what its an patient care tech?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

what its a patient care tech? what they do different than a cna? what its the qualifications need? what its the difference of pay compare to a cna?

A patient care tech has the same duties as a CNA, and hold the same jobs, same pay. Difference is there are places that only someone who is certified (in nursing aid duties) may hold the job; ie: nursing homes in NYS. Maybe elsewhere, I don't know. Hospitals, however, are free to train anyone to do the basics of nursing aid work and hire them to do same.

It has not been my experience to find CNAs and PCTs having any difference in wages or hiring preferences, but that's just my own observations over time.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

CNA is a certification you gain from passing requirements set by your state BoN or other related body. If you are a tech, you may or may not have gotten the required education and exam that CNA has, and so if you apply for work as a CNA without "CNA" then you won't get that job. Techs are used in many settings, though.

nlitened · Jan 22, 2015

CNA's and PCT's both hold certifications within their state. The difference is that PCT's can do a little bit more than CNA's because of the extra training. Training=CNA then HHA then PCT, but you don't have to go all the way up to PCT if you don't want the extra training. CNA's are seen more in nursing homes, and PCT's in hospitals, clinics. PCT's can perform sterile technique like insert a foley catheter or swab for wound culture; take CBG's, perform physical therapy (as long as it isn't an assessment), draw blood, perform EKG's, etc. Do many places allow their CNA's to do these things without having the PCT cert? Absolutely! But some facilities are particular when it comes to scope of practice based on which certification you hold. There really is no difference in pay though.

Paws2people · Jan 24, 2015

Right here on Allnurses, under this section it gives the definition of a PCT :

Patient Care Technician / Assistants (PCT/PCA) is available for the individual who provides basic patient patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Physicians, and/or other Healthcare Professionals. Topics will include measuring vital signs, collecting specimens, observing and reporting patient behavior changes, patient personal hygiene and grooming, utilizing gait belts. Other topics will include educative avenues, preparation for certification, and using the training and experience gained to pursue a career in nursing.

Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2015

CNA's and PCT's both hold certifications within their state. The difference is that PCT's can do a little bit more than CNA's because of the extra training. Training=CNA then HHA then PCT, but you don't have to go all the way up to PCT if you don't want the extra training. CNA's are seen more in nursing homes, and PCT's in hospitals, clinics. PCT's can perform sterile technique like insert a foley catheter or swab for wound culture; take CBG's, perform physical therapy (as long as it isn't an assessment), draw blood, perform EKG's, etc. Do many places allow their CNA's to do these things without having the PCT cert? Absolutely! But some facilities are particular when it comes to scope of practice based on which certification you hold. There really is no difference in pay though.

Depends on the state. In Texas there is no PCT certification.

4cnas · Jan 29, 2015

[COLOR=#000000]The Patient Care Technician is a multi-disciplinary technical worker trained to provide basic nursing assistant care as well as other skilled function. The role of the Patient Care Technician includes duties traditionally performed by the staff from several different departments such as nursing, phlebotomy, EKG and respiratory.

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[COLOR=#000000]The PCT training is designed to train students to a level in patient care technology that prepares them for certification and employment as a PCT. The course often offers students training in anatomy and basic science, CPR, First Aid, Phlebotomy, EKG, and patient care technology. Certificates that may be available in these courses may include: Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and Electrocardiography Technician. [/COLOR]