Question about CNA vs PCT

[magsp]

Hi!

Im new here so any answers would be really appreciated. I'm currently in nursing school but I had to take either a cna class or pct to be in the program. I did pct but since finishing I've had a lot of trouble finding a job as a pct so I decided to try to find a job as a cna. I called a nursing home near me that was hiring cnas and told him I am certified as a pct. He told me that since I'm not a cna I could not work as one even though we learned the same duties a cna would perform. I'm so confused, is this really true?? Can a pct not be hired as a cna??

Thank you in advance!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Yes. LTC is mandated to hire only certified nursing assistants for most units per Medicare.

PCT is not a universal curriculum or title.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

So you had to be a CNA to be in the nursing program you're already in?

I did not know that Trump University School of Career Health Colleges was up and running yet.

Thanks for the tip.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

There is no such thing as a certified pct. Did your school tell you that you were certified as such?

A CNA is a certification that usually is hired into a nursing home. A PCT is a job title given to a person doing close to the same job in the hospital. A CNA is a certified nurses assistant. They take a test and are certified by the state. A PCT is not.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to our PCT forum for more feedback.

[ZoeFrecn]

Patient care technicians (PCTs) are what they call CNA's in the hospital setting. In order to apply for PCT or CNA jobs you have to have your CNA license. Some PCT jobs require additional licensing but most entry level PCT positions only require CNA and or previous experience.