What is a Rolling Schedule?
At Northeast Medical Institute we offer ” Rolling Schedules”, which allows our classes to run once we have 3 students registered. At Northeast Medical Institute our classes typically are smaller and we are required to run courses with at least 3 students. If there are not 3 students registered the class will be pushed back until we have 3 students registered. Typically our Stamford CNA daytime fills up very quickly since our class is capped at 8 students. Our Stamford Phlebotomy daytime program is also capped at 8 and typically fills up as well. However, our evening courses tend to be a little smaller so we have our ” Minimum Enrollment Policy” in place to avoid classes being under 3 students. Typically it takes about anywhere from 1-3 weeks to get 3 students in the evening courses. Remember, our classes are small so that means you get more 1 on 1 with our instructors. If you have any questions in regards to our Rolling Schedule please contact s at 203-391-6766 ext 1.
Do I need hands on experience for PA School or can it just be front desk healthcare experience?
Front desk, administrative work will not earn you clinical experience. Direct experience work with patients is required. Work as a PCT, Medical Assistant, EMT are all great ways to earn clinical experience. Since PCT is the shortest program of the 3, we highly suggest you get your PCT credentials.
I am currently a Pre-PA student should I enroll in a CNA or PCT Program now?
If you have no other qualifications in the medical field, absolutely, enroll in a PCT program. You want to start earning your clinical hours and becoming a PCT is a quick way to get there. You can always build on that, but get your foot in the field ASAP! With the PCT Program at Northeast Medical Institute you will be licensed as a CNA, and also certified as a Phlebotomists and Patient Care Technician. All 3 of these credentials can enable you to find a great job which can be put towards your clinical experience which is required for PA School.
What clinical experience do I need to become a PA?
The more hands-on and independent in assessing and providing care the better. Working as a Paramedic is great experience however a very long program and not for everyone. Not everyone has that level credential, which is fine, working as PCT counts, as does a number of other health-care positions. The more you do, the more diverse your experience the better. At Northeast Medical institute we offer a number of programs which can help you get valuable clinical experience.
Why would you want to become a PCT over just becoming a Phlebotomist or CNA?
Choosing what level you want to work at or achieve is a personal preference. Many people truly enjoy working with the elderly and though they have earned the PCT certification, they use it solely to work as a CNA. Having the additional certification does make them a more competitive applicant and it is education that can’t be taken away, so if they ever choose to work in a different capacity they have the qualifications. Some people don’t like needles, so working as a Phlebotomist isn’t for them. Why someone would do something will vary from one person to the next. Visit a school, see what the programs are like and which feels the best for you. Think about where you’d like to work and the type of patients you’d like to help.
What percentage of CNA, Phlebotomy, and EKG questions are on the PCT Exam?
The PCT exam is a mix of content from CNA, Phlebotomy and EKG. There are many CNA questions as well as many questions on safety and confidentiality of patient information. To learn more click the link and review the CPCT exam outline for the NHA certification exam. www.nhanow.com
Who are you certified through as a PCT?
Certification for PCT is available through the National Healthcareer Association among other agencies. Contact your school administrator to learn which agency you will certify with.
What is the typical route to become a PCT?
The typical route to become a PCT is to enroll and successfully complete an approved route. After completion, pass a certification exam and apply for employment. Through an accelerated program, such as the one offered at Northeast Medical Institute https://northeastmedicalinstitute.com one can obtain certification in less than three months.
Where do PCTs work?
A Patient Care Technician can work in a number of different facilities. They can even work in the mobile capacity. Dialysis centers, hospitals and specialty offices are among a few where PCTs commonly find employment.
Can a PCT draw blood?
Yes. A Patient Care Technician can draw blood. Most CPCTs receive education enough to take a national certification exam. Check with your program administrators to confirm the curriculum covers that required by the certifying agency. At Northeast Medical Institute, students in the PCT program earn their Certification as Certified Phlebotomy Technicians.
Who gets paid more CNA or PCT?
A Patient Care Technician normally makes more than a Certified Nurse Aide. Of course, it depends on where each are working and how much experience they have. Compensation has many factors that can affect its rate, but on average a PCT earns a higher salary than a CNA.
How much does a patient care technician make an hour?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary in CT for a Patient Care Tech is $32,346-38,00 per year. With that number we can calculate that the average PCT in Connecticut makes $16.55-18.50 per hour. Note: Salary.com didn’t show average compensation for a PCT in CT. The salary for this role can vary depending on the type of facility worked. It did post that the national average for a Dialysis Patient Care Technician at just under $40,000 per year. This calculates to $19.23, so about $19 per hour on average if working in a dialysis center.
Click here to read more about PCT- ( https://northeastmedicalinstitute.com/2023/05/25/patient-care-technician-salary-2023-guide/ )
What is PCT training?
PCT training is education to become a Certified Patient Care Technician. This training includes education and certification for Certified Nurse Aide credentials as well as Certified Phlebotomy Technician. While certification as an EKG Tech is optional, the PCT student will receive the training required to become an EKG Tech.
How long does it take to become a PCT?
The time it takes to become a PCT can vary depending on the program. Some accelerated programs offer graduation and certification in less than 3 months, while others can be closer to 1 year. Colleges tend to take longer than other schools, but the education provided is of similar content. To register for an accelerated Patient Care Technician program, go here: https://northeastmedicalinstitute.com/courses/patient-care-technician-pct/
Are EKG technicians in demand?
EKG technicians are not in as high demand as Patient care technicians, because there aren’t as many jobs as an EKG tech. That being said, there are many jobs where part of the requirements of the position is to perform EKGs, but many of those jobs are staffed by Patient Care Technicians and Medical Assistants.
What is phlebotomy and EKG?
Phlebotomy is a procedure of puncturing a vein with a needle to obtain a venous blood specimen for testing. Phlebotomists are trained to perform these procedures as well as procedures to obtain capillary blood and non-blood specimens. EKG is a recording of the electrical conduction through the heart. An EKG technician is trained to set up and monitor EKGs.
Who gets paid more CNA or PCT?
Salary is something that can vary with each employee or employer, but typically a Patient Care Technician would receive higher pay than a Certified Nurse Aide. has more training and can perform venipuncture procedures as well as electrocardiograms (EKGs). Click here to read more about PCT- ( https://northeastmedicalinstitute.com/2023/05/25/patient-care-technician-salary-2023-guide/ )
