Need Advice on CNA\PCT While Attending Nursing School

sheri_u2 · May 9, 2005

I'm starting nursing school this fall at NGCSU. I am leaving the IT field so I have no medical experience at all. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to do a CNA or PCT course so I can get my foot in the door of a medical facility?. I will have to work part time while in school but I want it to me in the medical field so I can start garnering valuable experience.
Do I need both the CNA and the PCT, one or the other ,or none at all? I am certified in First Aid.
Your advice is appreciated!!!

My experience was............. I paid for the CNA, then the PCT totalling 1,000 when it's all done. When I finally got hired by a hospital (4 months later because the hiring process is so slow AND it's tough to get in without experience) they made me attend THEIR pct course anyway because many people come in as just CNAs. I definately recommend getting something in the field because I feel MUCH more confident about going to clinicals now. Even though there is a demand for PCTs, its tough to get into the door because they get hundreds of applications. May be easier to get in at a nursing home to get experience and then try a hospital. Also, keep in mind the hospitals really want you as a PCT once you've completed your first year of clinical. I had applied to 10 hospitals multiple times only heard back from one. Just something you may want to keep in mind! But if you've got the money, go for it! You'll feel much less "green" when you get in the program.

SharonH, RN · May 10, 2005

I'm starting nursing school this fall at NGCSU. I am leaving the IT field so I have no medical experience at all. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to do a CNA or PCT course so I can get my foot in the door of a medical facility?. I will have to work part time while in school but I want it to me in the medical field so I can start garnering valuable experience.
Do I need both the CNA and the PCT, one or the other ,or none at all? I am certified in First Aid.
Your advice is appreciated!!!

It really and truly is not necessary. As far as garnering valuable experience, the focus of a CNA and a registered nurse is so different that I really don't see the point. I worked at Atlanta Medical Center (it was GA Baptist then) as a Nurse Tech when I was in college and it really did not help. Perhaps I felt slightly more comfortable in the hospital setting but that would have come eventually anyway. Anyway, no way would I waste valuable money or time taking a PCT course as some sort of prep for nursing school or clinicals.

KXMc · May 10, 2005

I'm still doing my prerequisites, and am taking a CNA course in the Fall. If nothing else, I think it will make me a lot more comfortable working with patients/residents. I can imagine a fear/hesitance of touching or moving someone. Hopefully CNA experience will make me a lot more at ease at the beginning of clinicals.

As for price, mine is free. Check if you have an ROP (Regional Occupation Program) in your area. Also, some SNF's will teach you for free if you then work there for X months.

Anyway, good luck in finding a course, and your nursing school!

Ken!

bbcewalters, NP · May 11, 2005

I will be graduating on Mon. from Emory. My first degree was in Music. aka NO medical experience.....I did not get a job I went to school and took care of my family on my "OFF" time. :chuckle :chuckle

The first year of school is really tough...Perhaps you should wait for experience unless you need the money. Inbetween your junior and senior year most people get an extern job at a hospital during the summer. Many of these will continue through the senior year as a PCT if you want to...

I didn't even know you would need any schooling to be a PCT I thought it was mainly OJT training.

IMO getting a job to get experience as an RN is impossible. However you might feel more comfortable in the hospital and talking with patients with that experience.

Hope this helps