CNA vs Patient Care Technician

[Lola89, LPN, LVN]

Hello everyone,

I understand that a patient care technician is more qualified than a CNA due to EKG and Phlebotomy certifications. But in terms of jobs what is the difference, how do the duties differ? When searching for a job, do they specify if a patient care technician is needed or a CNA ?? Thanks

[CandAmommy]

There is no difference. Usually hospitals will hire CNA's and train them in the EKG's, etc..

[Miwila]

The difference is a Patient Care Tech does EKG and Phleb and many hospitals, when they advertise, specify that they are looking for PCT's. I know most hospitals don't want you without any experience anyway but I am begginning to wonder if it wouldn't be advisable for aspiring CNA's to just get trained as PCT's instead of taking a CNA course. I have heard of so many newbie CNA's who can't find a job because they don't have experience so at least if you had PCT training you could apply for positions as a CNA and PCT at the same time and increase your odds that something will turn up soon and close to home. I know someone who commutes across two counties everyday because she had that much trouble finding her first CNA job.