Cna/pct

otilika · May 10, 2012

From the research that I've done so far, it looks like PCTs are CNAs with a few more skills. For example, to be a Patient Care Technician you need to be a CNA (have the certificate and know how to do CNA job), but also know something besides that, like phlebotomy, or doing an EKG or something like that. Often hospitals will give you the job of a PCT even when you only have the CNA certificate, and will train you in how to do the extra tasks. Some schools will give you a PCT title, after you've completed their CNA class, phlebotomy class and EKG class, but in order to do all three you need more time and more money.

In conclusion , a CNA certificate is a must, but besides that, the more skills you know, the better.

FutureNeoNursing · May 21, 2012

Patient Care Tech is like a more advanced certification of the CNA because it includes phlebotomy,ekg,PCT certifications..Here in Chicago most hospitals will train you. This position involves more bedside care,computer work,monitoring,etc. Its pays more than a cna because of the extra responsibilities,but definitely worth looking into..Im getting my PCT certification in July after I finish the CNA portion.

Kdrenee · May 21, 2012

Yes I'm def gonna look into it I already have my cna and EKG, so should I get my phlebotomy or try and find a job that will train me in it?

FutureNeoNursing · May 22, 2012

Try looking for a job first and see if they have phlebotomy training,if not Im sure you can find classes that are fast track and can get you certified in no time..

Kdrenee · May 22, 2012

Yes i found a class.. It's only 2 months but I think I'll take your advice and try and find a job first! Thanks!

livelifeloveRN · May 22, 2012

Well, I am a PCT and don't have my CNA license, EKG or phlebotomy cert. I got hired straight from my nursing school experience. So to me there is no difference between a PCT or CNA besides the simple title. Many hospitals have different titles for the same job; for example, CHOC calls their CNA's 'Clinical Associates'

FutureNeoNursing · May 22, 2012

It all depends on where you live and what type of facility,for example: in Atlanta Pct needs to have either a cna certification,emt,medical assistant or a nursing student with some clinical rotations completed. If it was for a dialysis clinic they prefer it but its not required. In Illinois they prefer you to have some patient care experience in a hospital setting,cna license and your cpr certification. Training for pct is provided. We are not saying that a pct is different than a cna, it is the same position but with more responsibilities,like most are doing duties as a unit secretary and when you have that pct certification most jobs will hire you because thats less training for them..cna are called patient care techs in a hospital setting,nursing homes and ltc have cna's,rehab facility have pct's...

coffee&milk · May 22, 2012

It depends on the facility you work in. Where i work, CNA's have same job description as PCT's. The only difference is that they can neither draw blood nor do EKG's. In some hospitals like Claara Maass in New Jersey CNA's do both phlebotomy and EKG.

northernguy · May 22, 2012

Sounds to me what a PCT is varies depending on your state/area/hospital. Where I work you have RNs and CNAs doing patient care. No LPNs and no "PCTs". The CNAs pretty much do all the work described as a patient care tech except for EKGs and drawing blood, which the RTs and lab techs do. No one uses the term PCT, they just call it CNA.

Im not sure if my hospital is typical or unique, since its the only one Ive worked at. To be honest I dont know how PCTs can do all the CNA stuff, plus do EKGs and all these extra things. We are so busy where I work you can barely get everything done. Who does the patient care and answers call lights while the PCTs are doing EKGs and lab draws? They must have a lower number of patients to take care of.