Phlebotomy and EKG cert?

Nursing Students Technicians

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I am going to be completing a PCT program in May, and we have the option to also take the phlebotomy and EKG certification tests. I am planning on going into nursing in the future, and I hope to be starting an ABSN program by either summer or fall of 2017. I am hoping to be able to get a job as a PCT or in a similar role until I begin my nursing program. Would it be worth it for me to pay to do the phlebotomy and ekg certs, or would I be wasting my time and money? Is there any benefit in having either one or both of these certifications when looking for a PCT job or when applying to nursing school?

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Having extra skills while in nursing school is always a good idea. Because it would be over a year before you graduate, I think it would be a good idea!

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Definitly a good idea. The more. Certifications the more experience you can gain and will back you ip when you be come a nurse and start applying for jobs. Also it can help when in nursing school when you have hands on experience.

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I, too, am in the PCT program and going on to RN. I am choosing NOT to take the certs b/c the hospital where I'm an aide (they will never hire PCTs) I cannot draw blood. We do administer EKGs. But, with the certification test is mostly on READING EKGs which we will NEVER do as it is outside our scope of practice. I get that the more certs the better technically, but your pay will increase with the PCT and unless you plan on being part of the lab, I wouldn't waste your money or time on the Phlebotomy either. You will already have the knowledge and that will help you greatly in the RN program....RNs at my school only get about a week of Phlebotomy so you're ahead of the game already. Good luck to you whichever way you decide to go.

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Thanks!! I ultimately decided not to take the certification tests. I can't really justify paying the money for them when I don't plan to get a job specifically as a phlebotomist or EKG tech. I also have one last prerequisite for nursing to take/pay for, and soon I will have to pay to apply to schools. In the meantime, I'm hoping to find a job as a nursing assistant or PCT (if any of the hospitals even have PCTs or other similar jobs)!

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It depends on where you want to work as a CNA. If you are planning on working in the hospital on a floor like the cardiac telemetry unit or ER I would definitely get your phlebotomy certification and EKG. It will help you land a job and help buff up your application for nursing school. I work in the ER as a CNA/PCT and we do blood draws and EKG's all the time. I know a lot of nursing students who state they wish they could get more phlebotomy experience in.

I definitely think its worthwhile but I understand that money/time can be a restraint. There are plenty of jobs as a PCT such as assisted living or long term care that will hire you without those certifications. You can always change your mind and get them later.

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I think for a site like this its cool for folks to start their posts with their state. That way you know what state the post your reading is coming from. I'm from California and have some of the same questions you do about ekg and phleb but scopes are so varied everywhere its hard to gauge the incoming info and advice.

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Hey Zoe, thats a trip! Ive never heard of cnas doing anything beyond vitals, and even that is a rarity here in Cal. What state are you practicing in?

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I live in Bellevue, Washington. We get trained to do blood draws, blood cultures, Ekgs and splints/temporary casts and wound care for lacerations or injuries.

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Thats badass. Down here EMTs cant even intubate or do ekgs. Cheers!

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