Working in healthcare means having a rewarding career with almost endless opportunities for growth and learning. If you are considering starting a career in healthcare, you may have looked into becoming a patient care technician, also referred to as a patient care assistant.
A patient care technician is someone who works closely with nursing staff to care for patients and gets to perform many technical skills such as phlebotomy and EKG measurements.
You may have also looked into becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNAs also work closely with nursing staff, but they have fewer technical responsibilities and different certification requirements.
This guide goes over key differences and similarities between the two to help you decide which choice is better for you and your career goals.
Patient Care Technician vs. Certified Nursing Assistant Overview
People outside of healthcare may not understand the difference between a patient care technician (PCT) and a certified nursing assistant (CNA). While they do have similar work environments and share some responsibilities, there are important distinctions between the two.
Here’s a quick overview of each:
Patient Care Technician Overview
Patient care technicians work in clinics, surgical centers, and hospitals, including critical care areas such as labor and delivery, intensive care, and emergency medicine. They work closely with nurses and other healthcare team members to ensure that patients receive the best care possible, and stay safe while they are vulnerable.
Responsibilities of a patient care technician may include:
- Measure and record vital signs
- Take EKG measurements
- Collect blood samples
- Assist patients with hygiene and other basic cares
- Keep patient records up to date
- Assist with bedside procedures
- Apply dressings
- Administer tube-feedings
Patient care technicians work a variety of schedules. In the hospital, they typically work 12-hour shifts and may have to work night shifts, weekends, or a combination of both. In clinics, they are more likely to keep regular work hours.
Patient care technicians usually spend most of their shift on their feet, and every day can bring new experiences and challenges. They may be responsible for caring for 10-20 patients on a unit and can help with everything from routine vital sign measurements to helping in a medical emergency.
>> Read More: Patient Care Technician Responsibilities & Duties
Certified Nursing Assistant Overview
Certified nursing assistants act as an extra set of hands and eyes for the nurses they work with. They usually work in long-term care centers or assisted living facilities and help patients take care of their basic needs.
CNAs help support patients' emotional and physical needs. Most CNAs do their best to allow their patients to maintain independence while offering assistance as needed. They usually help patients with activities of daily living so that the nurses have time to offer medical assistance and perform more complex tasks.
The responsibilities of a CNA can include:
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Assisting patients in the bath or shower
- Feeding patients or helping them feed themselves
- Offering emotional support
- Assisting patients with ambulation or transferring into a wheelchair
- Keeping patient supplies and personal items organized
- Changing briefs and assisting with toileting
- Collecting urine and stool samples
- Repositioning immobile patients
- Change bedding and linens
Like patient care technicians, certified nursing assistants can work a variety of schedules and are often shift workers. They may work 8 or 12-hour shifts and typically have to work their share of nighttime and weekend shifts.
CNAs spend most of their shift on their feet and walking around, and may have to help lift or support patients' weight while they walk. CNAs must be in good physical shape in order to perform all of their duties.
Key Similarities Between a Patient Care Technician & Certified Nursing Assistant
While they are different jobs, there are some key similarities between a patient care technician and a certified nursing assistant.
Similarities include:
- Salary. PCTs and CNAs have a similar salary range and hourly pay rate. Both earn an average of $38,200 per year and can earn more money by working night and weekend shifts.
- Schedule. Both types of jobs often require working some night and weekend shifts. In addition, the majority of these types of workers work 12-hour shifts. While the days are long, many healthcare workers prefer working 3-12 hour shifts and having 4 days off each week.
- Physical requirements. Both PCTs and CNAs have to be able to tolerate long hours of walking or standing and be able to lift 15 pounds or more without injury.
- Patient care tasks. Most healthcare jobs involving patient care will involve helping patients with basic hygiene and self-care tasks. CNAs and PCTs can help patients with bathing, teeth brushing, feeding, and toileting.
Key Differences Between a Patient Care Technician and Certified Nursing Assistant
While they have many similarities, there are a lot of differences between becoming a patient care technician and a certified nursing assistant.
Differences include:
- Certification Requirements. Certification training and requirements for CNAs are managed by each state, and certification is not usually transferable from state to state. PCTs can earn a nationally recognized certification that remains valid no matter where they work.
- Clinical experience requirements. PCTs can earn their certification online, while CNAs usually need 16-40 clinical hours before they are eligible for certification.
- Basic responsibilities. While both jobs require many patient care tasks, CNAs typically spend more time helping with activities of daily living, while PCTs perform more medically focused tasks such as drawing blood or assisting with procedures.
- Administrative tasks. PCTs perform more administrative tasks than CNAs and may help with insurance claims and billing when necessary.
- Work location. CNAs are more likely to work in assisted living or long-term care facilities, while PCTs are more likely to work in hospitals and clinics.
