, Triage, Clinical Nursing, Nursing, Patient Safety, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Respiration, Medical Surgical Nursing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pittsburgh
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Testing, Diagnostic Tests, Medical Terminology, Vital Signs, Clinical Practices, Clinical Experience, Patient Communication, Hospital Medicine, Patient Safety, Medication Administration, Intravenous Therapy, Anatomy, English Language
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Patient-centered Care, Clinical Supervision, Healthcare Ethics, Basic Patient Care, Dignity in Care, Patient Treatment, Patient Education And Counseling, Patient Safety, Patient Evaluation, Health Care, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Health Assessment, Informed Consent, Professionalism, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Empathy, Decision Making, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Patient care refers to the services provided to individuals to maintain or improve their health and well-being. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support for patients. The importance of patient care lies in its direct impact on health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Quality patient care not only helps in managing illnesses but also promotes preventive measures, ensuring that individuals lead healthier lives. By focusing on patient-centered approaches, healthcare professionals can build trust and foster better communication, ultimately leading to improved health results.
A variety of job opportunities exist in the field of patient care. Positions range from direct patient interaction roles, such as nurses, nursing assistants, and patient care technicians, to administrative roles like patient care coordinators and healthcare managers. Additionally, specialized roles such as case managers and health educators are crucial in guiding patients through their healthcare journeys. Each of these positions plays a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and support throughout their treatment.
To excel in patient care, several key skills are essential. First, strong communication skills are crucial for effectively interacting with patients and their families. Empathy and compassion are also vital, as they help build trust and rapport. Additionally, critical thinking and problem-solving skills enable healthcare professionals to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Technical skills related to specific medical procedures and an understanding of healthcare regulations are also important. Continuous learning and adaptability are necessary to keep up with advancements in patient care practices.
There are numerous online courses available for those interested in patient care. Some notable options include Getting Started with Clinical Skills: A Focus on the Patient, which provides foundational skills for patient-centered care, and Nursing Fundamentals: Skills for Patient Care Excellence, focusing on essential nursing skills. Additionally, the Patient-Centered Care Essentials course offers insights into creating a supportive environment for patients.
Yes. You can start learning patient care on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in patient care, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning patient care can be approached through various methods. Online courses provide a flexible way to gain knowledge and skills at your own pace. Engaging with interactive content, participating in discussions, and completing practical assignments can enhance your understanding. Additionally, seeking hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings can provide invaluable real-world insights. Networking with professionals in the field can also offer guidance and mentorship as you navigate your learning journey.
Patient care courses typically cover a range of topics essential for effective healthcare delivery. Common subjects include patient assessment, communication skills, ethical considerations, and specific medical procedures. Courses may also address specialized areas such as mental health care, palliative care, and patient safety. Understanding the healthcare system, including roles and responsibilities within a team, is also a critical component. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients.
For training and upskilling employees in patient care, several courses stand out. The Patient Safety Specialization focuses on improving safety practices in healthcare settings, while the GenAI for Patient Care Coordinators and Case Management course explores innovative approaches to patient care coordination. These programs are designed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are prepared to provide high-quality care in an evolving healthcare landscape.