Key Points:

• Chiropractic Assistants support chiropractors, while Veterinary Assistants work with veterinarians to care for animals.
• Chiropractic Assistants tend to earn slightly higher salaries than Veterinary Assistants on average.
• Both fields have steady job growth.
• Chiropractic Assistant training is often done online, while Veterinary Assistant training is typically in-person.
• Chiropractic Assistant training is generally less expensive and shorter than Veterinary Assistant training.

When considering a career in the healthcare field, there are many options to choose from. Two popular choices are becoming a chiropractic assistant or a veterinary assistant. While both of these careers involve assisting healthcare professionals, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be a chiropractic assistant and a veterinary assistant, as well as the differences in job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks.

What is a Chiropractic Assistant and Veterinary Assistant?

A chiropractic assistant is a healthcare professional who works alongside chiropractors to provide administrative and clinical support. They often work in chiropractic offices and help with tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and assisting with chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic assistants may also provide basic patient care, such as taking vital signs and preparing patients for treatments.

On the other hand, a veterinary assistant works in a veterinary clinic or hospital and provides support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Their responsibilities may include cleaning and sterilizing equipment, restraining animals during examinations and procedures, and assisting with the care and treatment of animals. Veterinary assistants often have direct contact with animals and may help with tasks such as grooming, feeding, and administering medications.

Difference between a Chiropractic Assistant and Veterinary Assistant

While both chiropractic assistants and veterinary assistants work in healthcare settings and assist professionals in their respective fields, there are several key differences between the two roles:

1. Focus of care: Chiropractic assistants primarily focus on providing care to human patients, while veterinary assistants focus on providing care to animals.

2. Treatment methods: Chiropractic assistants assist with chiropractic treatments, which involve the manipulation of the spine and musculoskeletal system to promote health and alleviate pain. Veterinary assistants, on the other hand, assist with a variety of treatments and procedures specific to animals, such as vaccinations, surgeries, and dental cleanings.

3. Work environment: Chiropractic assistants typically work in chiropractic offices or clinics, while veterinary assistants work in veterinary clinics or hospitals.

4. Patient interaction: Chiropractic assistants primarily interact with human patients, while veterinary assistants primarily interact with animals. However, both roles may involve some degree of interaction with patients' owners or guardians.

5. Scope of practice: Chiropractic assistants have a more limited scope of practice compared to veterinary assistants. Chiropractic assistants are primarily responsible for administrative and clinical support tasks, while veterinary assistants may perform a wider range of tasks, including direct patient care and medical procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant: Job Description

Chiropractic Assistant:

• Schedule appointments for patients and manage the chiropractor's calendar.
• Greet patients and check them in for their appointments.
• Maintain patient records and update them as necessary.
• Assist with chiropractic treatments, such as preparing patients for adjustments and providing basic patient care.
• Manage the office's billing and insurance processes.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls and responding to emails.

Veterinary Assistant:

• Clean and sterilize equipment and exam rooms.
• Restrain and handle animals during examinations and procedures.
• Assist with the care and treatment of animals, including grooming, feeding, and administering medications.
• Take and develop x-rays as directed by the veterinarian.
• Perform laboratory tests and collect samples for analysis.
• Educate pet owners on basic animal care and answer their questions.

Chiropractic Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant: Education and Training

Chiropractic Assistant:

• While formal education is not always required, many chiropractic assistants complete a certificate or diploma program in chiropractic assisting.
• These programs typically cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, chiropractic techniques, medical terminology, and office management.
• Some states may require chiropractic assistants to be certified or registered, which may involve passing an exam or completing a certain number of hours of training.

Veterinary Assistant:

• Veterinary assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Some veterinary assistants may receive on-the-job training, while others may complete a formal training program.
• Formal training programs for veterinary assistants are available and may cover topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary medical terminology, and basic animal care and handling.
• Certification is not typically required for veterinary assistants, but some may choose to pursue certification through organizations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Chiropractic Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

Chiropractic Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for 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 as of May 2020, according to the BLS.

Veterinary Assistant:

• The BLS does not provide specific data for veterinary assistants, but the job outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $28,590 as of May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career as a chiropractic assistant or a veterinary assistant can be a rewarding choice for those interested in the healthcare field. While both roles involve assisting healthcare professionals, the focus of care, treatment methods, and work environments differ. It's important to carefully consider your interests and career goals when deciding which path to pursue. Whether you choose to work alongside chiropractors or veterinarians, both careers offer opportunities to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of others, whether they have two legs or four.

Dreambound's educational programs cater to aspiring individuals seeking diverse opportunities. Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential within these two vocations by exploring further details at:

• Chiropractic Assistant in Idaho
• Veterinary Assistant in Idaho
• Chiropractic Assistant classes near you
• Veterinary Assistant classes near you