The Rising Demand for CNAs and PCTs—and How to Get Certified Fast

Healthcare support roles such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are increasingly vital to the U.S. healthcare system. As the population ages and healthcare needs grow, these roles offer meaningful work, stable career paths, and opportunities for advancement. At Pawson Career Institute, we are committed to helping students achieve their goals, enter the healthcare workforce quickly, and make a real impact on others' lives.

Why CNAs and PCTs Are in High Demand

The demand for healthcare support professionals continues to reflect broader demographic and societal shifts. As a large portion of the population enters older adulthood and requires medical support, professionals who provide direct, compassionate care are essential. CNAs and PCTs fill that need by providing hands-on patient care, assisting with daily activities, and supporting clinical teams across a variety of settings.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nursing assistants and orderlies, many of whom work as CNAs or related care roles, typically must complete a state‑approved education program and pass a competency exam to obtain certification. These positions are expected to remain important in healthcare, with about 211,800 openings each year over the coming decade, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or move into other roles. 

Demographic trends, such as the aging Baby Boomer generation and growing interest in aging in place, drive ongoing demand for CNAs and PCTs. These professionals often work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health care agencies, providing essential support to patients and contributing to a team‑based approach to health care delivery. Demand is also rising in community-based and long‑term care settings as patients choose options outside institutional settings.

What CNAs and PCTs Do

Certified Nursing Assistants play a direct role in patient care. They assist with basic activities that support comfort and well-being, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients move safely around a facility or home. These tasks might seem simple, but they are critical to the quality of life and safety of patients, especially older adults and those with chronic health issues.

Patient Care Technicians often perform similar duties, but their role may also include operating basic medical equipment, performing EKGs, drawing blood, and assisting with clinical tasks under supervision. Because PCTs may have a broader scope of practice than CNAs in some settings, these roles are valued for their versatility and technical skills.

Both CNAs and PCTs contribute to patient comfort, safety, and effective care delivery, making these positions attractive for people who enjoy hands‑on work and direct interaction with patients. Education programs that prepare students for certification also help build confidence and competence in real‑world care environments.

How to Become a CNA or PCT Quickly

One of the most appealing aspects of a CNA or PCT career is the relatively short time it takes to become certified and begin working. CNA programs can be completed in a few weeks or a few months, and many states require completion of an approved training program and passing a competency exam to be placed on a state registry. PCT programs may require slightly more training, but they also prepare students for a broader skill set that can open doors to a wider range of job opportunities.

At Pawson Career Institute, our programs focus on providing students with the education and hands-on experience they need to sit for certification exams and succeed in the workplace. Through structured coursework, clinical practice, and support from knowledgeable instructors, students gain practical skills, confidence, and career readiness in a short time frame.

Graduates of our programs are equipped to enter job markets quickly, significantly reducing the time between deciding to pursue a career in healthcare and starting work. For many students, this means they can begin earning income, supporting their families, and moving toward long‑term career goals sooner than they might have imagined.

Skills and Qualities That Matter

Beyond certification, employers look for personal qualities that make a meaningful difference in patient care. Compassion, patience, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a healthcare team are essential. Nursing assistants and PCTs often develop close relationships with the individuals they care for, providing not only physical assistance but also emotional support.

Training programs like ours also emphasize professional behavior, safety practices, infection control, and ethical standards. These educational elements help graduates feel confident and prepared across a variety of work settings, from long‑term care facilities to hospitals and home health environments.

The Benefits of a Career in Care

Choosing to become a CNA or PCT means entering a field with strong demand and growth opportunities. Many people use these roles as stepping stones to other healthcare careers, such as licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, respiratory therapy, or even healthcare administration. Gaining experience as a CNA or PCT can provide valuable on‑the‑job insight into patient care, teamwork, and clinical environments.

Support roles in healthcare are also emotionally rewarding. Professionals in these positions have the opportunity to make a real impact on patients’ lives by providing comfort, dignity, and compassionate care at crucial moments. This human connection can be a powerful motivator and source of professional satisfaction.

Supporting the Healthcare Workforce

The healthcare industry as a whole continues to face workforce challenges, especially in care for older adults and community-based services. As the population ages and healthcare needs grow, the demand for trained CNAs and PCTs remains significant. Careers in care offer stability and purpose, with many job openings arising from growth and the need to replace experienced workers. Programs that quickly train students to meet certification requirements will remain a key part of building the future healthcare workforce.

Opportunities in healthcare support strengthen the health system by adding skilled, compassionate professionals to patient care teams and helping facilities maintain high-quality service. For individuals seeking a meaningful career that combines service, practical skills, and personal growth, becoming a CNA or PCT can be a solid and impactful choice.

Your Future in Healthcare Starts Here

At Pawson Career Institute, we support students every step of the way, from program enrollment through clinical training and CHHA certification in Mapleshade, NJ. Our caring instructors and hands‑on approach help prepare graduates to confidently enter the healthcare field and meet the rising demand for CNAs and PCTs.

If you are ready to begin a rewarding career in healthcare with in-demand skills and growth opportunities, contact us today. Let us help you take the next step toward becoming a certified nursing assistant or patient care technician and start making a difference in the lives of others.