Additional Career Paths After Completing a Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or physician to provide basic nursing care to patients. Some of the job duties of an LPN may include:
- Monitoring patients’ health, including taking vital signs, recording medical histories, and assessing symptoms.
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or RN.
- Assisting with medical procedures, such as dressing changes or wound care.
- Collecting and analyzing patient samples, such as blood or urine, for laboratory testing.
- Maintaining accurate medical records and updating patient charts.
- Communicating with patients and their families about their healthcare needs and answering any questions they may have.
- Assisting RNs or physicians with more complex medical procedures, such as administering IV medications or performing certain diagnostic tests.
LPNs may work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies. They often work as part of a healthcare team and may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as RNs, physicians, and medical assistants. LPNs typically complete a one-year nursing program and must pass a licensing exam to practice in their state.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who is responsible for managing and coordinating patient care. RNs work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health centers. Some of the job duties of an RN may include:
Assessing patients’ health and developing individualized care plans.
Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician.
Providing basic medical care, such as wound care, catheterization, and IV therapy.
Monitoring and recording patient vital signs and medical histories.
Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing patient samples, such as blood or urine.
Educating patients and their families about healthcare needs and disease prevention.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as LPNs, medical assistants, and physicians.
Supervising other healthcare staff, such as nursing assistants.
RNs must complete a nursing program, which can take 2-4 years depending on the level of education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. They must also pass a licensing exam to practice in their state. RNs may specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology, and may also pursue advanced degrees or certifications in their field.
Patient Care Technician
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an RN or physician to provide basic patient care. Some of the job duties of a PCT may include:
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Taking vital signs and recording medical histories.
- Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheterization.
- Collecting patient samples, such as blood or urine, for laboratory testing.
- Transporting patients to and from appointments or procedures.
- Assisting with the maintenance of medical equipment.
- Maintaining accurate patient records and updating charts.
- Performing basic administrative tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling appointments.
PCTs typically work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. They may work with a variety of patients, including those with acute or chronic illnesses, and may be responsible for managing multiple patients at once. PCTs typically complete a nursing assistant program and may also hold additional certifications in areas such as phlebotomy or EKG monitoring. PCTs work as part of a healthcare team and may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as RNs, LPNs, and physicians.
Phlebotomist
A Phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who is trained to collect blood samples from patients for laboratory testing. Some of the job duties of a Phlebotomist may include:
- Explaining the blood-drawing process to patients and answering any questions they may have.
- Identifying patients and labeling blood samples accurately.
- Selecting and preparing the appropriate equipment, such as needles, tubes, and vials, for blood collection.
- Locating veins and inserting needles into veins to draw blood.
- Monitoring patients during and after the blood collection process to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Disposing of used needles and other equipment properly and following appropriate safety protocols.
- Maintaining accurate records of blood samples and test results.
Phlebotomists may work in hospitals, clinics, or blood donation centers. They may work with a variety of patients, including children and adults, and may be responsible for managing multiple patients at once. Phlebotomists typically complete a phlebotomy training program, which may include classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and may also need to be certified or licensed in their state. They must be skilled at working with patients and must have a strong attention to detail to ensure accurate blood collection and labeling.
EKG (electrocardiogram) Technician
An EKG Technician is a healthcare professional who is trained to perform diagnostic tests to measure the electrical activity of the heart. Some of the job duties of an EKG Technician may include:
Preparing patients for EKG testing and explaining the procedure to them.
Placing electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs to record the heart’s electrical activity.
Operating and monitoring EKG equipment during testing to ensure accurate results.
Interpreting EKG readings and preparing reports for physicians.
Communicating with patients and their families about test results and any necessary follow-up care.
Maintaining accurate patient records and updating medical charts.
EKG Technicians may work in hospitals, clinics, or medical laboratories. They may work with a variety of patients, including those with heart disease or other cardiac conditions. EKG Technicians typically complete a training program, which may include classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and may also need to be certified or licensed in their state. They must be skilled at working with patients and must have a strong attention to detail to ensure accurate testing and interpretation of results.
