What is the difference between pct and lpn

Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 Reddy, Prishani. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date. Vocational Nurse as Patient Care Technician Most LVNs start out doing hands-on patient care as a nursing assistant, and in California and many other states, they must be certified to work in hospital settings.

Great sense of commitment to patient care The LVN has to have a great sense of commitment to patient care, collaboration and communication with other medical professionals, need to be able to work with many different family dynamics, educating the family to do patient care and be able to see the positive in what they are doing in their profession.

Patient Care Technician, to Vocational Nurse, and beyond Latest Articles. In some, only CNAs can qualify as a care technician. In either role, you're responsible for primary patient care activities such as taking vital signs, changing bandages or dressings and helping patients with their daily activities.

PCTs always work under the direct supervision of a nurse or doctor. Licensed practical nurses or vocational nurses -- their title in Texas and California -- are licensed and regulated caregivers in their own right.

They administer injections to their patients, collect blood or urine samples, run routine tests and monitor their reactions to prescribed medications. In some states, they can start IV drips or administer medications. Licensed practical nurses learn their profession through a one-year program at a community or technical college, a training program at a teaching hospital or a comparable military training program.

They typically work in medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers and may work in general medicine or specialty practices. It isn't typical to see MAs in the hospital, but with the need for healthcare workers increasing the opportunities for MAs are growing and changing rapidly. The salaries of patient care technicians vary quite a bit from one organization to another. The training duration for a PCT also varies quite a bit. Hospital training programs usually range between two and three months whereas the average length of time for a PCT program in community colleges and vocational programs range between seven months and two years.

There are many factors to consider if you're deciding between them. Do you want to work closely by the patient's side all day as a CNA? Or would you rather serve a variety of clinical and administrative roles as an MA? How important is pay to you?

How much time are you willing to commit to your future? Only you know the path that's best for you and all three are opportunities to help people get well! When you work in healthcare, you go home every day knowing that you changed lives.