I am a CNA but want to train to be a PCT

[SandraW34]

Hello all! I am at a crossroads, and need some advice. I have been a CNA for almost 5 yrs now. I want to upgrade my career to become a nurse and start with being a Patient care technician. But Ive been reading similar questions on here and reading the answers but I decided to ask for myself. ive been doing my research and its saying PCT make more and do more in Georgia, which is where I live. I also have 2 small children. So that would help me a great deal. Or should I just try to get a hospital job and continue to work as a CNA and get my training as a phlebotomist and ekg? I also read that I wont be certified in phlebotomy or ekg. I would basically still be a CNA that does more. Please help!

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

I can't speak specifically for your state/city in regards to what you can or can not do. In the two states that I've lived and worked (Ohio and Arizona), a CNA and a PCT are the same thing in regards to their job functions in a hospital setting. They were called PCTs, but essentially had CNA certification.

[SandraW34]

Oh ok. Yeah thats what i figured. Thanks

[KPeeke]

I live in Tennessee and have my CNA. At Vanderbilt they have their jobs labeled "Care Partner, CNA, PCT." We do the same jobs. They trained us to do EKG's, Phlebotomy, Catheters. Everyone no matter their title was in the same room until it was job spacific; Nurses in one room then us in the other. The amount of experience expands our pay.

[sroseyos]

Not sure what the law is in Georgia, but here in NC you can be a PCT with just CNA training, as others have noted is true in other states. You may have more luck contacting the hospital(s) where you'd like to work directly and explaining your situation. Not only will they be able to give you the best answer on what jobs you could get with your current qualifications, but they may be able to give you other advice on getting the job you want that you otherwise wouldn't have been able to find online.

[OliveOyl91, BSN, RN]

Depending on where you work in Oregon, some hospitals refer to CNAs as CNAs or as CHTs (certified hospital techs). I was told certain hospitals call their CNAs CHTs so they can train them to perform tasks that aren't necessarily within a CNA's scope of practice, but can legally be trained to perform as long as their job title isn't "CNA."

In a nutshell, CNAs in Oregon and Washington are equivalent to PCTs. At least where I've seen them.