Tech?

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Jun 10, 2007

I was a tech for 10 years. I didn't need any cert, license, or anything. I got hired and trained OTJ.

purple_rose_3 · Jun 10, 2007

From my experience a tech is usually a CNA.

arual56 · Jun 11, 2007

Hi, I was just wondering what kind of license if any that you need to be a tech? What exactly does a tech do? If this helps I saw a job opening for a ER tech and it looked interesting. Thanks!!

AZ does not license or certify techs. The state board of nursing does certify CNA's. If you want to be a tech, it might be best to take a class through a community college. The CNA/PCT classes are done as a two part, one semester class at PIMA. It doesn't take that long, and can give you a big step up when applying for a job at a hospital. Tech's do everything that CNA's do as far as bathing pt's, changing beds, emptying foley's etc. But Tech's also insert foley's, change dressings on wounds, perform EKG's, and depending on the facility you work at, can become certified by the facility to perform blood draws on patients.The best explanation I have ever heard for the position of Tech is: one step up from a CNA and one step down from an LPN, without the license. Worked as a tech for 3 years before getting my LPN. Still working on my RN, but have had much more experience than if I had remained a CNA.

ariannasmom · Jun 11, 2007

AZ does not license or certify techs. The state board of nursing does certify CNA's. If you want to be a tech, it might be best to take a class through a community college. The CNA/PCT classes are done as a two part, one semester class at PIMA. It doesn't take that long, and can give you a big step up when applying for a job at a hospital. Tech's do everything that CNA's do as far as bathing pt's, changing beds, emptying foley's etc. But Tech's also insert foley's, change dressings on wounds, perform EKG's, and depending on the facility you work at, can become certified by the facility to perform blood draws on patients.The best explanation I have ever heard for the position of Tech is: one step up from a CNA and one step down from an LPN, without the license. Worked as a tech for 3 years before getting my LPN. Still working on my RN, but have had much more experience than if I had remained a CNA.

Thank you! I will definately look into getting my CNA.

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2007

CNAs have a scope of practice in which they must practice under, therefore they can only do the things under those specifications.

Like was explained above, PCTs (just like MAs) are not certified in AZ, and therefore they don't have to follow a specific scope of practice. They work under the hospital/physician's orders and they practice within that scope, therefore the skills that they're allowed to do differ depending on the hospital/physician.