Key Points:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care, while Massage Therapists focus on therapeutic touch and relaxation.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically earn a higher hourly wage, but Massage Therapists can earn more through private practice.
• Nursing Assistant roles are in high demand, especially in healthcare settings, while Massage Therapist jobs may be more location-dependent.
• Both require in-person training, but Nursing Assistant programs are generally shorter than Massage Therapy programs.
• Nursing Assistant training is often less expensive and takes less time to complete compared to Massage Therapy programs.

Two popular vocational careers that many individuals consider are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Massage Therapist. While both careers involve providing care to individuals, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Massage Therapist, the differences between the two professions, the job descriptions, education and training requirements, career outlook, and salary potential.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Massage Therapist?

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), provides direct patient care in hospitals or other acute care settings.
• They assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
• They also take vital signs, record patient information, and assist with medical procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants work closely with healthcare teams to ensure the comfort and well-being of patients.

Massage Therapist:

• A Massage Therapist provides therapeutic massages to clients to help relieve stress, reduce pain, and promote relaxation.
• They use their hands, fingers, elbows, and sometimes even their feet to apply pressure to the muscles and soft tissues of the body.
• Massage Therapists may specialize in different types of massage, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or sports massage.
• They work with clients to assess their needs, develop treatment plans, and provide appropriate messages to address their specific concerns.

Acute Care Nursing Assistants, trained over a few months, provide direct patient care in hospitals, focusing on acute medical needs. Massage Therapists, who typically complete 6-12 months of training, focus on relaxation and therapeutic techniques to relieve pain and stress. Both roles involve patient care but in distinct healthcare environments.

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Massage Therapist

While both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Massage Therapists provide care to individuals, there are some key differences between the two professions:

Work Environment:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants primarily work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other acute care settings.
• Massage Therapists often work in spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, or may be self-employed and provide in-home services.

Job Duties:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide direct patient care, including assisting with activities of daily living, taking vital signs, and supporting medical procedures.
• Massage Therapists provide therapeutic massages to clients, focusing on relieving stress, reducing pain, and promoting relaxation.

Supervision:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
• Massage Therapists often work independently, although they may collaborate with other healthcare professionals or wellness practitioners as part of a holistic approach to client care.

Scope of Practice:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants have a broader scope of practice, as they provide care to patients with a wide range of medical conditions and needs.
• Massage Therapists focus primarily on providing massage therapy services and do not typically provide medical care or treatment for specific medical conditions.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Massage Therapist: Job Description

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• As an Acute Care Nursing Assistant, your main responsibility is to provide direct patient care.
• This includes assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
• You will also take vital signs, record patient information, and assist with medical procedures as directed by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
• Additionally, you will provide emotional support to patients and their families, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their stay in the healthcare facility.

Massage Therapist:

• As a Massage Therapist, your main responsibility is to provide therapeutic massages to clients.
• You will assess clients' needs and develop treatment plans based on their specific concerns.
• Using various massage techniques, you will apply pressure to the muscles and soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and reduce stress.
• You may also provide additional services, such as aromatherapy or hot stone massage, depending on your training and specialization.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Massage Therapist: Education and Training

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• To become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant, you will need to complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program.
• These programs typically last a few weeks and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
• After completing the program, you will need to pass a competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
• Some states may have additional requirements, such as a background check or fingerprinting.

Massage Therapist:

• To become a Massage Therapist, you will need to complete a massage therapy program at an accredited school.
• These programs can range in length from a few months to two years, depending on the level of training and the specific program.
• Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and business practices.
• After completing the program, you may need to pass a state licensing exam or obtain certification from a professional organization, such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Massage Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary

Career Outlook:

• The career outlook for Acute Care Nursing Assistants is promising, with a projected job growth rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• This growth is due to the increasing demand for healthcare services as the population ages and the need for long-term care facilities.
• The career outlook for Massage Therapists is also positive, with a projected job growth rate of 21% from 2020 to 2030, according to the BLS.
• This growth is attributed to the growing interest in alternative healthcare treatments and the increasing recognition of massage therapy as a beneficial form of treatment.

Salary Potential:

• The median annual wage for Acute Care Nursing Assistants was $30,830 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
• The lowest 10% earned less than $24,380, while the highest 10% earned more than $43,840.
• The median annual wage for Massage Therapists was $43,620 in May 2020, according to the BLS.
• The lowest 10% earned less than $22,810, while the highest 10% earned more than $83,030.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Massage Therapist ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Both professions offer opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others and provide care and support. It's important to consider factors such as work environment, job duties, and education and training requirements when making your decision. Additionally, take into account the career outlook and salary potential to ensure that your chosen path aligns with your long-term goals. Whichever path you choose, remember that both professions play essential roles in the healthcare industry and provide valuable services to those in need.

Dreambound's programs are available in different locations. Explore the following blogs for comprehensive details on these two vocations, including their requirements and guidelines on joining:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Kentucky
• Massage Therapist in Kentucky
• Massage Therapist classes near you