Please Help - Very Confused :(

[jgreer425]

I am trying to get my PCT so that I can get my foot in the door in the healthcare industry. I have searched endlessly online, and have only come up with a few PCT programs around Atlanta. Medix and Everest are around 13k, and that just seems outrageous. I talked to my boyfriends dad, a PCT, who said he would never pay that much and that it should only be around 2k total.

I am starting a CNA program today at Covenant CNA in Atlanta. They offer a CNA-PCT bridge class, but I'm not convinced this school is that great. It's a hole-in-the-wall school based in an old office building. From what I've heard, a PCT should combine CNA/PCT, Plem, EKG, CPR, and maybe even first aid. The one at Covenant doesn't cover EKG or first aid, according to the website. That and none of the exams are based in the price, so I'm looking around 2.5k total, which I suppose isn't that bad.

I just want to know if there are other options that I'm not finding? Or if 13k is actually reasonable for what I get. ANY help is appreciated!

[srobb11]

Personally, I would not pay $13,000 for a PCT program. Have you checked out West Ga Tech? You can get your CNA in one quarter (10 weeks) and they have a PCT program (not sure exactly how long it is) and it would be much cheaper. They are registering for the summer session now. The CNA classes usually fill up pretty quick, but you may get lucky and someone may drop the class before the summer session starts.

Here's the link to WGTC's website about their PCT program.

http://www.westgatech.edu/academics/pca/index.htm

[windergirl]

Look at Technical Colleges around you. Normally, the HOPE grant will pay for a diploma or certificate if you are a Georgia Resident, but you have to go to a Tech School. Not sure what area of town you live in, but look at Dekalb Tech, Athens Tech, Lanier Tech, etc. Please don't pay for a private school, not worth it!

[GaMBA]

For $2.5K you could be on your way to a degree! DO NOT pay that much for a PCT certification. Like the others said, look into technical colleges, or find a cheaper private program. Student financial aid at a community college can help deter or eliminate a lot of your costs that way, even though theses programs tend to take longer than a private program would. Good luck!

[wifeofwhiskeyg]

I am trying to get my PCT so that I can get my foot in the door in the healthcare industry. I have searched endlessly online, and have only come up with a few PCT programs around Atlanta. Medix and Everest are around 13k, and that just seems outrageous. I talked to my boyfriends dad, a PCT, who said he would never pay that much and that it should only be around 2k total.

I am starting a CNA program today at Covenant CNA in Atlanta. They offer a CNA-PCT bridge class, but I'm not convinced this school is that great. It's a hole-in-the-wall school based in an old office building. From what I've heard, a PCT should combine CNA/PCT, Plem, EKG, CPR, and maybe even first aid. The one at Covenant doesn't cover EKG or first aid, according to the website. That and none of the exams are based in the price, so I'm looking around 2.5k total, which I suppose isn't that bad.

I just want to know if there are other options that I'm not finding? Or if 13k is actually reasonable for what I get. ANY help is appreciated!

I hope this is not too late. I did my PCT bridge course last year at:

Lloyd Xavier Medical Training

134 S. Clayton Street, Suite 30

Lawrenceville, GA 30045

[phone]

It was 2.5K, & it took 3 months. The class was taught by a physician from another country was in the process of transferring her documentation for eligiability to take the boards here. She was very knowledgable and the class was a good investment. It included PCT, Phlebotomy and EKG.

I do not know if the school is still in operation, but when i called the phone number today, the message was still there.

Good Luck!

[an2on, BSN, RN]

Dont even bother to pay Medix that much money. Not even a nursing program is that much at a 2 year college. The reason why it is so much at medix because it is a private school. Try atlanta tech or atlanta metropolitian. the cost is 2k

[happyinga]

Dear wifeofwhiskeyg, I have just about completed my CNA class in Duluth. Let me know if you want the info. They are excellent!! I was totally impressed. They have day, evening, and night classes available. You will not be disappointed. I too wanted to get my foot in the door because I am apply to RN schools and one of the schools requirements is to be a CNA to apply. :-)

[nursehenning]

To happyinga: were id duluth did you get your cna? I would love to find out so i can go to.

And to everyone else, is it true that unless you exchange work at a nursing home for them paying your cna training, you cant get it for free otherwise? at all? Or else you just have to pay at a tech school?

[happyinga]

I received my CNA training in Duluth at Alliance Care Academy. They were absolutely the best!! I learned alot and they really prepared you for the state exam. They offer day, evening and weekend classes.

http://alliancecareacademy.com/ or 678-417-1604

Good Luck!!

[an2on, BSN, RN]

13K NOOO way, it only cost no more than 4k

[DarkChocolateLover]

For any one finding this post.....know that the PCT program at Everest will cost you more than $14k and you will be heart-broken and very disappointed once you are in.

They offer evening and weekend classes which backs many people up against the wall but what you read about them must be taken seriously. I can only hope that I can save someone from experiencing what I have seen several women experience. Very heartbreaking to see. I wish they or I would have found this forum before they took the chance. Too late for them.

[Nala_'11]

I've been noticing this on a lot of posts, CNA? What's the difference in CNA and PCT?? I was advised to pursue PCT. I just graduated from University of West GA with a BS in Biology. I really want my next step to be towards nursing school...but i NOT FINDING ANYTHING THAT looks legit!! Does anyone have any advice??