In the healthcare field, there are a wide variety of career options available for individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of others. Two such careers are that of a chiropractic assistant and a surgical technician. While both of these roles are vital to the functioning of a medical practice, they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between a chiropractic assistant and a surgical technician to help those considering a career in healthcare make an informed decision.

Introduction

Before diving into the specifics of each role, it's important to understand the general responsibilities of a chiropractic assistant and a surgical technician. Both of these positions require individuals to work closely with healthcare professionals to provide quality care to patients. However, the settings in which they work and the tasks they perform can vary significantly.

What is a Chiropractic Assistant and Surgical Technician?

A chiropractic assistant is a healthcare professional who works alongside a chiropractor to provide support and assistance in the delivery of chiropractic care. They may perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, assisting with therapies and treatments, and providing education and guidance to patients. Chiropractic assistants typically work in chiropractic offices or clinics.

On the other hand, a surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a crucial member of the surgical team. They work in operating rooms alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that surgical procedures are conducted safely and effectively. Surgical technicians are responsible for preparing and sterilizing surgical instruments, setting up the operating room, assisting with patient positioning, and providing support during surgeries.

Difference between a Chiropractic Assistant and Surgical Technician

While both chiropractic assistants and surgical technicians work in healthcare settings and play important roles in patient care, there are several key differences between the two professions:

1. Scope of practice: Chiropractic assistants primarily work in chiropractic offices and focus on providing support to chiropractors in the delivery of chiropractic care. Their responsibilities revolve around administrative tasks, patient education, and assisting with therapies. On the other hand, surgical technicians work in operating rooms and are involved in surgical procedures, including preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and providing support during surgeries.

2. Work environment: Chiropractic assistants typically work in chiropractic offices or clinics, where they have regular business hours and work in a more relaxed and low-stress environment. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, work in fast-paced hospital settings and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts to accommodate emergency surgeries.

3. Direct patient care: While both roles involve interacting with patients, the level of direct patient care differs. Chiropractic assistants often spend more time with patients, providing education and guidance on exercises, therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, have limited direct patient contact during surgeries but play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and surgical success.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Surgical Technician: Job Description

Now that we have a better understanding of the general differences between a chiropractic assistant and a surgical technician, let's take a closer look at the specific job descriptions for each role:

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Schedule appointments and manage patient records
• Assist chiropractors with therapies and treatments
• Educate patients on exercises, therapies, and lifestyle modifications
• Perform administrative tasks such as billing and insurance processing
• Maintain a clean and organized office environment

Surgical Technician:

• Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments
• Set up the operating room for surgeries
• Assist with patient positioning and prepping
• Hand surgical instruments to surgeons during procedures
• Monitor and maintain a sterile environment during surgeries
• Handle specimens for laboratory analysis

Chiropractic Assistant vs Surgical Technician: Education and Training

Education and training requirements are important factors to consider when choosing a career path. Here's what you need to know about the education and training for chiropractic assistants and surgical technicians:

Chiropractic Assistant:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• On-the-job training provided by the chiropractic office
• Optional certification programs available for career advancement

Surgical Technician:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program
• Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is typically required for employment

Chiropractic Assistant vs Surgical Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career, it's essential to take into account the career outlook and earning potential. Here's what you can expect in terms of career outlook and salary for chiropractic assistants and surgical technicians:

Chiropractic Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants, which includes chiropractic assistants, is projected to grow 19 percent 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, according to the BLS.

Surgical Technician:

• The BLS projects that the employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $49,040 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Both chiropractic assistants and surgical technicians play important roles in the healthcare field, but they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. When considering a career in healthcare, it's essential to carefully evaluate your interests, skills, and long-term goals to determine which path is the best fit for you. Whether you choose to become a chiropractic assistant or a surgical technician, both careers offer opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

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 Hawaii
• Surgical Technician in Hawaii
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you
• Surgical Technician classes near you