PCT/HCT/CNA What is the difference ?

pink_shoes99 · Jul 19, 2011

I am enrolling in a CNA course this october and i've noticed through these boards a term called Patient Care Technician which, i'm not familiar with. Is a Patient Care Tech virtually the same thing as a Health Care Tech. Do both require a CNA license first. I live in VA and couldn't find any information on Patient Care Techs but i found a lot on Health Care Techs and they require a CNA license first? Help, now i'm so confused ! Does a Tech job help you before nursing school (Which is the ultimate goal) ?? HELP ! Thanks :)

Where I live a patient care tech doesn't require any licensure or type of training and that makes them basically a lower paid, untrained CNA. As far as an HCT---never heard of it. However I have heard of PCP's, patient care partners. That may be the same thing. Being a tech before being a nurse is a big help, and it also helps you to decide if healthcare is really right for you. Best of luck to you!!

tech1000 · Jul 20, 2011

I'm a PCT right now (which usually requires you to have a semester of nursing school done or an EMT license to get hired as). I worked side by side with CNAs in my last hospital and at this one, I work with people who have an assortment of qualifications. Basically though, they do the same job. I didn't make any less than the CNAs before. I definitely think it helps in nursing school. I took the lead a lot in clinical with things like bathing because I did it all the time at work and you get comfortable with patients.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jul 20, 2011

It depends on where you live and varies with each institution.

I'm from Ohio, and PCT's/HCT's did not have to be CNA's - meaning they didn't need the certification. They virtually do the same thing, but in some institutions PCT's/HCT's can do a little more, such as draw blood or insert foleys.

Ericka1021 · Jul 20, 2011

Hi,

I am a new PCT in Michigan. you are higher up then a CNA because you can do blood sugars, draw blood, do ekgs, and many other things. Some places rather hire pcts because they can do more/different things then CNAs. I went to school for a year w/o any prior health care experience to become a pct and once i passed the NCCT test i got a job soon after where i work along with cnas lpns and nurses. You don't have to have any other certificates if you can find a pct program.

dragonfly29 · Jul 23, 2011

In NC PCTs are CNA IIs and must have CNA I (PCA) prior to taking a CNA II course. They make more (around $1 an hour) than CNA I and can do more skills. I just completed a CNA II course and will start nursing school in August. It has helped me SO much and I have learned a lot! Hope this helps. I don't know how it works in VA.

Ericka1021 · Jul 24, 2011

i think that it just is different in most states on how things go but pct's are higher then cna's but some need cna training first i guess

luv_o_so_much · Jul 27, 2011

I agree it is different in different states, and even in different facilities. At the hospitals I work with there are Health Care Partners (they do EKGs, Nurs Assist, and Unit clerk or Monitor Tech ) and they only work in ICU or ER, On the floors they only sit. ACT (dont know what it stands for but they are the CNAs and Nas), PCTs which must have 1 year as a CNA and do blood draws, and EMTs.... again each facility has it listed differently and most don't require that you have a CNA lic. They do however require hospital experience.

FoxyDivaATX · Jul 27, 2011

I live in Austin TX PCT's are the same as CNA's here. Most work @ the hospital. It's just another way to phrase "CNA" Some places like this wording better. Im sure every area is diiferent on a state to state basis.

kristinafaith · Jul 27, 2011

it totally helps i'm starting my course in 2 weeks i hope it goes good. good luck to you