CNA or PCT

[Asiancutie]

Hello all. The school I'm trying to get into for my nurse diploma requires that I be CNA or PCT certified first. I am willing to go through this requirement but my question is which do you guys think I should take? Both programs I can finish in one semester but I do not know which I should chose to be certify in. I plan to work part time as nurse aid or a pct while going to nursing school but I would like to know which one gives more advantages including the financial advantage, if possible. Thank you.

[Rena RN 2003, RN]

those 2 titles are interchangable in the hospital where i work. the title on the name badge is more indicative of when you were hired rather than job description.

[AmyLiz]

At our school you have to be a CNA before you can be a PCA (PCT). PCA/PCTs usually have a higher level of skills around here...for example, some may be able to draw blood, read EKGs, etc.

Not sure how it is around your neck of the woods though.

I've got to go through CNA training before I start my nursing classes at my school. I am considering going on & taking the PCA class the next quarter in order to get that sort of job, which I'm more interested in doing while in school. :)

[Ortho_RN]

They are also interchangable around here... One hospital calls them CNAs and the other calls them PCAs...