I've read quite a few post where nursing students (or graduates) mentioned working as a PCT (Patient Care Tech aka CNA) at Fl Hospital or ORMC.
I will be starting a LPN program in January and am considering applying for a PCT position (after I obtain my CNA). Realistically, what kind of salaries/wages can a new PCT expect?
I have a great paying job now, but no medical experience whatsoever. I don't want that to count against me when I graduate as an LPN.
I didn't need to take a class to become and Tech, just had to finish my first rotation of clinicals, so make sure you check into that before you pay for a class that you might not have even needed to take! I personally think that the LPN to RN way is the best to go. When I moved to Florida I had all my prerequisites finished and then was on a waiting list for almost a year before I decided to the do the LPN program and then the RN transition is only one year (August to August) and there was no waiting list at all. SO overall it took me the same amount of time, but I am able to work full-time as a LPN while in RN transition!
That does sound familiar, now that you mention it, that you get the CNA/PCT training in the LPN program. I remember reading that we are to take the CNA test (not the PCT test,though. I think that's different.) in the first part of the program. Thank you so much for the information.
Thank you so much! You have been a wonderful help! I feel better about going into Nursing now! I have an 11 year old and was trying to work out the school and work thing! Thanks again, Destinyx13!
I am a new tech in orlando and the hospital i work at starts out at 12$ per hour plus I am pool so I get an additional 15 percent...and of course more after 3pm, weekends, and night....
Destinyx13
56 Posts
I didn't need to take a class to become and Tech, just had to finish my first rotation of clinicals, so make sure you check into that before you pay for a class that you might not have even needed to take! I personally think that the LPN to RN way is the best to go. When I moved to Florida I had all my prerequisites finished and then was on a waiting list for almost a year before I decided to the do the LPN program and then the RN transition is only one year (August to August) and there was no waiting list at all. SO overall it took me the same amount of time, but I am able to work full-time as a LPN while in RN transition!