Social Worker Wants to Become a Tech

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a social worker and just got hired recently to be a case manager at a hospital. This is my first time working in the hospital environment but I really enjoy it so far. I have been inspired to actually get some medical training in case I want to pursue additional work at the hospital assisting patients or even change career paths in the future.

I was wanting to pursue a short term certification and am trying to decide between a PCT, CNA, phlebotomist, or pharmacy technician. If I eventually decide to become an LPN the hospital I work at will provide tuition reimbursement but I am thinking this certification might be the stopping point for me. I wanted some suggestions/insight in deciding as I am new to working in the hospital setting. I live in the state of Georgia and of course I want to make sure I find a school with the appropriate accreditation.

Dear Undecided,

Congrats on your case management job.

Check on the wages for a social worker/case manager compared to a patient care technician (PCT), certified nursing assistant (CNA), phlebotomist and pharmacy tech. Are you really wanting a job with less pay and less room for advancement?

If you are planning to leave social work and go into nursing, it could make sense to get your PCT or CNA training. These are both closer to nursing than a phlebotomist or pharmacy tech. Find out if your hospital hires more PCTs or CNAs. Some hospitals use both but many use one or the other. You would get experience with direct patient care which would help if you pursue nursing.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[mtmkjr, BSN]

Or maybe even consider a BS to BSN program as a more lateral move

[Oldmahubbard]

With your education, I very much doubt the LPN, tech, or phlebotomist route would be satisfying.

[Teenypip]

I agree- do the BSN- NO reason for you to go to LPN school. Not sure about GA, but most hospitals I know of (in Florida) don't hire LPN's. It really wouldn't make sense to do that. I work with a MSW who is also a RN. She prefers to stay quiet about her nursing skills lol.