PCA vs Nurse Tech (CNA)

[Jigglytofu]

I was just wondering which title I should put in my experiences section. My current job title in the hospital is Patient Care Assistant, which is basically a nurse tech (CNA) who can work both the floor and the desk. It includes patient care as well as clerical duties, but I mostly work on the floor and only work the desk as back-up when our clerks aren't there. 

 

On my old floor at the same hospital, my title was Nurse Tech and I only did patient care on the floor. I've read online that some people view CNAs more favorably, because they are under the impression that PCAs sometimes don't need a license. What do the admission committees think?

I assumed the experience description would clear it up, but what are your opinions?

[cop to pa]

The description should clear it up. Be sure to list your certifications (if any) as well to help clear it up.

[MT2PA]

Use the title that your employer uses.  (Otherwise a program may think you are trying to pass yourself off as something else - many positions have similar duties but different names).

[lanime]

Agreed. Use the title your employer uses, then list your certifications in the appropriate section. They'll figure it out. I think the job description is more important than the title (most of my job titles don't make sense to anyone who doesn't work in organ transplant... But I still got in).