Need help

Keis · Mar 28, 2011

Good day to everyone reading this,

I am a single mother of four young kids. I want to get in the medical field but I am confused to where I should start. I'm looking for a career that will take care of my kids n myself...I eventually want to b a LPN then a RN but right now I need something fast. I dnt know if I should do the PCT or MA course? Which one makes more money? Are there any schools that have these program for free in NY? Thanks in advance!

Ps if there is anything that you feel

is helpful... please to b free to add

Sorry for any errors...I'm typing from my phone. Thanks again!

(cont) I currently reside in NY but planning on moving 2 GA...after I complete one of the programs. Which one makes more money in GA as well as NY.

purse · Mar 28, 2011

In PA, I think a medical assistant makes a lot more than a pca, my friend is a MA, and Im a PCA...She had to take a class for 2 years to become an MA, but i didnt have to take a class at all, except an 8 hour class on passing meds.

Crux1024 · Mar 28, 2011

It really depends. If you can avoid the 2 yr MA courses, or find a hospital that trains PCAs, in my area they make about the same amount. Of course MAs are more in doctors offices and PCAs are often found in the hospital, so job descriptions will vary, what do you want to do? I vote for whatever you can get through training fastest and there appears to be a need for in your area.

sophie09 · Mar 28, 2011

hi- many nursing homes offer free CNA training classes, which may be a good place to start- the pay isn't bad either

Keis · Mar 28, 2011

I wanted to be a neonatal nurse but, now that I am a mother... I'm just looking to do anything in the medical field. I heard the PCT course is 16weeks for 2,480 and the MA is 24weeks for $3500. Eventhough they both are pricey...I need to do something asap!

purse · Mar 28, 2011

That is weird we dont have a PCT course?? I probably would have liked it though because they threw me on the floor just after one day of training and one day of med training... i came home everynight for like 2 weeks and cried because i thought i couldnt do the job! I love it now, but proper training would have been nice esp when you are pouring and passing meds!!!

Keis · Mar 28, 2011

@irene0523 are you a PCT? Do you live NY?

purse · Mar 28, 2011

Im a PCA..from what i understand they are about the same thing. and i live in PA. :nurse:

smily nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

Depending on where you are, many hospitals will train you to be a PCT. You will have much miore pt contact as a PCT. Check out local hops, MD offices and see what they offer!!! And good luck! :yeah:

Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

Depending on where you live, the hospital will train you to be a PCT. No PCT course here in Bama or MA courses (that I know of). Usually at my hospital you start out as a transporter, see where you would like to work and transfer to that department. Worked out great for me. As a transporter, you see EVERY part of the hospital and everything behind the scenes too. Around here all of our hospitals use MCT's/PCT's. SNF and nursing homes always use CNA's. MA's are used in doctor offices a little, but not much. They usually take people with CNA/MCT experience. Good luck!

Skwidward · Mar 28, 2011

Yeah, go for CNA or the equivalent (PCT?) you'll work with patients more, and it'll be better experience for nursing IMO.