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Patient Care Assistant Program
Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)?
• Is a PCA the same as a CNA or a CMA?
• How can I become a PCA?
• What is the PCA class all about? What is the difference between
the PCA class and the Summer Supplemental PCA class? What is covered
in the class?
• How often is the class held?
• Do I have to pay for the class?
• Will this education count as credits to transfer on a college level?
• How do I apply? Is there a waiting list?
What is a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)?
A Dean Health System PCA is an individual who assists in the
ambulatory setting with the examination and treatment of patients
under the direction of the physician or other designated licensed
staff. Duties include the following: assisting with patient
flow in departments, cleaning and stocking rooms, obtaining
patient histories, performing vitals, utilizing sterile and
aseptic techniques, assisting with procedures, completing laboratory
and medical imaging requisitions, assisting with the scheduling
of procedures, administering medication (excluding intravenous
infusion), assisting with department paperwork, and ordering
supplies.
Is a PCA the same as a CNA or a CMA?
No – In the Dean Health System, a PCA (patient care assistant)
is different from a CNA (certified nursing assistant) or CMA
(certified medical assistant) and all are different from each
other.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – A certified nursing assistant receives training (generally 2 to 8 weeks) in the “cares of daily living”, and works in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. Training includes such things as personal cares (feeding, bathing, etc.), vitals, and ambulation. Passage of a “hands on” exam is required to be certified. Dean Health System uses only a small number of nursing assistants. CNA training and job experience does not allow an individual to bypass the PCA training. The training and job expectations are quite different. However, training and experience as a CNA or nursing assistant may be helpful for acceptance into the Dean Health System PCA program, but is not a requirement of the program.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – A certified medical assistant has graduated from an accredited educational program (generally a 2 semester program at the technical college), and has passed the exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Training is specific to the ambulatory care setting and includes clinical assisting, laboratory, general and administrative training. Dean Health System PCA training does not provide college credit and will not qualify one to sit for the certification exam, or allow an individual to use the title CMA.
How can I become a PCA?
In order to become a PCA, you must apply for an opening, be accepted
into a class and successfully complete the requirements for
the PCA Class provided by Dean Health System.
What is the PCA
class all about? What is the difference between the PCA class
and the Summer Supplemental PCA class? What is
covered in the class?
The PCA class is a full time, nine week course which includes
both classroom instruction and clinical experience under the
direction of a registered nurse instructor and an assigned preceptor.
This preceptor match up is designed to provide the PCA student
with direct clinical care experience. The PCA program is done
in cooperation with our local technical colleges. The program
will give you the tools necessary to be successful in the PCA
role. Included in the training is education on medical terminology,
body structure, infection control/communicable disease, risk
management, aseptic technique, confidentiality, medical ethics,
basic principles of wellness and disease management, patient
assessment, medication administration, documentation, patient
flow, specimen handling, emergency procedures, vitals, patient
intake and more.
The supplemental PCA class is a shorter condensed class to accommodate the break in the college schedule, and is designed for employment during summer breaks as well as possibly spring and winter breaks. Generally the class consists of college health care majors, such as Pre-Med, Pre-Nursing or Nursing.
How often is the class held?
The class frequency varies and depends on clinic needs.
Do I have
to pay for the class?
No. Dean Health System will provide you with free training and
pay you an hourly wage as an employee. Textbooks will be provided
for the course.
Will this education count as credits to transfer
on a college level?
No. It is important to note that this course work may not provide
credits or advanced standing at the college level. In addition,
after completion of the Patient Care Assistant program, you are
not eligible for any certification. The program is intended to
prepare you for positions within Dean Health System only.
How
do I apply? Is there a waiting list?
The PCA Class will be listed with our regular
weekly job postings. When a PCA Class is posted, you may apply
by completing an application at any clinic, online or fax to 608-250-1441. You may also drop an application off
at our Human Resources Department at 1802 West Beltline Highway
in Madison or by mail. Applications are not accepted when a class
is not posted, therefore we do not maintain a waiting list.
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