Should i do PCT when i already have CNA license and that my long term goal is to do LVN

[Dee87]

I'm 37 years old. Just received my CNA license. My long term goal is to get into an LVN program. However since it takes time to get into the program, i wanted to do a PCT course meanwhile since i heard that hospitals hire PCT and you get better pay than just being a CNA in Nursing homes. Do you think it is worth it? I dont know if the PCT course will benefit later when I do LVN. I havent worked as a CNA yet. Some people say that CNA and PCT are same. Do you think so? I went to Richland college in Texas to check about their PCT program and they are telling me that i have to take the full PCT course and not just phlebotomy and ECG since i already have CNA license. It costs about 1250 dollars and takes about 5 months. I want to work but the PCT class timings are sometimes in morning and sometimes in the evening. I dont know if i will find a CNA job while doing PCT. Do you think this PCT program will be useful when I do LVN?

[caliotter3]

Unless you know for a fact that the course will directly lead to employment as a PCT, I think it is probably a waste of time and money. Seek employment now with your CNA certificate and concentrate on getting into the LVN program. JMO

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

PCTs are labeled as such because they do not have the certification that you have. You are a CNA. There is absolutely no need to engage in training as a PCT. As for the pay being higher, as described in your post, it's because of the facility (hospital); not the title. Hospitals pay more than nursing homes in most areas. You can get a job there as a PCT because you have the training and CNA certification. However, a PCT cannot get a job as a CNA because, although the duties are very similar, the PCT lacks certification.

[glowbug, BSN, RN]

No, don't do it! Its a waste of time and money. Just get a job as a CNA at an LTC facility for a couple of months and then apply for PCT hospital positions. When all hope is lost and you think you will not get hired; you will. The hospital will train you in EKG and phlebotomy be honest on your Resume though and only state your current experiences.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Threads have been merged and moved to the PCT forum for more replies.

[smartassmommy]

Don't do it. If you do get hired at a hospital they will train you for the additional skills. I would suggest concentrating on looking at facilities that hire LPN.

[Dee87]

Do you guys think if i should do medication aide instead since I want to get into LVN later and i heard most LVN's deal with giving the medications. Thanks