Key Points:

• Chiropractic Assistants support chiropractors, while CPR-BLS (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Basic Life Support) providers offer emergency medical care.
• Chiropractic Assistants typically earn less than CPR-BLS providers.
• Chiropractic Assistants are in demand in chiropractic clinics, while CPR-BLS providers are needed in various healthcare settings.
• Chiropractic Assistants require on-the-job training, while CPR-BLS providers need in-person certification courses.
• Chiropractic Assistant training is usually free, while CPR-BLS courses can cost a few hundred dollars and take a few hours to complete.

When it comes to choosing a vocational training program, it's important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals. Two popular options in the healthcare field are becoming a chiropractic assistant or obtaining CPR-BLS certification. Both paths offer opportunities to work in a medical setting and make a difference in people's lives. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of a chiropractic assistant and a CPR-BLS certified professional, highlighting the differences between the two and providing insights into the education, training, career outlook, and salary for each.

What is a Chiropractic Assistant and CPR-BLS?

Chiropractic Assistant:

A chiropractic assistant is a vital member of a chiropractic healthcare team. They work alongside chiropractors to provide administrative and clinical support in a chiropractic office. Chiropractic assistants perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, assisting with patient examinations and therapies, and providing general office support.

CPR-BLS:

CPR-BLS stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Basic Life Support. This certification is a requirement for many healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians. CPR-BLS certification equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies. This includes performing chest compressions, providing rescue breaths, and utilizing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when necessary.

Difference between a Chiropractic Assistant and CPR-BLS

While both a chiropractic assistant and a CPR-BLS certified professional work in the healthcare field, there are some key differences between the two roles:

1. Scope of Practice: A chiropractic assistant primarily works in a chiropractic office, providing support to chiropractors and assisting with patient care. On the other hand, a CPR-BLS certified professional can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and emergency response teams, providing immediate lifesaving care during emergencies.

2. Responsibilities: A chiropractic assistant's responsibilities revolve around administrative tasks, such as managing patient appointments, handling paperwork, and organizing the office. They also assist chiropractors during patient examinations and therapies. In contrast, a CPR-BLS certified professional's primary responsibility is to respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies, providing immediate care until medical professionals arrive.

3. Training Requirements: To become a chiropractic assistant, one typically needs to complete a vocational training program or earn an associate degree in chiropractic assisting. The training focuses on both administrative and clinical skills specific to chiropractic offices. On the other hand, CPR-BLS certification can be obtained through a relatively short training course, usually lasting a few hours. The training covers basic life support techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Chiropractic Assistant vs CPR-BLS: Job Description

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Schedule patient appointments and manage the front office
• Maintain patient records and handle billing and insurance claims
• Assist chiropractors during patient examinations and therapies
• Provide general office support, such as answering phone calls and managing correspondence
• Educate patients on chiropractic treatments and exercises

CPR-BLS Certified Professional:

• Respond to cardiac and respiratory emergencies
• Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths
• Utilize automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when necessary
• Communicate with emergency medical services and provide updates on the patient's condition
• Ensure a safe and controlled environment during emergencies

Chiropractic Assistant vs CPR-BLS: Education and Training

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Vocational training programs or associate degree in chiropractic assisting
• Courses cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, office management, and clinical procedures
• Hands-on training in chiropractic offices to gain practical skills
• Optional certification through organizations like the American Chiropractic Association

CPR-BLS Certified Professional:

• CPR-BLS certification course, usually lasting a few hours
• Training covers cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, basic life support, and the use of AEDs
• Certification provided by organizations like the American Heart Association or the Red Cross
• Recertification required every two years to ensure skills and knowledge are up to date

Chiropractic Assistant vs CPR-BLS: Career Outlook and Salary

Chiropractic Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants, which includes chiropractic assistants, is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $51,850.

CPR-BLS Certified Professional:

• As CPR-BLS certification is often a requirement for many healthcare professionals, the demand for certified professionals remains steady.
• The salary for CPR-BLS certified professionals varies depending on their specific role within the healthcare field. For example, an emergency medical technician's median annual wage was $36,650 in May 2020, while a registered nurse's median annual wage was $75,330.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a chiropractic assistant and obtaining CPR-BLS certification ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals. If you enjoy administrative tasks and working in a chiropractic office, becoming a chiropractic assistant may be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for providing immediate lifesaving care during emergencies, obtaining CPR-BLS certification can open doors to various healthcare settings.

Consider your preferences, strengths, and the level of training required for each path before making a decision. Remember to research the specific requirements and opportunities in your area to ensure you are well-prepared for your chosen career path.

Dreambound ensures accessibility to its educational programs by offering them in diverse locations. For a detailed exploration of the exciting opportunities within these two vocations, we encourage you to visit:

• Chiropractic Assistant in New York
• CPR-BLS in New York
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you
• CPR-BLS classes near you