Go for PCT or LPN???

Published

Hello. I am a CNA in NYC. I have two opportunities to be either a Patient Care Technician or an LPN. Both are for free due to state funding. The LPN program is a 10 month accelerated and the PCT is 10 weeks. My ultimate goal is to be an RN in the E.R but I need something for now to make money. I want to do PCT because they do work in the E.R and they don't have as much responsibilites as the LPN does. I do have two small children at home and also thought with PCT it would be a bit easier going for RN since I dont have as much responsibilites as the LPN. The LPN of course pays more (about 5 dollars or more) and I would finally be a nurse. But I don't know if LPN's work in the E.R and they mostly pass meds. I love the patient contact as a PCT. Also the LPN program I would take doesn't have credits that I can take to college, so there is no LPN to RN option for me when I'm done. Please help. I only have a few weeks to decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'd choose the LPN option, if money is an issue. Sorry, but I would really struggle to live on the typical wages that are paid to a PCT.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would choose LPN as well. 10 months will fly by. My program is 11 months but by the time you take out vacation time and student holidays it is only about 9 months. It is fast paced but managable. I also have kids, three of them and my husband travels for months at a time to work. FYI- its not for everyone but you can do online courses for LPN-RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would pursue the LPN program. This will get you closer to the RN program. It is also good to work as an LPN while pursuing the RN because you are gaining more experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I would also go for the LPN. This way, you sort of jump the gun and become a nurse. Also, you get to see if being an actual nurse is for you, and if you are determined enough, you will take the pre-requisites to become an RN.

And, if you think about it, either way, based on what you mentioned, you would still have to work on taking the pre-requisites, anyhow, so, why not start to be a nurse? Best of luck with whatever decision you make.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psychiatric, med/surg, cardiac, LTC, HHA.

Id go for the LPN, much better experience, education, etc.. you will be a nurse, and there are ways to go from LPN to RN... plus places might pay you to do so if you work for them;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

Some hospitals offer PCT to RN programs that cover tuition and guarantee placement as an RN in their hospital once completed.

Check out your local hospitals websites or call them to see if they offer this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

YOu can always challenge for credits. Helene Fuld school of nursing takes all the LPN credits and then you only have to do 1 yr of RN school.most colleges will give you one semester

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion