Patient care technicians and certified nurse assistants provide basic care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. In some states, “patient care technician” is another title for certified nurse assistant because the responsibilities are the same. In others, however, there is a difference in the type of task each performs. Each state determines the scope of work and the requirements for patient care technicians and certified nurse assistants.
Certified Nurse Assistant
The certified nurse assistant provides basic physical care to elderly and disabled patients, under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. These include measuring the patient’s vital signs; helping with daily hygiene tasks, such as shaving and bathing; feeding the patient; and helping the patient walk. CNAs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and patients’ homes.
Patient Care Technician
In some states, patient care technicians perform many of the same duties as certified nurse assistants as well as some basic medical duties. For instance, they can draw blood, monitor heart activity with EKG and perform basic laboratory work. In other states, PCTs only perform basic medical and laboratory tasks. PCTs also work under the supervision of nursing and medical staff.
Candidates for a career as a nurse aide must complete a training program, available through a community, technical or vocational college or through the Red Cross. Some healthcare employers also offer a training program. The length of the course varies by state and provider. It includes theoretical and practical instruction or providing basic care to patients.
Training programs for patient care technicians vary in content by state and provider. In states where PCTs also perform nurse aide duties, a CNA training program and certification is a prerequisite for PCT training. In states where PCTs don’t perform CNA duties, training is limited to clinical and laboratory functions. Some course providers combine CNA training with PCT course disciplines.
Licensing and Certification
CNA students must pass an exam at the end of the training program to earn a certificate. This certificate must be renewed every two years. The National Center for Competency Testing offers a general certification for PCTs and some states require certification for professionals who work with patients undergoing dialysis treatments. PCTs must obtain a license for the advanced duties they perform, such as for ECG and phlebotomy, and individuals who also perform nurse aide duties must be certified nursing assistants.
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