What is better to start off with? CNA, Pharmacy Tech or Phlebotomy?

cally527, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Are you asking which job will allow you to make the most money to pay for your ABSN program or which is the best job to help you get into the ABSN program?

Have you taken all of the pre-req classes you need for nursing school? Not sure what the requirements are for the state that you live in, but I am pretty confident that CNA, Pharm Tech's and Phlebotomy all require specific classes and then certification. I believe that the CNA program requires the least amount of training hours.

Need a little more info in order to try and give you a helpful answer.

Based on what you have already stated, a CNA is a Nursing assistant so that seems like the best choice.

pixiestudent2 · Apr 3, 2012

Well why not just do your absn? I know pharm tech will take just as long as your absn, cna will take the least amount of time.

Reread your question. I think you should Become a cna or phlebotomy while you wait/do your pre reqs. Pharm tech will help you with meds but no patient care as far as I know. I would try to be a pct/pca they usually require you to be a cna, and they will train you to draw blood and stuff.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 3, 2012

It depends on your location. Most CNA programs are anywhere from 6 weeks (intensive) to 16 weeks (one a week). The Phlebotomy certification course in my state is a 2 semester class. 1st semester is all classroom & lab. 2nd semester is a 2 month externship at a hospital. Then you apply for your certification. The pharmacy tech program is 4 semesters long, which gives you an AAS when you're done. Again, it varies from school to school.

I was a CNA back in the 90s and while I value the knowledge & experience I gained, I have no desire to go back to that job now that I'm in my 40s. It required a lot of heavy lifting.

I'm getting my phlebotomy certification (start in June...can't wait!) because I'd like the venipuncture experience before clinicals in nursing school. Plus, the hospitals around here hire phlebotomists, so I know I can get a job.

As far as pay goes, it seems to be regional. In my area, phlebotomists make more than CNAs. Not a whole lot more, but it is more.

I'm not in it for the money (or lack thereof). I just want the experience before nursing school.

ellelove · Apr 3, 2012

Sopranokris- I am wanting the expereience too. Money would be nice... but that is not the reality!

I checked some programs around me and CNA is the faster option (6 weeks). I would like to do phlebotomy certification but that takes 7 months. Pharmacy tech takes 3 or 4. The only program is that due to budget cuts, most programs that offer CNA courses are being cut.

I am 3 classes away from having all of my pre-reqs done for ASN and 5 classes away from having all my pre-reqs done for ABSN.

caliotter3 · Apr 3, 2012

If you want to go up the nursing ladder and have a job skill set, then go CNA. Phlebotomy and Pharm Tech both have generally poor job prospects and neither are in the nursing career ladder.

Merlyn · Apr 3, 2012

CNA You will get more of a feel of Patient Care.

ellelove · Apr 3, 2012

Thanks caliotter3 and Merlyn!

caliotter3 · Apr 3, 2012

An RN that I knew one time had been out of the work force for many years while raising her family. She thought that taking a pharm tech course would help. She was not able to even get an interview for a job after graduating, and said she didn't get a job until someone hired her for an RN position. All the money she spent on the pharm tech diploma was wasted. I took a phlebotomy course once. The instructor warned the class that there were no jobs to be had. At least she was honest about it.

LaineyLe · Apr 4, 2012

I'm a Pharm Tech myself, and it helps with NOTHING when it comes to nursing. If I would have known earlier in my life that I wanted to pursue nursing, I would have done CNA or Phlebotomy. Pharm Tech doesn't count for patient care, and I think being a CNA gives you better experience (I've read that some schools even require their applicants to be CNAs before applying). Also, the pharmacy industry is really bad right now, with the economy and budget cuts and all. CNA seems like the shortest and most beneficial route to take.

creativemom44023 · Apr 4, 2012

Okay if you're judging on strict experience here's my opinion:

Pharmacy Techs will learn more about medicines. (Generalized statement).

Phlebotomy is just about blood draws (I know it's more but let's generalize). But you'll learn about this in nursing school. The practice is great but you're not taking care of the patient per say.

At least with an STNA aka CNA you get to see and care for the total patient. You get to see how different medications affect them with respect to age, illnesses, etc. You get to see behaviors of pt's that have various illnesses (or mental health issues) and what they can or cannot do mentally and physically. Especially after surgery, before surgery, repeat pt hospital stays, etc. Depending on what floor(s) you work on, you get to work with cardiology, ortho, med/surg, chemo, etc. Even though a floor may be "specialized" time and again there is "overflow" and so you get patients with numerous illnesses or diagnoses to care for. I think working as an STNA makes us more aware of patients who need immediate care and thus have to be transported to SICU and ICU. You gain a sixth sense so to speak and use facts (vitals, behavior, appearance, pt words, etc to validate your sixth sense.) Don't forget you'll be right smack in the middle of other RN's, FNP's, MD's, etc etc that will be talking the language, you can read your patient records to learn more about medicine and health care, etc. My grades shot up fast after starting to work for a med/surg floor, you won't believe what your brain absorbs on the unit! :) I found anatomy, medical terminology, etc a breeze as we used these terms all the time on the floor.

Those RN's that have STNA experience before or during school I see have the most confidence with caring for patients and have the best outcomes for their patients. Those that go straight through nursing school are not as skilled, or not as confident (now before I get bashed this is MY opinion folks!) as those with experience taking care of loved one's or patients.

Now if you're going for money and not necessarily the best experience to help you in nursing school I say go for pharmacy tech as that brings in the most money. Has the most flexible schedule and best hourly pay. Plus in some programs it's the same length as STNA or CNA's.

GOOD LUCK!

marvinfinch34 · Mar 18, 2013

I am trying to work my way up the "nursing" ladder so to speak. I am tired of working food jobs to save enough money... I never will! I want to have a job that will at least SHOW that I am trying to go after what I want.
What do y'all think? What is the better way to go... I am trying to get into an accelerated bsn program or a community college program for Fall 2013.

Hello ellelove did you ever get info on becoming a Phlebologist? Because I to am looking to get into that field. Thanks!