Psychiatric Technician
classes near 20149
Key Points:
When it comes to vocational training, it's important to choose a career path that aligns with your interests and goals. Two popular options in the healthcare field are becoming a chiropractic assistant or a psychiatric technician. While both roles involve working with patients and assisting healthcare professionals, there are some key differences to consider. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be a chiropractic assistant and a psychiatric technician, the differences between the two, and the education and training required for each role. We will also discuss the career outlook and salary potential for both professions. Let's dive in!
Chiropractic Assistant: A chiropractic assistant is a healthcare professional who works alongside chiropractors to help provide patient care. They perform a variety of tasks, including scheduling appointments, managing patient records, assisting with therapy sessions, and providing administrative support. Chiropractic assistants often work in chiropractic offices or clinics and have direct contact with patients on a daily basis.
Psychiatric Technician: A psychiatric technician, on the other hand, works in mental health facilities or hospitals, assisting psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in providing care to patients with mental illnesses or disorders. They play a crucial role in helping patients with daily activities, monitoring their behavior and progress, and administering medications as prescribed. Psychiatric technicians also provide emotional support to patients and help create a safe and therapeutic environment.
While both chiropractic assistants and psychiatric technicians work in the healthcare field and provide care to patients, there are some key differences between the two roles. These include:
Job Setting: Chiropractic assistants primarily work in chiropractic offices or clinics, while psychiatric technicians work in mental health facilities or hospitals.
Patient Population: Chiropractic assistants mainly work with patients who require chiropractic care for musculoskeletal issues, such as back or neck pain. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, work with patients who have mental illnesses or disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Scope of Practice: Chiropractic assistants primarily provide administrative support and assist with therapy sessions under the supervision of a chiropractor. Psychiatric technicians have a broader scope of practice and may assist with medication administration, patient assessment, and crisis intervention.
Treatment Approach: Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system and uses manual techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Psychiatric care, on the other hand, involves a combination of therapy, medication, and other interventions to address mental health issues.
Chiropractic Assistant: The job description of a chiropractic assistant includes a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. Some of the responsibilities may include:
Psychiatric Technician: Psychiatric technicians have a more hands-on role in assisting with patient care. Some of their job responsibilities may include:
Chiropractic Assistant: The education and training required to become a chiropractic assistant can vary depending on the state and employer. Some chiropractic offices may hire individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a formal training program or have an associate's degree in chiropractic assisting. These programs generally cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, chiropractic techniques, medical terminology, and office administration.
Psychiatric Technician: To become a psychiatric technician, one typically needs to complete a formal training program. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare training institutions. The length of the program can vary, but it often takes around one year to complete. The curriculum usually includes courses in psychology, psychopathology, pharmacology, therapeutic techniques, and patient care skills. After completing the program, aspiring psychiatric technicians may need to pass a state certification exam to practice.
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Chiropractic Assistant: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of chiropractic assistants is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for chiropractic care as more people seek alternative and holistic treatments. The median annual wage for chiropractic assistants was $34,000 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $49,000.
Psychiatric Technician: The BLS projects that the employment of psychiatric technicians will grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing need for mental health services and the expansion of healthcare facilities. The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $36,070 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $63,140.
Choosing a career as a chiropractic assistant or a psychiatric technician can be a rewarding choice for individuals interested in healthcare and helping others. While both professions involve working with patients and assisting healthcare professionals, they differ in terms of the job setting, patient population, and scope of practice. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your interests, career goals, and the type of healthcare environment you prefer. Consider researching further and speaking with professionals in each field to make an informed decision that aligns with your passion and strengths.
Dreambound has strategically placed its educational programs in various locations, making it easy for aspiring individuals to access valuable opportunities. For a thorough insight into the dynamic realms of these two vocations, we encourage you to delve into more detailed information by visiting:
Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.