PCA is the acronym for Personal Care Assistant and the term has been appearing in local job postings recently. Many times, the terms PCA and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) are used interchangeably but they aren’t exactly the same depending on where you live. They both focus on one-on-one care in a medical field, but certification training for a CNA is more extensive than for a PCA in Nebraska.
Because some PCA roles require less formal training, their job duties – and as a result their salaries – are generally less than those of a CNA. If you are looking for more opportunities, you should consider becoming a CNA.
Understanding the Differences Between a PCA and CNA
PCA, a Personal Care Assistant, is different from a CNA, Certified Nursing Assistant, in Nebraska in a variety of ways. Though both jobs deal with caring for patients that require a certain level of one-on-one care, their everyday job demands differ as well as the training they had to complete to obtain their certification. Here are some of the significant differences between a PCA and a CNA.
The Training Requirements in Nebraska
To become a PCA, one must have at least a high school diploma, a certification is not always required; it depends on the state. If a state does, in fact, require a certification, an aspiring PCA must take the right classes that offer the appropriate training that is required by the state. Training to be a PCA in Omaha can be completed at QCP in 12 hours. Some of the topics covered in these classes include:
- Grooming and personal hygiene of patients
- First aid
- Feeding patients
- Caring for the elderly
- Basis personal care skills
To become a CNA, one must complete extensive training that is 75 hours with an additional hour of abuse and neglect training. Certification is required to become a CNA.
Many of the same topics are covered in CNA training; however, CNA’s are expected to perform more tasks on patients than PCAs, so have more in-depth training that includes:
- Setting up medical equipment
- Assist in medical procedures
- Take and record vital signs
After training is complete, individuals will have to complete and pass a written/oral exam as well as a skills exam. Individuals have three attempts to pass before they must retrain and try to retake the exams.
Job Demands and Work Environment
Both PCAs and CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and occasionally provide in-home services. For both, the work environment is very similar, as are the work hours, which can include overnight and weekends. However, what sets a CNA and PCA apart the most are the job demands. CNA’s perform more medical oriented tasks than PCA’s who are focused on assisting patients with comfort.
Planning for the Future as a CNA or PCA
Both job choices offer quality care to patients and can be used as stepping stones when trying to advance in the medical field. CNAs and PCAs are crucial jobs when it comes to providing one-on-one care to patients. Despite their differences, CNAs and PCAs have a common goal: to provide comfort and attention to all of their patients.
This post does not guarantee employment or specific earning potentials, it simply represents the variety of career opportunities to our students.