Are you interested in a career in healthcare but not sure which path to take? Two options to consider are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Chiropractic Assistant. While both roles involve helping patients and providing care, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Chiropractic Assistant, the education and training required for each, and the career outlook and salary potential.

Introduction

Healthcare is a diverse field with many different career opportunities. Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Chiropractic Assistants are two such options that offer rewarding work in patient care. Whether you prefer the fast-paced environment of a hospital or the more holistic approach of chiropractic care, there is a path for you.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), is a vital member of the healthcare team in hospitals or other acute care settings. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and provide basic care to patients.

Some of the responsibilities of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant include:

• Assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes to the nursing staff
• Turning and repositioning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
• Assisting with medical procedures such as wound care and catheter insertion
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients

What is a Chiropractic Assistant?

A Chiropractic Assistant works in a chiropractic office or clinic and provides support to chiropractors in patient care and administrative tasks. They work closely with chiropractors to ensure the smooth operation of the practice and help patients feel comfortable during their visits.

Some of the responsibilities of a Chiropractic Assistant include:

• Preparing treatment rooms and equipment for patient visits
• Assisting with patient intake, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs
• Performing therapeutic procedures such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation under the direction of a chiropractor
• Educating patients on home exercises or lifestyle modifications recommended by the chiropractor
• Managing the front desk, including scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance claims

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Chiropractic Assistant

While both roles involve providing care to patients, there are some key differences between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Chiropractic Assistant. Here are a few:

• Setting: Acute Care Nursing Assistants work in hospitals or other acute care settings, while Chiropractic Assistants work in chiropractic offices or clinics.
• Patient population: Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically work with a variety of patients, including those with acute illnesses or injuries, while Chiropractic Assistants mainly work with patients seeking chiropractic care for musculoskeletal issues.
• Scope of practice: Acute Care Nursing Assistants have a broader scope of practice and can perform more advanced tasks, such as wound care and medication administration, under the supervision of a registered nurse. Chiropractic Assistants have a more limited scope of practice and primarily assist chiropractors in patient care.
• Treatment approach: Acute Care Nursing Assistants focus on providing medical care and assisting in the treatment of acute conditions, while Chiropractic Assistants support chiropractors in providing non-invasive, drug-free treatment for musculoskeletal issues.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Chiropractic Assistant: Job Description

The job descriptions of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Chiropractic Assistant vary based on the setting and specific responsibilities. Here is a breakdown of what each role entails:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Job Description

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Monitoring and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheter insertion
• Turning and repositioning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients
• Communicating with the nursing staff to report any changes in patient condition
• Maintaining a clean and organized patient environment

Chiropractic Assistant Job Description

• Preparing treatment rooms and equipment for patient visits
• Assisting with patient intake, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs
• Performing therapeutic procedures, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, under the direction of a chiropractor
• Providing education to patients on home exercises or lifestyle modifications recommended by the chiropractor
• Managing the front desk, including scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance claims
• Assisting with administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records and managing inventory

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Chiropractic Assistant: Education and Training

The education and training required for an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Chiropractic Assistant differ due to the distinct nature of the roles. Here is an overview of the requirements for each:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Education and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program, which typically includes classroom instruction and clinical practice
• Passing a competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Some employers may require additional certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Chiropractic Assistant Education and Training

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a chiropractic assistant training program, which covers topics such as chiropractic principles, anatomy and physiology, and office procedures
• Some states may require Chiropractic Assistants to be certified or registered, which may involve passing an exam or meeting specific education and experience requirements

While the education and training for an Acute Care Nursing Assistant may be more extensive, it is important to note that both roles provide opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialization.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Chiropractic Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career, it is important to evaluate the job prospects and earning potential. Here is an overview of the career outlook and salary for Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Chiropractic Assistants:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Career Outlook and Salary

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $29,660 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $41,030.
• The demand for Acute Care Nursing Assistants is driven by the aging population and the need for long-term care services.

Chiropractic Assistant Career Outlook and Salary

• The BLS does not provide specific data on Chiropractic Assistants, but employment opportunities are expected to grow as the demand for chiropractic care increases.
• The salary for Chiropractic Assistants can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the practice.
• According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a Chiropractic Assistant in the United States is $37,899 as of July 28, 2021.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in healthcare is an important decision, and it is essential to consider your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Both an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Chiropractic Assistant play crucial roles in patient care, but they differ in terms of setting, scope of practice, and education requirements. By understanding the differences between these two career paths, you can make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for you.

Uncover the opportunities with Dreambound's programs, available in different locations. Dive into these two vocations by checking:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Arkansas
• Chiropractic Assistant in Arkansas
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you