Do most hospitals require an EKG/Phlebotomy certificate to be hired?

[ladybug09]

I've just enrolled in a CNA program in NY and have completed my first week. My ultimate goal is to work in a hospital as a patient care technician and the same school that is offering the CNA course has a combined EKG/Phlebotomy certificate as well. Seeing that my objective is to work in a hospital setting, should I bother spending extra money and taking this course after I complete the CNA program? Is this extra certification necessary to work in a hospital or do most hospitals train the nurse's aides to perform pct skills regardless and don't view it as a necessity? In other words, would the extra certification be necessary and worth it in the long run? Thanks for the feedback :)

[juliaann]

It will probably depend on the job market in your area. Can you look at pct listings at the facility/ies you're interested in and see what they put down for required education and experience? Or maybe call and ask? It definitely wouldn't hurt to have that certificate, but if you can find a place with on the job training why spend the time and money yourself?

I only have my CNA certificate and was offered paid training when I was offered a promotion from CNA to EKG tech....but I live in Oklahoma where there are jobs aplenty, AND I already had a great work history with my hospital as a CNA, so they were willing to invest in me.

[amc911]

I completed my CNA training this past summer and just got hired by my local hospital as a PCT for L&D (chicago area) - they told me that they do on the job training for EKG/Phlebotomy and will be training me as well to scrub in for C-sections! Good Luck!!!