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.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant is a vital member of the healthcare team who works under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. They provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other acute care settings. Some of the typical tasks performed by Acute Care Nursing Assistants include:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate
• Turning and repositioning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheter insertion
• Collecting specimens for laboratory testing
• Documenting patient information and maintaining medical records

What is a Psychiatric Technician?

A Psychiatric Technician, on the other hand, specializes in providing care for individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health centers. Some of the typical tasks performed by Psychiatric Technicians include:

• Assisting patients with psychiatric disorders in their daily activities
• Administering medications and monitoring their effects
• Conducting therapeutic group activities and recreational therapy
• Assisting with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Documenting patient behavior and progress
• Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team, such as psychiatrists and psychologists

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Psychiatric Technician

While both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Technicians provide care for patients, there are some key differences between the two professions:

• Patient Population: Acute Care Nursing Assistants primarily work with patients who have acute medical conditions, such as those recovering from surgery or managing chronic illnesses. Psychiatric Technicians, on the other hand, work with individuals who have mental health disorders or developmental disabilities.
• Setting: Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically work in hospitals, clinics, or other acute care settings. Psychiatric Technicians work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health centers.
• Scope of Practice: Acute Care Nursing Assistants focus on providing direct patient care, such as assisting with activities of daily living and monitoring vital signs. Psychiatric Technicians have a broader scope of practice that includes administering medications, conducting therapeutic activities, and assisting with crisis intervention.
• Training: The education and training required for Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Technicians also differ. Acute Care Nursing Assistants usually complete a state-approved nursing assistant program, which can range from a few weeks to a few months. Psychiatric Technicians typically complete a certificate or associate degree program in psychiatric technology, which can take one to two years to complete.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician: Job Description

While both professions involve caring for patients, the day-to-day responsibilities can vary. Here is a breakdown of the job description for each role:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes to the healthcare team
• Turning and repositioning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheter insertion
• Collecting specimens for laboratory testing
• Documenting patient information and maintaining medical records

Psychiatric Technician:

• Assisting patients with psychiatric disorders in their daily activities
• Administering medications and monitoring their effects
• Conducting therapeutic group activities and recreational therapy
• Assisting with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Documenting patient behavior and progress
• Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team, such as psychiatrists and psychologists

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:

• Psychiatric Technician in New Jersey
• Psychiatric Technician classes near you