Additional Career Paths After Completing a Certified Nursing Assistant Program

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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:

  1. Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
  2. Taking vital signs and recording medical histories.
  3. Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheterization.
  4. Collecting patient samples, such as blood or urine, for laboratory testing.
  5. Transporting patients to and from appointments or procedures.
  6. Assisting with the maintenance of medical equipment.
  7. Maintaining accurate patient records and updating charts.
  8. 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.

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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:

  1. Explaining the blood-drawing process to patients and answering any questions they may have.
  2. Identifying patients and labeling blood samples accurately.
  3. Selecting and preparing the appropriate equipment, such as needles, tubes, and vials, for blood collection.
  4. Locating veins and inserting needles into veins to draw blood.
  5. Monitoring patients during and after the blood collection process to ensure their safety and comfort.
  6. Disposing of used needles and other equipment properly and following appropriate safety protocols.
  7. 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.

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