Deciding to be an LVN or PCT?

[cna2b]

I am finishing up a Nursing Assistant Program. I feel good about what I have learned and wanting to keep on going... what should be my next step? I am caught on a crossroad between becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse or Patient Care Technician (aka Hemodialysis Technician). If you are in the same situation as I am, please read on...

I know that LVNs and PCTs have very different tasks and functions in healthcare organizations. LVNs perform general nursing duties and may be employed in various healthcare settings. On the other hand, PCTs specialize in dialysis and work in dialysis settings of hospitals, clinics and long term care facilities.

These two occupations have different training requirements. An LVN program costs around $20,000 - $35,000 for a period of 10-13 months. In contrast, a PCT or Hemodialysis Technician Program costs around $7,000-$8,000 for a period of 3-6 months.

Nevertheless, these two occupations are alike in many ways, such as Certification Examinations must be completed after the Training Program. LVNs take the NCLEX and PCTs take the CHT Exam. As far as salary is concerned, newly grads from both programs may get a starting pay of approx $19-23/hour depending on the employer. Flexible schedule is permitted. Furthermore, continuing education is required in both occupations.

In today's economy, should I be an LVN or a PCT? How is the job outlook for each of the occupation? I think I just need to examine my goals and more importantly, check my ability to pay for the programs.

[dianah, ASN]

Moved to Nursing Career Advice forum.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Wow - just wow. There are many less expensive options for LVN education in community college settings. Those costs are obviously driven by commercial schools who are pushing the envelope to maximize their profits and capitalizing on the fact that the public believes nursing is the end of the rainbow. sheesh. Student loans are a fearsome thing. Please don't mortgage your future by paying $20,000 for a $2,000 degree.

I am assuming you are either in Ca or Tx, because we are the only states with LVNs... Both options would provide employment opportunities. In Tx, LVNs are still being hired in acute care settings except for larger urban hospitals. Health care reform is the big unknown - we can expect Medicaid reimbursement to be slashed, which will undoubtedly have a profound negative impact on the dialysis industry because that is the primary funding source for dialysis. I would imagine that there will be more pressure to achieve economies of scale that are associated with larger operations, so smaller centers will close and the workload will go up in the remaining facilities.

[cna2b]

Thanks HouTx! Your input will help me in my decision.

Yes, I am from CA. Private schools here are mainly the option to get into the program because Community Colleges are not able to accommodate the large number of applicants. I know, $20,000 is way too much!