Patient Care Asst - what additional cert.'s should I obtain?

[Elizabeth 123]

Without going to school for an R.N. degree, what certifications could I get that would increase my pay as a Hospital-based Patient Care Assistant eventually? I am almost finished with hospital-based patient care assistant training, and am looking down the road. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Yuppers21]

I think this may be a facility-specific situation. For example, the unit I work on, if you take a telemetry course (offered and paid for by employer) you can then work as a health unit coordinator (secretary and tele tech essentially) which makes you more valuable to your floor. Other employers may have different needs or will simply train you in what they want so won't necessarily hire you just because you have additional training. I would contact the person in charge of hiring to see what they look for in a candidate so you don't spend time and money on certifications that do little to improve your chances for employment :)

[Elizabeth 123]

thanks

[Lordday]

EKG and Phlebotomy.

[nurse2beihope]

Elizabeth 123, have you completed the Care course yet? If so, were you able to find a job quickly? I am considering this program to get my foot in the door with Sentara. Any info and feedback would be extremely appreciated.

[BrandonC]

I guess maybe EKG.

In Singapore, PCA can uppgrade them self to Enrolled nurse/ LPN after working in the hospital as a PCA for a few years.

[MorningLight]

My ED offers certification in ortho, meaning you can put on the splints and such. It's about 3 months of training through the hospital. They always try to have one of those techs scheduled in the evenings.

[Elizabeth 123]

Elizabeth 123, have you completed the Care course yet? If so, were you able to find a job quickly? I am considering this program to get my foot in the door with Sentara. Any info and feedback would be extremely appreciated.

Yes, I took the Care course and started with them recently. It's a good way to go.