Key Points:

• ACLS providers manage critical cardiac emergencies; Physical Therapy Technicians assist physical therapists in patient care and treatment.
• ACLS providers generally earn higher salaries compared to Physical Therapy Technicians.
• ACLS providers are in high demand, while Physical Therapy Technician roles are more widely available.
• ACLS training is typically completed through in-person courses, while Physical Therapy Technician training can be obtained through online or in-person programs.
• ACLS training is generally more expensive and shorter in duration compared to Physical Therapy Technicians.

ACLS and Physical Therapy Technician are both healthcare professions that play important roles in patient care. While ACLS focuses on providing advanced life support in emergency situations, Physical Therapy Technicians assist physical therapists in helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Both professions require specific skills and training, but they have distinct job scopes and responsibilities.

What is ACLS and Physical Therapy Technician?

• ACLS is an advanced level of life support training provided to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to cardiac emergencies, including recognizing and treating cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening situations. ACLS providers are expected to be proficient in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), managing airways, administering medications, interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), and coordinating resuscitation efforts within a team.

• Physical Therapy Technicians, also known as physical therapy aides or assistants, work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients in their rehabilitation process. They assist with various tasks, such as preparing treatment areas, setting up equipment, helping patients with exercises, and documenting patient progress. Physical Therapy Technicians may also provide basic patient care, such as helping patients with mobility, transferring, and positioning.

ACLS certification, typically completed in a few days, prepares healthcare providers for advanced cardiac emergencies, with roles in emergency and critical care settings. Physical Therapy Technicians require several months of training, to assist in patient rehabilitation.

Difference between ACLS and Physical Therapy Technician

• The primary focus of ACLS is on emergency medical care, while Physical Therapy Technicians primarily assist in rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises.

• Scope of practice: ACLS providers are trained to handle critical and life-threatening situations, whereas Physical Therapy Technicians work with patients who are recovering from injuries or illnesses.

• Certification requirements: ACLS certification is typically obtained by healthcare professionals who already have a medical license, such as doctors and nurses. On the other hand, Physical Therapy Technicians may need to complete a postsecondary vocational training program and pass a state licensure exam, depending on the state's requirements.

• Work setting: ACLS providers can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, and clinics. Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, are generally employed in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or nursing homes.

ACLS vs Physical Therapy Technician: Job Description

• ACLS providers are responsible for delivering advanced life support interventions during cardiac emergencies. Their job duties may include:

  • Performing CPR and advanced cardiac life support techniques
  • Administering medications, including intravenous drugs
  • Interpreting and analyzing ECGs
  • Managing airways and providing ventilation support
  • Coordinating resuscitation efforts with a team of healthcare professionals

• Physical Therapy Technicians assist physical therapists in providing rehabilitative care to patients. Their job duties may include:

  • Preparing treatment areas and equipment
  • Assisting patients with therapeutic exercises and activities
  • Providing basic patient care, such as helping with mobility and transfers
  • Documenting patient progress and reporting to physical therapists
  • Ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of therapy equipment

ACLS vs Physical Therapy Technician: Education and Training

• To become an ACLS provider, individuals must first have a medical license or be in a healthcare profession that requires ACLS certification. They can then undergo ACLS training, which is typically offered by American Heart Association (AHA) certified training centers. ACLS courses usually consist of both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, including simulated emergency scenarios. After completing the training, individuals must pass an ACLS certification exam to become certified.

• To become a Physical Therapy Technician, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary vocational training program. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes and usually take around one year to complete. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, therapeutic exercises, and patient care. After completing the program, aspiring Physical Therapy Technicians may need to pass a state licensure exam, depending on their state's requirements.

ACLS vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

• The career outlook for ACLS providers is generally favorable, as the demand for healthcare professionals with advanced life support skills remains consistently high. ACLS providers can find employment opportunities in hospitals, emergency medical services, and other healthcare settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific data on ACLS providers but reports that the employment of registered nurses, who often possess ACLS certification, is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

• The career outlook for Physical Therapy Technicians is also promising, with a projected employment growth of 26 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for physical therapy services, particularly for the aging population. Physical Therapy Technicians can find job opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.

• In terms of salary, ACLS providers, such as doctors and nurses, can earn a higher income compared to Physical Therapy Technicians. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 in May 2020. Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, earned a median annual wage of $27,430 during the same period.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, ACLS and Physical Therapy Technician are both valuable healthcare professions that contribute to patient care in different ways. ACLS providers specialize in emergency medicine and are trained to handle critical situations, while Physical Therapy Technicians assist in the rehabilitation and recovery process of patients. Both professions require specific education and training, and individuals should consider their interests, career goals, and aptitude for different job scopes when choosing between ACLS and Physical Therapy Technician.