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PCT and CNA whats the difference



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Aug 20, 2008 08:07 PM

PCT and CNA whats the difference

by KdnRN2B

Hey guys, well I went to my local vocational school and I notice that they offer 2 programs CNA and patient care tech. The CNA program is only 4wks and much cheaper and the PCT is 6mths $1100. I started looking for jobs in that field and most employers (hospitals) ask for either PCT or CNA to do the same job. Why would you go to a PCT program over CNA they seem like its the same thing. I also notice that the PCT program description says that you train to be a CNA,HHA (Home Health Aid) certified and a little of EKG and phlebotomy but not cirtified. I was thinking of just doing the CNA 4wks and then get certified for EKG and phlebotomy which takes another 5mths...what do you think

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13 Comments
No. 1
from genaluvya
Old Aug 22, 2008, 03:01 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
A pct is a cna that has phelbotomy and ekg certification.
I think that it will equal up to the same amount if you did phelbotomy and ekg seperately vs. pct.
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No. 2
from sonomala
Old Aug 23, 2008, 05:41 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
If if you want to be a lpn or rn go for cna. If this is the end of your educational plans go PCT
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No. 3
from happyloser
Old Aug 24, 2008, 07:24 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
It really does not matter, I am a CNA and I worked for a hospital that trained me to do phlebotomy and EKG, now I work as a PCT at a different hospital. In my opinion its just a matter of title.
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No. 4
from jennileigh8182
Old Aug 25, 2008, 12:55 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
It may vary by area. Where I live, there were three class offerings:

1. Acute care
2. Long-term care
3. Acute and Long-term care

Acute care trains PCTs and the class is shorter. Long-term care prepares the student for being a CNA and entitles them to take their certification exam. I personally chose option 3 - so I'm ready for both. The hospital job postings around here state either/or situations, so I figured that knowing BOTH could make me more marketable.
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No. 5
from mizfradd
Old Aug 28, 2008, 10:22 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
Originally Posted by happyloser View Post
It really does not matter, I am a CNA and I worked for a hospital that trained me to do phlebotomy and EKG, now I work as a PCT at a different hospital. In my opinion its just a matter of title.

Same here, I was trained at the hospital (while employed as a CNA) and then was considered a PCT or in my state, we are also called CNA Level 2.

I have never worked LTCF. I've worked med/surg/ICU & psych hospitals & now am in public health. Loved each area I worked in!
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No. 6
from jajwalker05
Old Oct 26, 2008, 08:01 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
I work in a hospital, and took a cna coarse. I'm considered a PCT until I take my state exam. I am just a cna, with out a certificate basicly
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No. 7
from RN2BMU2009
Old Oct 26, 2008, 11:43 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
Kind of confusing to me. I think the title differs where you work at...I am a patient care technician in a hospital but certified as a CNA and I have NEVER even heard of a patient technician course...I just thought that the title was different depending upon where you work at. We do things that would not be encountered in a nursing home setting such as glucose monitoring, EKG, phlebotomy, specimens etc. I would say do the CNA class and if you decide to work somewhere such as a hospital where you would be a patient care tech, they should train you on all of the other things...
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No. 8
from GigiNYC
Old Oct 27, 2008, 01:24 AM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
You should take the CNA course first. The EKG and Phlebotomy can be done at a later time. Look for other schools that offer them, it really doesnt take that long for a phlebotomy and EKG to be acquired.
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No. 9
from Billsgirl
Old Oct 27, 2008, 10:08 PM

Default Re: PCT and CNA whats the difference
I'm a CNA but my job title is PCT...with no extra training except from the nurses on my unit. Does being a PCT mean that you are able to actually DO MORE than a CNA??
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