Questions about PCT vs. CNA

[LRyder]

So, I've been interested in Nursing for almost two years now. I ended up getting an amazing job in Human Resources a while back and didn't make it to school - well, I'm once again unemployed and I've already started the enrollment process at a local community college so I can complete pre-reqs and hopefully be able to apply to their RN program.

Now, to get to the questions. I have a friend that has become interested in Nursing since I became very interested in it last year. She's currently attending a PCT program, (which in my opinion is a bit too expensive) and my first question comes in here; From reading up on the forums and doing a bit of research, I'm seeing that a PCT is essentially CNA, with certification in EKG and/or Phlebotomy, therefore they have a bit more flexible position in a hospital, Dr.'s office, etc. Is this correct?

My second question, providing the above question is correct - Say I receive my CNA, could I also get a Phlebotomy cert. (which is something I want to do regardless) and EKG/ECG cert. and be able to consider myself a PCT on an application or would I just be a CNA with Phlebotomy and EKG certification?

I'm not knocking my friend's school whatsoever, she does well in a larger school environment and that's perfectly fine, it's just not for me. I'd rather just get all of it done on my own and save quite a bit of money. Before I make any serious decisions I wanted to ask the experts.

Thanks in advance!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Most nursing schools these days require you to be a CNA prior to entrance (not all though). If I were you, I'd talk with your local hospitals and ask what is preferred to work on any floor. My area wants you to be CNA. You can be tech or EMS and all you get to do is the ER (maybe) it seems, you are not allowed elsewhere. Having said that, some hospitals will train for EKG, running strips etc. if you are CNA. None will train you for phleb (unless you are already a licensed nurse) Around here, phleb will take you some time at a CC (they want their money). But I think if you have the time and can find a job doing it practice is good. If you don't get practice, well, it's a waste. Usually CNAs around here do not do draws. Nurses do or the lab does (phleb).

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

I would check with the hospital but I would also check with any nursing programs you would like to attend. Why waste time and resources to go for either if you find out you can't get into program? I'd structure anything you do to try to satisfy the requirements of as many nursing programs as you can.

[Goggleyeyes]

I went to a school for PCT years ago, I had no idea that the local hospitals had there own programs that cost nothing AND paid you while you took there classes. Look into that before you sign any papers, the jobs only pay $10-$12 hr anyways. In AZ they are certificates, sometimes just hospital specific but its free! And most places have educational programs for employees who want to go further in medicine. And where I work, people in the nursing program or at least doing there pre-reqs get hired first.

[crosssl]

I am a BSN student and just got hired at a major teaching hospital as a PCT-student. This hospital uses PCT's soley and no longer uses CNA's. PCT's are used throughout the entire hospital and can do more than a CNA such as insert Foley catheters etc. In the ER they are allowed to do IV starts. As a nursing student it's a great way to get hands on experience while in school.

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

A CNA is on a registry, it's the same thing as STNA you must be on the registry to work in LTC. Although, there is a certain amount of time you can work and not be on the registry it's only about 60 days. This was done in response to a few stories on the tv about nursing home abuse by the aides. PCT's are usually trained by the hospital and can not work outside of a hospital setting unless they take the CNA exam. At least that is the way it was explained to me.

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

crosssl said:

I am a BSN student and just got hired at a major teaching hospital as a PCT-student. This hospital uses PCT's soley and no longer uses CNA's. PCT's are used throughout the entire hospital and can do more than a CNA such as insert Foley catheters etc. In the ER they are allowed to do IV starts. As a nursing student it's a great way to get hands on experience while in school.

Sounds more like a Student Nurse Tech position than a PCT position.