Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.7 million registered nurses in the rapidly growing US healthcare industry. The immense nursing workforce relies on the support of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) to ensure patients stay comfortable, feel heard, and receive the care they need.

These essential support roles help fill the growing gap in patient services, offering hands-on assistance in a variety of medical settings. If you’re considering a future in healthcare and want to make an impact quickly, these two pathways are great ways to break into a caring career.

Let’s unpack the differences between a PCA vs. CNA, so you can determine which path best fits your goals.

What is a CNA?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare, providing support to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Their work ensures that patients receive quality care in various medical settings.

Job duties

CNA job duties include basic patient care and support under the supervision of an RN or LPN. They often help:

• Assist patients with exercise, eating, dressing, bathing, and other daily activities
• Listen to patients’ needs and report them to nursing staff
• Observe and report changes in patient behavior
• Record patients’ temperatures and vital signs
• Set up and maintain medical equipment
• Turn, transfer, or re-position patients

Work settings

CNAs can be found in a variety of healthcare environments, reflecting the need for their skills across the medical field. Many CNAs work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities.

Training and certification requirements

To become a CNA, individuals must complete a formal education and certification process. Often, this involves enrolling in an accredited nurse assistant training program, which may be offered through career-focused institutions, community colleges, technical schools, or healthcare facilities. After completing their program, CNAs must pass a state-issued certification exam to demonstrate competency. All in all, becoming a CNA takes just a matter of months.

While becoming a CNA is not required before enrolling in a Registered Nurse program, it provides a valuable foundation and real-world experience. However, for those with goals of becoming a nurse (and more time to commit to school), pursuing an associate degree in Nursing is possible without CNA training, taking roughly two years to complete.

What is a PCA?

Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) are responsible for providing daily support to clients who are elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness or surgery. They provide basic clinical care, give comfort, and help support patients in recovery. Their job duties are similar to, but go beyond, those of a CNA. This position can also be called a Patient Care Associate (PCA) or Patient Care Technician (PCT), which you may see referenced in other literature.

Job duties

Patient Care Assistants and CNAs can carry out many similar duties as they relate to basic patient support. However, Patient Care Assistants often have advanced and specialized training that allows them to assist with collecting blood or laboratory samples, as well as perform electrocardiograms (EKGs). Common job duties include:

• Assisting patients with daily activities, including mobility
• Collecting samples like blood and urine for laboratory testing
• Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• Providing emotional care and comfort to patients
• Recording and monitoring vital signs
• Reporting and documenting patient progress
• Supporting nursing staff with basic care like wound cleaning and dressing, or administering medications

Work settings

Patient Care Assistants are needed in various corners of healthcare. Their work environments often emphasize long-term support and daily living assistance. Many PCAs are employed in clients’ private homes, group homes, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities. However, PCAs may also advocate for patients in clinical settings, particularly with advanced training in phlebotomy or EKGs.

Below are examples of common work environments for Patient Care Assistants:

• Assisted living communities
• Doctors’ offices and special clinics
• Home healthcare agencies
• Hospice care centers
• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities (like nursing homes)
• Rehabilitation centers
• And more!

Training and certification requirements

PCA training and certification requirements vary by state and employer. In many cases, PCAs don’t need to complete a formal training program; they’re only required to have a high school diploma or GED and have job training.

Other states and employers require a more structured approach, which involves completing a reputable training program and passing a competency exam. If not required, education and experience are often preferred among PCA candidates.

Most PCA positions also require current certifications in First Aid and CPR to ensure they can respond in an emergency. The flexibility of PCA training makes it an accessible entry point for individuals seeking a quick start to a career in healthcare.

Begin your healthcare career at Goodwin University

Key differences between a PCA vs. CNA

Next, we’ll unpack several key differences between the Patient Care Assistant vs. CNAs.

You’ll notice Patient Care Assistants vary from CNAs when it comes to scope of practice and training requirements, as well as salary expectations and career outlook.

Scope of practice

While CNAs and PCAs both play essential roles in supporting patient well-being, there are important distinctions between the scope of responsibilities for a PCA vs. CNA. CNAs assist with medical tasks under the supervision of nurses. PCAs can do this, but also have additional training in the areas of phlebotomy and EKG technology, providing more job autonomy.

Training requirements and time investment

The training requirements for a Patient Care Associate vs. CNA differ as well, since CNAs are required to complete a formal training program and pass a state-approved certification exam, while PCA training varies by state and employer.

In general, however, the job duties of a Patient Care Assistant go beyond basic CNA care. As such, PCA training must, too.

A great PCA training program will start with CNA training—preparing students with the skills needed to deliver basic, supportive care. Students will then building on these foundational skills with training in phlebotomy and electrocardiograms.

After building a strong clinical skillset, aspiring PCAs should commit to various hands-on learning experiences throughout their program. These experiences will allow students to apply their learning to practice and work in real healthcare settings.

Goodwin’s PCA program goes beyond the basics. Students build strong clinical skills, gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings, and learn from licensed professionals. Throughout the course of the program, students earn their CNA license and graduate with eligibility to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam and Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam—opening doors to a variety of professional paths.

CNA vs. PCA: Which role is right for you?

When considering whether a Patient Care Assistant or CNA is the right role for you, think about your career goals, the time commitment, and advancement potential.

Career goals

Perhaps you’re not quite certain if the healthcare field is right for you. In that case, pursuing a CNA qualification would quickly get you on the job to test whether it’s a good fit. But if you’re sure healthcare is your calling, working toward your PCA or PCT certificate will take you beyond the CNA basics, preparing you more fully for a robust career in healthcare. A PCA program will also prepare you to fulfill careers beyond basic patient care, with opportunities to become an Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, or Patient Care Technician.

Time commitment

If you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly, a CNA role may be more accessible, as it requires less education. PCA programs require slightly more time due to additional training components, but as described above, they open the door to higher-paying opportunities and career advancement.

Advancement potential

Both CNA and PCA roles often lead to further nursing education and clinical certification. Either is a good foundation for career advancement in the medical field.

Start your healthcare career at Goodwin University

Whether you’re drawn to the medical responsibilities of a CNA or the technical skills offered by a PCA program, Goodwin University provides the education and training you need to begin a meaningful career in healthcare.

Goodwin University’s healthcare programs offer flexible scheduling options and focus on practical, real-world training. They are ideal for students balancing work, family, and education.

Learn more about healthcare programs at Goodwin University to see if PCA or CNA is a good career choice for you.