PCT at TCC

[champsmom]

Considering taking the PCT class at TCC in the Fall. However, I would also be taking the Intro to Bio for majors as well. The bio class would be a blended, partly online class, but I'm wondering if the two together would be too much to handle.

Anyone taken the PCT class and able to tell me how involved or difficult it is...as well as the Intro to Bio class?

Also, what exactly is a PCT qualified to do?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!!

[Lorien_LPN]

It is a great class to take if your wanting to eventually go to nursing school. It prepares you better than just taking a CNA class especially since you get exposed to much more than just a CNA class. For example we did clinicals on a floor at a local hospital and then had a couple specialty rotations: ER, EKG, Lab, Wound Care.

Here is the scope of practice for a PCT(AUA)

http://www.ok.gov/nursing/aua5.pdf

[champsmom]

Thanks!! That helps a lot!!

[champsmom]

By the way...do you know anything about the pay scale for a PCT in Oklahoma?

[juliaann]

The PCTs at my hospital start at 9.25/hour. There is a shift differential for working nights and another for working weekends. We're eligible for a small raise every year at our yearly evaluation with our managers.

The plus to being a PCT is getting to work in the 'fun' areas of the hospital - ER, ICU, mother/baby, NICU, Peds, etc. The pay isn't a lot different than the CNAs get, and the PCTs don't often get to use their additional PCT skills since the nurses are used to doing everything (like foleys) and don't think to ask - plus we have dedicated lab, EKG, and wound care staff. They pretty much just do the same work as the CNAs, but they do get to work in the more interesting units - which is totally worth it. :) ICU is my love....

[champsmom]

Good to know...thanks so much! :)