CNA, Med Tech,PCT, Phlebotomy.....

[MizTink]

HELP!!!! can anybody explain to me the difference between a pct (patient care tech), a multi skilled tech, and a med tech??

i was originally going to take a quick cna course, then saw that they offer a short phlebotomy course too, but separately.
a different school offers the pct class which they SAY is hha, cna, phlebotomy, all in 1 course. (they say they can also pass some meds and do catheters?)
anybody know anything about these things??
i was a cna 15 years ago and there weren't med techs or pcts that i was aware of.....

i'm looking for something really short, with the most bang for the buck! this is why i was looking at the quick, 1 week cna class. i really just need a refresher on the clinical skills before i take the state test after not doing it for sooo long!

 

[Disneylover79]

Let me see if I can try and help you figure this out

CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant, cannot pass meds, at an advanced level can place urinary catheters..you can work in the hospital,nursing home, and some home health, can draw blood with proper education

PCT Patient Care Tech- Same as CNA,

HHA Home Health Aide- same as CNA but not sure about the blood drawing since you will be in the patients home with no back up if needed

You can do the CNA and then get the hospital/nursing home to pay for you to go to phlebotomy class if that will get you done quicker..

It all depends on what you want to do and where you would like to work...Check with the possible place of employment to see what they prefer...

Good Luck

 

[Fire14]

In my experience:
CNA/Stna is certified/state tested Nurse aide Can work in Nursing home part of our long term care, may not pass meds

PCT/PCA can work in Assisted living part of our Long term care, may not pass meds or work in nursing home usually not licensed/certified in anyway

HHA is basically a uncertified/licensed nurse aide who works in pts home, some of our pca's were hha before they hired on at my place.

None can draw blood with these certs. but really nothing stopping them from going for phlebotomy trainnig and prob more money drawing blood than working as aide.

There is a fairly new thing in ohio where you can go to school for med tech and pass certain meds, I know my place said it wasn't worth it to send Stnas for training.

 

[MizTink]

In my experience:
CNA/Stna is certified/state tested Nurse aide Can work in Nursing home part of our long term care, may not pass meds

PCT/PCA can work in Assisted living part of our Long term care, may not pass meds or work in nursing home usually not licensed/certified in anyway

HHA is basically a uncertified/licensed nurse aide who works in pts home, some of our pca's were hha before they hired on at my place.

None can draw blood with these certs. but really nothing stopping them from going for phlebotomy trainnig and prob more money drawing blood than working as aide.

There is a fairly new thing in ohio where you can go to school for med tech and pass certain meds, I know my place said it wasn't worth it to send Stnas for training.

this is the one that one school called a PCT. they said it includes cna, hha, med tech, and phlebotomy.

you're right, phlebotomy gets more money. i think i'm just gonna get my cna license again, just so i have it, and also do the phlebotomy....
thanks

 

[cristit14]

med tech is actually working in a lab running tests, some med techs have to do phlebotomy also depending on where you work, but there usually isn't much patient interaction, again depending on where you work. I have been a med tech for almost 20 years now.Has nothing to do with nursing at all.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

It really depends on the state as to what they're allowed to do. Here PCT's draw labs, start IV lines,do echo's, etc.

 

[pumba21]

Phlebotomist and med techs (medical technologist) work in the lab. They generally do no not work on the floor with nurse, cnas, or monitor techs unless they are drawing blood. In most states a phleb is trained on the job although in some states they must be certified and it is usually a short course. Med Techs have a four year degree and have to go through a year long internship.

 

[teskak]

If you are thinking about phlebotomy, I would check with your local blood bank and see what skills they require. Where I live they appear to be mostly nurses, but they prefer the job as:

Thier patients / clients are all healthy & want to be there so there is no need to deal with people in distress / pain / grief.
The work is indirectly rewarding as the result is blood products for the sickest patients.
No overnight shifts, but depending on the site, opportunities for afternoon or early morning shifts.
No heavy lifting, so much less chance of being injured on the job.

 

[jenifer12]

Phlebotomy is a kinda of a rewarding job in terms of money and helping people. A normal phlebotomy is expected to earn $25000-$35000 and even more and vary depending on the place where they work before. Very skilled people can only pass this exams as many tactics and tough exams are happening to become a well phlebotomy.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would be very surprised if any non-licensed personell were legally allowed to give medications.