CNA to PCT to LPN to RN? Please Advise...

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Hi,

I am 29, with 2 kids, ages 7 and 1 (this almost sounds like a personals ad, right, LOL)...I have been working at home for the past year so I could spend some time with my baby. But now I am seriously wanting to go back to school to become an RN. I don't know which path to take. I've been checking job boards just to see what the market is like and it looks like you hv to have experience to get a lot of the jobs being offered. So I was thinking that I could start as a CNA since the program doesnt take very long and I could start working and gain some experience while studying to become an LPN, then an RN...but while I was looking up all this info I saw a program call Patient Care Technician and it looks very interesting and it looks like its a 3 month program. So Im thinking of skipping the CNA and just doing the PCT and then go to RN school, since I've been reading a little on here and saw tht if I do LPN school then try to do RN tht I will be in school a lot longer and I definately do not want that! So I guess my question is can some one just give me some insight on CNA vs PCT and if my ultimate goal is to become an RN which one should I strt with? Or does it even matter...I called one of the schools to get advice and he wanted me to combine both programs...Thanks so much:bow:

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Specializes in Float.

Hi 1harmonyb,

There's really no need to take both CNA and PCT programs since a PCT does everything a CNA does plus EKG & Phlebotomy. Also, being a PCT can get you hired in a hospital setting as opposed to LTC. Being in a hospital then exposes you to a lot of varied nursing experience which in turns helps you in nursing school. Hospitals have many different specialties and you can float to different floors to gain different experience.

I'm going forward with my RN as opposed to LPN. Since you are concerned about the timing, which I can completely understand, I'd suggest you do the PCT program and after some experience, go straight to RN.

Wish you well :wink2:

Oh, PCT pays a lil more than CNA :rolleyes:.

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thanx so much Pheonix...tht was very helpful information...its wierd tht the school i was interested in wanted me to take both the cna and pct program. I asked about the pct and she asked if I was already a cna and I told her no and she suggested combining the 2...hmm, i wonder if tht is to get more money from the students....thank u so much for responding to me :) :redbeathe

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Specializes in Float.

I felt the same way but didn't want to influence you negatively. Here's a link 4u ;)

http://www.pcihealth.edu/education/patient_care_technician.htm

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thanks Phoenix, tht link was very informative..I may look into a different school since they were dishonest...I really appreciate it :heartbeat

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I am a CNA I then went to get my PCT Now I am going to go for my RN.

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I was a CNA for years then I went to MA. Moved out of state and had health problems and then never recertified for either, so here I am in a PCT class doing it ALLL over again. I was told they are phasing out LPN's and most hospitals will pay for you to bridge to your RN. With the high demand in for RN's there are sure a lot of bonuses, as well. I hope you do well and good luck to all of you =)

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I am late but hope this helps.

Many pct jobs require you to have a cna in addition to a pct in order to work as a pct unless you are in nursing school. There is also a government program called wia which will pay for you to complete the combo package cna/pct programs.

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I lived in TX before moving to AZ. I had my CNA certificate, and when I came to AZ I found out they wouldn't accept it. I had to take the test again, which ended up being more money than just repeating the CNA class so that's what I'm doing now. The CNA class, which gives me credit for school also allows me to sign up for PCT after wards. So all in all I can work as a CNA/PCT while I'm getting my prereqs done for RN. (Some schools do require or give points for having CNA, which is why I did in Texas in the first place.)

If I could have gone straight into PCT I would have, but it works out better just doing the whole program. Maybe I'll learn something new.

Good Luck.

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