Patient care technicians and certified nurse assistants are important members of a health-care team. They provide care services that directly affect a patient’s comfort and support other health-care professionals. Both positions share many similar duties, but there are some differences. The regulations in each state determine the extent of the responsibilities for each role.
CNAs perform basic patient-care duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or medical doctor. These include tasks such as bathing, feeding and dressing the patient and taking vital signs. Patient-care technicians also assist nurses, doctors and other health-care professionals. They perform the duties of a CNA but are also trained to perform some basic medical duties, such as EKG readings and phlebotomy (drawing blood). The laws of each state determine the extent of technician duties.
Requirements for CNAs and PCTs vary slightly. Candidates for a nursing assistant career must have a high school diploma or a GED. PCT applicants require this standard education but they must also have at least one year of higher education. Some experience in health care is also recommended, such as experience as a nurse assistant, ECG technician or phlebotomist.
Training for CNAs includes theoretical and practical instruction in basic patient care. Candidates can take the course at a vocational or technical college, or through a private company. Some health care employers offer training on-site. The training requirements for patient-care technicians vary by state. In some states, CNAs can apply for a PCT certificate after completing advanced courses, such as phlebotomy and ECG. In others, the CNA training program also includes these classes. Technical and vocational colleges also offer a variety of health-care classes.
License and Certification
CNAs must sit for, and pass, an exam at the end of training to earn a certificate. There is no formal license for the PCT role, but there are licensing requirements for the disciplines under this profession. For instance, you must have a phlebotomy license or certificate to draw blood.
- Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images