Salary Differences for Patient Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistants
PCTs and CNAs have the same average annual salary and hourly wage. Both earn an average of $18.33 per hour, with higher salaries seen in states like New York and California, and lower wages in states such as Idaho and Utah.
Both types of jobs can earn more money by working undesirable shifts such as nights, weekends, and holidays. Most healthcare facilities offer a 5-15% pay increase for hours worked during those times.
>> Read More: Patient Care Technician Salary
Job Outlook for Patient Care Technician vs. Certified Nursing Assistant
Both patient care technicians (PCTs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) offer strong job security, with a projected 4% job growth rate between 2023 and 2033. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and a rising demand for skilled professionals who can provide direct patient care. As hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities continue to expand, the need for qualified PCTs and CNAs remains steady.
In addition to job stability, both positions serve as excellent stepping stones for those interested in advancing their careers in healthcare. Many individuals use their experience as a PCT or CNA to gain valuable hands-on patient care skills before pursuing further education in nursing, medical school, or other healthcare-related fields.
>> Read More: Clinical Experience for Medical School
>> Read More: Best Jobs for Nursing Students
Necessary Skills for Patient Care Technician and Certified Nursing Assistant
Since the jobs are similar, they share many of the same necessary skills. However, patient care technicians usually focus more on technical knowledge and certified nursing assistants use their communication and people skills.
Patient Care Technicians must have the following skills in order to be successful:
- Organized
- Basic math
- Manual dexterity
- Calm during a crisis
- Quick-thinking
- Detail oriented
- Computer skills
Both types of jobs also require good communication and a lot of empathy. Certified nursing assistants require a slightly different skill set than PCTs.
Certified Nursing Assistant needs to have:
- Compassion
- Great listening skills
- Ability to lift and reposition patients
- Tolerance of dealing with bodily fluids
- Basic medical terminology
>> Read More: How to Become a Patient Care Technician
How to Choose Between Becoming a Patient Care Technician and Certified Nursing Assistant
It can be difficult to choose whether you'd like to work as a patient care technician or a certified nursing assistant. When making a decision, keep the following in mind:
- Length of certification program. PCT programs can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. CNA programs often take 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on state requirements.
- Clinical requirements. Students can earn a PCT certification online. Most CNA programs require 16-40 hours of in-person clinical experience.
- Work location. If you are interested in working in a hospital, PCT may be the right choice. If you'd rather work in a care facility or assisted living center, you will want to become a CNA.
- Job availability in your area. Before committing to a program, perform a job search in your area. Find out whether there are more openings for PCTs or CNAs near you.
- Future plans. If you hope to become a nurse, you may want to get experience as a CNA. If you are hoping to get into a medical school, PCT will be a better choice.
Education & Certification Requirements for Patient Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistants
No state has specific certification requirements for PCTs. However, over 90% of healthcare organizations prefer or require certification for PCTs. Patient care technician certification courses can be completed in 8 weeks and are available online.
Certified nursing assistants must earn a certification from the state where they hope to work. Each state has different certifying requirements set by their specific State Board of Nursing. CNAs are required to have between 16-40 in-person clinical hours.
Both CNAs and PCTs must have at least a high school diploma before enrolling in a training program or starting their job.
Comparing a Day in the Life for Patient Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistants
A day in the life of a patient care technician and a certified nursing assistant are similar. Both jobs usually start with getting a report from the outgoing caregiver. Report will include information about what type of care each patient needs and if there are any safety concerns.
Shifts may start around 6 or 7 in the morning, or 6 or 7 at night. Day shift workers are usually responsible for patient care activities that have to do with feeding and bathing, while night shift workers usually take care of restocking supplies and cleaning rooms. All healthcare workers must be prepared to assist in case of emergency.
A CNA can be responsible for 6-50 patients throughout a day or night shift, while a PCT usually cares for fewer patients.
Job Growth & Progression for Patient Care Technicians and Certified Nursing Assistants
Some nursing schools require or give priority to applicants who have experience working as certified nursing assistants. Getting experience as a CNA also gives students an opportunity to prove themselves and get a good letter of recommendation.
For those hoping to advance to medical school, PCT might offer a better experience, since the more technical healthcare skills are often performed by a PCT rather than a CNA.
Other Healthcare Career Comparisons
Here are some other career comparisons we've written that may help you decide which is best for you:
- Medical Assistant vs. Nurse
- Medical Assistant vs. Certified Nursing Assistant
- Medical Assistant vs. Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant vs. Licensed Practical Nurse
- Medical Assistant vs. Phlebotomist
- Medical Assistant vs. Physician Assistant
- Medical Assistant vs. Dental Assistant
- Medical Assisting vs. Medical Coding & Billing
- Medical Assistant vs. EMT
- Medical Assistant vs. Medical Lab Technician
- Medical Assistant vs. Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant vs. Certified Medical Assistant vs. Registered Medical Assistant
