PCT or CNA what's better to start out persuing?

U.S.A. Arizona

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I'm not able to get a good answer for this question because it seems to have a lot to do with your region.......I want the fastest but most credited school for my training.....And what seems to be the better choice PCT or CNA?:banghead:

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Specializes in Float pool.

All a PCT is a CNA with 2+ skills it stands for patient care technician. For instance, you are a CNA but you also do phlebotomy, ekg's, Health unit coordinator, etc... That is the skills I do. I went and got my CNA first at Rsaa training institute then got a job at a hospital and did the PCT training through my work. I am not positive on any institute that does specifically PCT training. However there are a ton of CNA schools, I personally chose the RSAA institute because it was the cheapest and I heard a lot of posistive things about it. Also, I am just speaking from experience at the hospital I am at. Good luck!

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I'm glad you had some great info to share,it will certainly help a lot!

thank you

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I would choose the CNA route, because PCT is really just a job description that usually requires you to be a CNA first, or be eligible to test for it. The PCT job description will vary from place to place (some don't perform lab draws for example) and in some hospitals they basically take vital signs, and provide ADLs. Usually the pay scale is exactly the same, but going the CNA route will make you eligible for more jobs in the long run. You might want to check with some of the nursing homes, they sometimes offer free CNA courses in exchange for your employment.

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Specializes in Hopice and School Nurse.

I just finished the CNA program at RSAA and it was great! The instructors are RNs with experience in LTCs and hospitals. If you really want a PCT job at a hospital I would suggest volunteering at the hospital of your choice. You can start volunteering before you start your CNA class and probably have a job by the time you finish. It seems the only way into a hospital job without previous hospital experience is either by knowing someone or volunteering. Plus, volunteering is a good way to see different departments and which one you'd like the best.

Good luck!

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I just finished the CNA program at RSAA and it was great! The instructors are RNs with experience in LTCs and hospitals. If you really want a PCT job at a hospital I would suggest volunteering at the hospital of your choice. You can start volunteering before you start your CNA class and probably have a job by the time you finish. It seems the only way into a hospital job without previous hospital experience is either by knowing someone or volunteering. Plus, volunteering is a good way to see different departments and which one you'd like the best.

Good luck!

thank you that is reallly helpful advice

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Pima Community College has an 8 week CNA - PCT program. My friend went through it and it was quick, easy, and well versed. I was a PCT for quite awhile... and the several month programs don't quite do it justice... if you're a quick learner, I really feel that months and months of education in it isn't required. You really learn a lot of things when you finally hit the floors.

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