Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Physical Therapy Technician
Introduction
When it comes to pursuing a career in healthcare, there are many options to choose from. Two popular choices are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Physical Therapy Technician. Both of these careers offer the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients, but they have different roles and responsibilities. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Physical Therapy Technician, the differences between the two, as well as the education and training required for each role. We will also take a look at the career outlook and salary potential for both professions.
Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Physical Therapy Technician: Education and Training
The education and training required for becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Physical Therapy Technician vary. Here are the typical requirements for each profession:
Acute Care Nursing Assistant:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of a state-approved nursing assistant program
- Passing a competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Some employers may require additional training or certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification
Physical Therapy Technician:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of a physical therapy technician program, typically offered by community colleges or vocational schools
- Some states may require licensure or certification, which may involve passing an exam or completing a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience
Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary
The career outlook and salary potential for Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Physical Therapy Technicians can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific healthcare setting. Here is an overview of the career outlook and salary range for each profession:
Acute Care Nursing Assistant:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 as of May 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $21,960 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $43,010.
Physical Therapy Technician:
- The BLS does not provide specific data for physical therapy technicians. However, the employment of physical therapist aides, a related occupation, is projected to grow 29 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $27,430 as of May 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $21,010 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $40,670.
Final Thoughts
Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Physical Therapy Technicians play important roles in the healthcare field. While Acute Care Nursing Assistants focus on providing basic care to patients, Physical Therapy Technicians assist with therapeutic exercises and treatments. The education and training requirements for each profession differ, as do the career outlook and salary potential. Ultimately, the choice between becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Physical Therapy Technician depends on individual interests, skills, and career goals.
Dive into the expansive reach of Dreambound's programs across various locations. For a detailed exploration of the two vocations, visit the suggested blogs to uncover specific requirements and gain valuable perspectives on how to commence your journey effectively.
Fel is a student support representative who guides enrollees to the right program and answers their queries. She's committed to helping students and takes pride in her work. In her free time, she enjoys sightseeing and hanging out with loved ones.
