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Question

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

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? 

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    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. 

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    • Admin

    Save your money for nursing school.

    Four thousand dollars is a massive investment for a certification you largely already hold. In the NYC market, the primary difference between a CNA and a PCT is often just the ability to perform phlebotomy and EKGs. You can frequently find standalone courses for these skills that cost a fraction of that program's tuition. Many hospitals will even train you on these tasks during your clinical orientation once you are hired.

    The ABSN route is notoriously expensive and time-consuming. You will need every cent of that 4,000 dollars for tuition, books, and living expenses once the rigor of your program begins. Check out the Best Nursing Schools to see how your target programs compare in terms of cost and outcomes. You don't want to start your nursing career with unnecessary debt from a tech program.

    Start applying to hospital positions now with your current CNA license. Many units are desperate for staff and are willing to hire new aides who show initiative and a willingness to learn. If you find you are hitting a wall, look into local community colleges for a cheaper EKG or phlebotomy certificate. Focus on getting your foot in the door at a facility that offers tuition reimbursement, as that will be far more valuable to your long-term goals.

    • Apply to float pool or evening shifts to increase your hiring odds.
    • Highlight your current ABSN prerequisites on your resume to show your commitment to the field.
    • Search the Find Hospitals Near You tool to identify smaller community facilities that may be more flexible with new aides.
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