Vocational training offers a wide range of career opportunities for students who are looking to enter the workforce quickly. Two popular vocational training options in the healthcare field are becoming a Chiropractic Assistant or a Healthcare Documentation Specialist. Both of these careers offer unique opportunities to work in the healthcare industry, but they have different job descriptions, educational requirements, and career outlooks. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two vocational training options to help students make an informed decision about their career path.

Introduction

Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can assist in providing quality patient care. Vocational training programs offer a shorter and more focused path to entering the workforce compared to traditional four-year degree programs. Chiropractic Assistant and Healthcare Documentation Specialist are two vocational training options in the healthcare field that provide opportunities for students to work in different settings and perform different tasks.

What is a Chiropractic Assistant and Healthcare Documentation Specialist?

A Chiropractic Assistant is a healthcare professional who works in a chiropractic clinic or office under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor. They perform various administrative and clinical tasks to support the chiropractor in delivering patient care. Some of their responsibilities may include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, assisting with therapeutic exercises, and performing basic patient assessments.

On the other hand, a Healthcare Documentation Specialist, also known as a medical transcriptionist, is responsible for converting audio recordings of patient visits into written documents. They listen to recordings made by healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurses, and transcribe them into accurate and organized medical reports. Healthcare Documentation Specialists need to have a strong understanding of medical terminology and excellent typing and editing skills to ensure the accuracy of the transcribed documents.

Difference between a Chiropractic Assistant and Healthcare Documentation Specialist

While both Chiropractic Assistants and Healthcare Documentation Specialists work in the healthcare field, their job responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly. Here are some key differences between these two vocational training options:

• Job Setting: Chiropractic Assistants primarily work in chiropractic clinics or offices, while Healthcare Documentation Specialists can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and transcription service companies.
• Job Duties: Chiropractic Assistants have a more hands-on role in patient care, assisting with treatments, performing assessments, and managing patient records. Healthcare Documentation Specialists, on the other hand, focus on transcribing and organizing medical reports.
• Patient Interaction: Chiropractic Assistants have direct patient interaction, as they assist patients during treatments and help with their rehabilitation exercises. Healthcare Documentation Specialists have minimal to no patient interaction, as they primarily work with audio recordings.
• Work Schedule: Chiropractic Assistants typically work regular business hours, while Healthcare Documentation Specialists may have flexible schedules, including evening or weekend shifts, depending on the healthcare setting they work in.
• Training and Certification: Chiropractic Assistants may receive on-the-job training or complete a vocational training program, but they do not require certification. Healthcare Documentation Specialists usually complete a vocational training program in medical transcription and may pursue certification from professional organizations, such as the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

Chiropractic Assistant vs Healthcare Documentation Specialist: Job Description

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Assist chiropractors in providing patient care, including performing basic patient assessments and therapeutic exercises.
• Schedule patient appointments and manage patient records.
• Prepare treatment rooms and assist with treatments.
• Educate patients on home exercises and self-care techniques.
• Handle administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls and managing insurance claims.

Healthcare Documentation Specialist:

• Listen to audio recordings of patient visits and transcribe them into written medical reports.
• Edit and proofread transcribed documents for accuracy and clarity.
• Ensure compliance with medical record documentation standards and guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of patient information.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to clarify unclear or incomplete recordings.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Healthcare Documentation Specialist: Education and Training

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Some Chiropractic Assistants receive on-the-job training, while others complete a vocational training program in chiropractic assisting.
• Vocational training programs for Chiropractic Assistants typically cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, chiropractic techniques, medical terminology, and office management.
• The duration of vocational training programs for Chiropractic Assistants can vary, but most programs can be completed in less than a year.

Healthcare Documentation Specialist:

• Healthcare Documentation Specialists typically complete a vocational training program in medical transcription.
• Vocational training programs for Healthcare Documentation Specialists cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and transcription techniques.
• The duration of vocational training programs for Healthcare Documentation Specialists can range from several months to a year, depending on the program.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Healthcare Documentation Specialist: Career Outlook and Salary

Chiropractic Assistant:

• The career outlook for Chiropractic Assistants is positive, with an expected job growth rate of 8% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• The median annual wage for Chiropractic Assistants was $29,950 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $42,010.

Healthcare Documentation Specialist:

• The career outlook for Healthcare Documentation Specialists is projected to decline by 2% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This decline is mainly due to advancements in voice recognition technology.
• The median annual wage for Healthcare Documentation Specialists was $36,530 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $53,500.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vocational training program is an essential step in pursuing a successful career in the healthcare field. Both Chiropractic Assistant and Healthcare Documentation Specialist offer unique opportunities to work in healthcare, but they have different job responsibilities, training requirements, and career outlooks. It's important for students to carefully consider their interests, skills, and goals before deciding which path to pursue. By understanding the differences between these two vocations, students can make an informed decision that aligns with their career aspirations.

Dreambound's program is accessible in diverse locations. Take a deep dive into these blogs for comprehensive insights into the two vocations, covering their requirements and guidance on joining:

• Chiropractic Assistant in Rhode Island
• Healthcare Documentation Specialist in Rhode Island
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you
• Healthcare Documentation Specialist classes near you