Allied Health Institute

Murse901, MSN, RN · Nov 27, 2010

While I haven't attended this school, we have similar schools in my area that offer programs like this.

I didn't see the PCT course listed on your link. But, if PCT = Patient Care Technician, don't waste your time. PCT is just another name for CNA. You will spend a LOT of money getting a diploma that honestly doesn't mean anything. If you're already in a CNA program, it's best for you to focus on your studies and knock the CNA out.

Phlebotomy and EKG may be useful, but you may end up spending a lot of money that you don't have to. Depending on your area, you may be able to find a hospital that will hire you in as an EKG tech or Phlebotomist with no experience and give you on-the-job training. If not, you can get your foot in the door as a CNA and eventually may be able to be cross-trained in those areas. If you get a job with a good, large hospital system, there's a really good chance that you'll be able to find those opportunities.

Don't spend a whole lot of money trying to get a job that doesn't pay a lot. In my area, we have Concorde Career Institute and High Tech Institute (HTI recently changed names). They both offer a PCT course for between $6000 and $10000 for a 9 or 12-month program (depending on the school). In the end, you end up with a CNA certification and an unreasonable amount of debt.

Get on at the hospital as a CNA and let them pay for the rest.

anya16 · Nov 28, 2010

mamayogibear, i have personal experience with that school as i went there for their medical assistant program. even though i didn't go for any of the programs you mentioned, i thought i would share my experiences. donaldj offered some great advice. it really is a waste of money to do the pct program as you will go into debt for a job where it is hard to make the money to pay back that debt.

as for the school, i have no complaints. the advisors were great and the teachers were awesome. after going into over $9k worth of debt (really over $14k but i had a grant) if i had the chance to do it over again, i wouldn't do it. i know it's my own fault for not researching the oversaturated medical assistant field in my area and then due to failing health i had to withdraw. now i have no degree and am in major debt. again, i don't blame the school for my troubles because i found the school to be great and easy. i would stick to the community college or hospital training programs.

another bit of advice, do your research and look at the jobs being offered in your area. are phlebotomists oversaturated? the potential to make good money is there but again please, do your research. (i'm not yelling, just trying to place emphasis on that point. ) don't be like me and end up with a significant amount of debt. to sum it up, the quality of education was fantastic. should you decide to go to this school anyway, go for phlebotomy since it is both online/residential. financial aid covers books, supplies (if applicable), and tuition. i can't answer the last few questions you had as i did the medical assistant program. good luck with your search and your future endeavors. god bless!

mamayogibear · Nov 30, 2010

Thanks y'all. I appreciate the good advice!