In today's job market, there are a variety of vocational training options available to students. Two popular choices are becoming a chiropractic assistant or a pharmacy technician. Both of these careers offer unique opportunities to work in the healthcare field, but they also have distinct differences. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of a chiropractic assistant and a pharmacy technician, compare their job descriptions, education and training requirements, as well as career outlook and salary.

Introduction

Choosing a career path can be a daunting task, but it is important to find a field that aligns with your interests and goals. Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry, and both chiropractic and pharmacy offer rewarding opportunities to make a difference in people's lives. Before making a decision, it is crucial to understand the roles and responsibilities of each profession.

What is a Chiropractic Assistant and Pharmacy Technician?

Chiropractic Assistant:

A chiropractic assistant works alongside chiropractors to provide administrative and clinical support. They may perform tasks such as:

• Greeting patients and scheduling appointments
• Maintaining patient records and billing information
• Assisting with patient exams and treatments
• Providing education to patients about chiropractic care
• Managing office inventory and ordering supplies

Chiropractic assistants work in chiropractic offices, wellness centers, and other healthcare facilities. Their role is to ensure the smooth operation of the practice and provide quality care to patients under the supervision of a chiropractor.

Pharmacy Technician:

A pharmacy technician works in a pharmacy setting, whether it is a retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or mail-order pharmacy. Their main responsibilities include:

• Assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications
• Measuring and packaging medications accurately
• Managing inventory and restocking shelves
• Processing insurance claims and handling customer inquiries
• Maintaining patient records and confidentiality

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system by supporting pharmacists in delivering safe and effective medications to patients. They must have a strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

Difference between a Chiropractic Assistant and Pharmacy Technician

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

• Scope of Practice: Chiropractic assistants primarily work in chiropractic offices and focus on providing support to chiropractors. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, work directly with pharmacists in various pharmacy settings and are involved in medication dispensing.
• Training and Certification: Chiropractic assistants typically receive on-the-job training or complete a certificate program, while pharmacy technicians are required to complete a formal education program and obtain state licensure or certification.
• Job Duties: Chiropractic assistants perform administrative tasks and provide clinical support, whereas pharmacy technicians are responsible for medication-related tasks, such as dispensing and inventory management.
• Patient Interaction: Chiropractic assistants often have more direct patient interaction, providing education and support during chiropractic treatments. Pharmacy technicians interact with patients to a lesser extent, primarily focusing on medication-related inquiries and assisting with prescription pick-ups.
• Work Environment: Chiropractic assistants work primarily in chiropractic offices, while pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician: Job Description

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Greet patients and schedule appointments
• Maintain patient records and billing information
• Assist with patient exams and treatments
• Provide education to patients about chiropractic care
• Manage office inventory and order supplies

Pharmacy Technician:

• Assist pharmacists in dispensing medications
• Measure and package medications accurately
• Manage inventory and restock shelves
• Process insurance claims and handle customer inquiries
• Maintain patient records and confidentiality

Both chiropractic assistants and pharmacy technicians play important roles in the healthcare system, but their job responsibilities differ based on the specific healthcare setting they work in.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician: Education and Training

Chiropractic Assistant:

• On-the-job training: Some chiropractic assistants receive training directly from the chiropractor they work with. This can involve learning administrative tasks, patient care techniques, and office procedures.
• Certificate programs: There are also certificate programs available for aspiring chiropractic assistants. These programs typically cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and office management.

Pharmacy Technician:

• Education programs: Pharmacy technicians are required to complete a formal education program, which can be a certificate program or an associate degree program. These programs cover topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy calculations.
• Licensure or certification: In addition to education, pharmacy technicians must obtain state licensure or certification. Requirements vary by state but often include passing an exam and completing continuing education credits.

The education and training requirements for chiropractic assistants and pharmacy technicians differ, with pharmacy technicians requiring more formal education and licensure.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Career Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of chiropractic assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for chiropractic care.
• Salary: The BLS does not provide specific salary data for chiropractic assistants. However, PayScale reports that the average annual salary for chiropractic assistants in the United States is around $32,000.

Pharmacy Technician:

• Career Outlook: The BLS projects that the employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for prescription medications and the aging population are expected to contribute to this growth.
• Salary: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in the United States was $34,610 in May 2020. The highest 10 percent earned more than $49,130, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,460.

The career outlook for both chiropractic assistants and pharmacy technicians is positive, with growth expected in both fields. However, pharmacy technicians generally earn a slightly higher salary compared to chiropractic assistants.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a chiropractic assistant or a pharmacy technician ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and goals. Both professions offer unique opportunities to work in the healthcare field and make a difference in people's lives. Consider factors such as job duties, education and training requirements, and career outlook when making your decision.

Do thorough research, speak with professionals in the field, and consider shadowing or interning to gain firsthand experience before committing to a career path. With the right training and dedication, both chiropractic assistants and pharmacy technicians can have fulfilling careers in healthcare.

Explore Dreambound's programs, conveniently offered in multiple locations. Learn more about these two vocations by visiting:

• Chiropractic Assistant in Arizona
• Pharmacy Technician in Arizona
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you
• Pharmacy Technician classes near you