Considering a NYC/PCT program to gain hospital experience before ABSN — worth it?

[nakrh1]

 

Hi everyone,

I'm currently taking prerequisite courses at a local community college for an ABSN program. I'm already certified as a CNA, but I haven't worked yet. I'm considering enrolling in a Patient Care Technician (PCT) program to increase my chances of getting a hospital job.

 

The program I'm looking at costs about $4,000 and takes around six months to complete. My goal is to start working in the medical field before nursing school and hopefully continue per diem while in the ABSN program.

 

Some people have told me to just start applying for CNA positions right away, but I feel that it's harder to get into a hospital without prior experience. On the other hand, students who complete this PCT program often find hospital jobs here in NYC.

 

I'd love to hear from anyone in NYC—do you think it's worth investing the time and money into the PCT program?

 

[hotpeppa]

From my understanding, if you've already passed the State exam, you simply need to take Phlebotomy and EKG certifications. Pass and then your eligible to sit for the National certification exam for PCT.