If you’ve been searching for healthcare jobs in Omaha or across Nebraska, you’ve probably seen listings for PCA (Personal Care Assistant) and CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) positions. While these roles are similar in that they both provide hands-on care and support to patients, there is a key difference between a PCA and a CNA when it comes to training, certification, and job responsibilities that you should understand.
Understanding the Difference Between a PCA and a CNA
Both Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) and Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) play vital roles in patient care. They provide one-on-one support to individuals who need help with daily activities, comfort, and personal care. However, the level of training and scope of work are what set these two healthcare roles apart.
In Nebraska, CNA training is more comprehensive than PCA training, and as a result, CNAs typically have more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
PCA Training Requirements in Nebraska
To become a PCA, one must have at least a high school diploma and a certification is not always required (it depends on the state). If a state does require a certification, an aspiring PCA must take the right classes that offer the appropriate training that is required by the state.
Quality Career Pathways no longer offers a PCA course, as there is not an official PCA certification that is recognized in Nebraska. Because the PCA role does not require formal training, it can be a great way to test the waters in the healthcare field before committing to longer programs like the CNA certification.
CNA Training Requirements in Nebraska
To become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Nebraska, you must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training plus 1 hour of abuse and neglect training. This formal education prepares you to take on a more medical-focused role in patient care.
In addition to personal care skills, the CNA course will teach you how to:
- Set up and maintain medical equipment
- Assist nurses and doctors with medical procedures
- Measure and record vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration
- Observe and report patient condition changes
After completing your CNA classes, you must pass both a written exam and a skills exam to become officially certified. You have three attempts to pass before needing to retrain.
Job Duties and Work Environment: PCA vs CNA
Both PCAs and CNAs can work in similar settings—such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, or even private homes—and often share similar schedules that include evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts.
However, the main difference between a PCA and a CNA lies in job duties:
- PCAs focus on non-medical, comfort-based care, helping patients with daily living activities and providing companionship.
- CNAs handle more medical and clinical responsibilities, assisting with procedures, recording health information, and supporting nurses with patient treatment plans.
Because of their additional training and certification, CNAs often qualify for higher-paying positions and have more opportunities for career advancement in the healthcare field.
Planning Your Career Path as a PCA or CNA
Both the PCA and CNA roles are excellent entry points into healthcare. They offer meaningful, hands-on experience caring for others and can serve as stepping stones toward advanced medical careers, such as Medication Aide, LPN, or RN.
The last difference between a PCA and a CNA comes to the training Quality Career Pathways can provide. At this time, the PCA course is not offered, so the CNA or CMA course would be the first step to take toward an official certification.
Ready to Begin?
Explore certification classes in Omaha today at Quality Career Pathways. Take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career where every day you make a difference. Why choose Quality Career Pathways?
- The all-inclusive tuition includes the course and one attempt to pass your written and skills exams. There are NO SURPRISE FEES!
- Over 98% of our students pass, which is a testament to excellent instruction and training methods
- No shots or screenings are needed to enroll
- You do not need to purchase scrubs
- All in-person testing is done onsite at the conclusion of your course at our state-approved facilitiesÂ
- Option to take some courses as a traditional 100% in-person class or as an online hybrid
- Trusted training provider who certifies over 3,000 students each yearÂ
- Multiple Employer Premier Partners who present job opportunities to the classrooms
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee employment or specific earning potential.