CNA vs PCT Training

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Certified Nursing Assistant.

Hi All,

I have been browsing around the boards and cannot find any information. Does anyone know what the difference between these two certifications? I went to PCI Health in Dallas and they want a large amount of money to get a PCT certificate but most jobs are asking for CNA certs. AAARRRgghhhh this is so confusing.

I want to work in a hospital until I am ready to attend nursing school and not sure which route to go. One take 6 months to do the other takes 3-6 weeks.

PLEASE HELP!!!

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A PCT is a hospital CNA. PCT's are usually trained in additional areas not covered in the basic CNA course; eg., EKG and Phlebotomy. I've seen PCT's trained in IV and wound care. Every legit PCT course I am aware of includes CNA training so if you went through a PCT training program you should have more than enough knowledge to take the CNA test as well. I am not familiar with PCI health so I am not sure why they didn't steer you towards taking the CNA state test since being a CNA is the basic part of being a PCT. Do you have a school certificate or is it state certs?

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Hi JinBun77,

At my hospital they had CNA's and PCT's. Usually the CNA's were on lower acuity floors with less procedures for patients. Like Miwila stated PCT's are trained in different area's. At my hospital the PCT's are Phlebotomists as well as EKG techs. It looks like the program that is for 6 months would be the PCT where they train you as a CNA and Phlebotomist and possibly EKG tech in one program. At my hospital a CNA could be trained on the job for a PCT position (of course my state is Illinois).

In my opinion, being a PCT and graduating next semester with my BSN, the phlebotomy experience I've had is very valuable. It will give you confidence when starting IV's, finding veins, etc. Even being able to do an EKG...On the other side being a CNA is valuable experience also, you get the feel of working in the hospital, and come clinical time in school you'll be more confident in dealing with patients. Either way you'll get lots of exposure...

If all there asking for is CNA certs go with that, you might be able to move up and cross train as a PCT. Plus its quicker and you can start work sooner!

I think either way you'll be fine, and it's a good start to nursing school!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Certified Nursing Assistant.

Thanks for the clarification. I decided to go with the CNA certification and then get a job in a local hospital. I have also been looking into a phlebotomy class just in case I need that little bit of something on my resume to make me stand out from the rest. I am so excited to start my NEW journey as a CNA but I have to wait until January :sniff: but in the end it will all work out :yeah:

Thanks for all your help!

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I am in CNA training in Seattle area. I know a couple of the hospitals in this area will hire you as a CNA and then they will train you as a PCT - you may want to check into that option before paying a bunch of money to go get the training on your own. Good luck!

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Also remember that different places call it different things.

I was from Mass, CNA Or NA on the floors but in the ER I was an ER Tech.

Here is the link to that place, looks like they have changed the name again to PATIENT CARE UNIT ASSISTANT II

https://careers.partners.org/psc/EA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL

On the floor I did EKG's and BG's monitoring, vitals but NO labs were drawn by the CNA. In the ER that was what I mostly did, labs, EKG's. But i also Splinted, taught others how to walk with crutches. NO LVN's in the Hospital but I am not sure why, I know the RN's had a Union. Maybe that is why?

Man I miss that place..........

Here in TX they say CNA at some Hospitals and PCT/PCA in others . Some will want you to have Phlebotomy exp, others none.

I made the mistake of going to a Dr office to work as an MA............ not again.

Go to the Hospitals, they have tuition reembursement.... USE IT !!!!

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OK so another question that I can't seem to find the answer to...is PCA and PCT the same thing? I can't seem to find the difference, but if there isn't one, why the heck have the different words lol :) ? ANY help giving me some clarity would be appreciated!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

This is good info.

Looking at the job requirements for a few positions, the hospitals in my area (san antonio, texas) offer PCT training to CNA's. You only have to have your BLS certification...but that's only $65 at the community college.

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