As a student looking to enter the healthcare field, you may be considering a career as a chiropractic assistant or in the field of Electrocardiography (EKG). Both of these career paths offer unique opportunities to work in healthcare settings, but they also have their own distinct job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between being a chiropractic assistant and working in the field of EKG.

Introduction

Before diving into the details, let's start with a brief introduction to each of these professions:

• Chiropractic Assistant: A chiropractic assistant works alongside chiropractors to provide administrative and clinical support in a chiropractic office. They may help with scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and assisting with patient exams and treatments.

• EKG Technician: An EKG technician is responsible for performing electrocardiograms, which are tests that measure the electrical activity of the heart. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a chiropractic assistant and an EKG technician do, let's explore the differences between these two professions.

Difference between a Chiropractic Assistant and EKG

While both chiropractic assistants and EKG technicians work in healthcare settings, there are some key differences between the two professions:

• Job Duties: Chiropractic assistants primarily assist chiropractors with patient care, while EKG technicians focus on performing electrocardiograms and monitoring heart activity.

• Work Environment: Chiropractic assistants typically work in chiropractic offices, while EKG technicians can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs.

• Patient Population: Chiropractic assistants primarily work with patients who are seeking chiropractic care for musculoskeletal issues, while EKG technicians work with patients who may have a wide range of cardiovascular conditions.

• Training and Certification: Chiropractic assistants typically receive on-the-job training or complete a vocational program, while EKG technicians usually complete a formal training program and may need to obtain certification.

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between a chiropractic assistant and an EKG technician, let's take a closer look at the job descriptions for each of these professions.

Chiropractic Assistant vs EKG: Job Description

• Chiropractic Assistant: As a chiropractic assistant, your primary responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting chiropractors with patient exams and treatments.

  • Managing patient records and scheduling appointments.

  • Providing administrative support, such as billing and insurance coordination.

  • Educating patients on chiropractic care and wellness practices.

• EKG Technician: If you choose to become an EKG technician, your job description will include:

  • Performing electrocardiograms to measure and record heart activity.

  • Preparing patients for EKG procedures and explaining the process to them.

  • Monitoring patients during EKG testing and ensuring accurate readings.

  • Collaborating with healthcare professionals to interpret and analyze EKG results.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the job descriptions for both chiropractic assistants and EKG technicians, let's explore the education and training requirements for each of these professions.

Chiropractic Assistant vs EKG: Education and Training

• Chiropractic Assistant: The education and training requirements for chiropractic assistants can vary depending on the state and the employer. Some chiropractic offices may provide on-the-job training, while others may require completion of a vocational program or certification. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, chiropractic techniques, and office management.

• EKG Technician: To become an EKG technician, you will need to complete a formal training program. These programs are often offered at community colleges or vocational schools and typically take several months to complete. The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, EKG interpretation, patient care, and medical ethics. Some states may also require EKG technicians to obtain certification, such as the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) credential from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Now that we have discussed the education and training requirements for chiropractic assistants and EKG technicians, let's take a look at the career outlook and salary potential for each of these professions.

Chiropractic Assistant vs EKG: Career Outlook and Salary

• Chiropractic Assistant: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of chiropractic assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for chiropractic services as more people seek alternative treatments for musculoskeletal issues. The median annual wage for chiropractic assistants was $35,760 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

• EKG Technician: The BLS does not provide specific data for EKG technicians, but they are included in the broader category of cardiovascular technologists and technicians. Employment in this field is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $59,410 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Both chiropractic assistants and EKG technicians play important roles in the healthcare industry, but they have different job duties, work environments, and education and training requirements. If you prefer administrative and clinical work in a chiropractic office, a career as a chiropractic assistant may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have an interest in cardiovascular health and enjoy performing diagnostic tests, becoming an EKG technician may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two career paths will depend on your interests, skills, and career goals.

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:

• Chiropractic Assistant in Ohio
• EKG in Ohio
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you
• EKG classes near you