Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician
Key Points:
- Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care; Psychiatric Technicians work with patients who have mental health or substance abuse issues.
- Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically earn less than Psychiatric Technicians.
- Both jobs are in demand, but the need for Psychiatric Technicians may be more specialized in certain regions.
- Acute Care Nursing Assistants require shorter training programs, often available online, while Psychiatric Technicians need more extensive in-person training.
- Acute Care Nursing Assistant training is generally less expensive and shorter than for Psychiatric Technicians.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but unsure which path to take? Two options to consider are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Psychiatric Technician. While both professions involve caring for patients, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of each profession, the education and training required, as well as the career outlook and salary potential. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of which path is the right fit for you.
Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician: Education and Training
The education and training required for Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Technicians differ. Here is an overview of the requirements for each profession:
Acute Care Nursing Assistant:
- Complete a state-approved nursing assistant program
- Programs can range from a few weeks to a few months in duration
- Coursework includes topics such as basic nursing skills, infection control, and patient safety
- Clinical experience is typically included in the program
- After completing the program, individuals must pass a competency exam to become certified
Psychiatric Technician:
- Complete a certificate or associate degree program in psychiatric technology
- Programs can take one to two years to complete
- Coursework includes topics such as psychology, pharmacology, and therapeutic techniques
- Clinical experience in psychiatric settings is typically included in the program
- After completing the program, individuals may need to pass a licensing exam depending on the state
Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician: Career Outlook and Salary
Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Technicians are in demand due to the growing healthcare industry. Here is some information about the career outlook and salary potential for each profession:
Acute Care Nursing Assistant:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020, with the lowest 10% earning less than $22,250 and the highest 10% earning more than $43,580.
Psychiatric Technician:
- According to the BLS, employment of psychiatric technicians is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $35,830 in May 2020, with the lowest 10% earning less than $24,350 and the highest 10% earning more than $64,120.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Psychiatric Technician can be a tough decision. Both professions offer rewarding careers in healthcare, but they differ in terms of patient population, setting, scope of practice, and education requirements. It's important to carefully consider your interests, strengths, and career goals when making this decision. If you enjoy working with patients who have acute medical conditions, a career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant may be the right fit for you. If you have a passion for helping individuals with mental health disorders or developmental disabilities, a career as a Psychiatric Technician may be the path to pursue. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and both paths offer opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Dreambound's programs are available in different places. Check these blogs for a good look at the two vocations, including what you need and tips on how to start:
Alyssa Jane is part of the customer success team at Dreambound. She works with students, training providers, and employers, helping them have a smooth customer journey. She is also an ESL tutor and Licensed Psychometrician. She is fond of traveling, photography, and discovering new restaurants.
