Key Points:

• EMTs provide emergency medical care, while PT Techs assist physical therapists in patient treatment and rehabilitation.
• EMTs typically earn less than PT Techs, with median salaries of around $35,000 and $50,000, respectively.
• EMT training is generally shorter and can be done online, while PT Tech training requires in-person classes and hands-on learning.
• EMT training is typically less expensive and takes around 6 months, while PT Tech training can cost more and take up to 2 years.

When it comes to choosing a vocational career, there are a multitude of options available. Two popular choices among students are becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or a Physical Therapy Technician. Both careers involve helping others in a healthcare setting, but 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 these two professions to help you make an informed decision about which path is right for you.

What is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

Emergency Medical Technicians, also known as EMTs, are healthcare professionals who provide immediate medical care to patients in emergency situations. They are typically the first responders to accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies. EMTs are trained to assess the patient's condition, provide basic medical treatments, and transport patients to the nearest medical facility for further care. They work closely with paramedics, nurses, and doctors to ensure that patients receive the necessary medical attention as quickly as possible.

What is a Physical Therapy Technician?

Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, work under the supervision of physical therapists to assist patients in their rehabilitation process. They help patients perform exercises and activities designed to improve their mobility, strength, and range of motion. Physical Therapy Technicians also set up and maintain equipment, clean treatment areas, and document patients' progress. They work with a wide range of patients, including those recovering from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses, as well as individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities.

Emergency Medical Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide urgent medical care and transportation to patients in critical conditions, with training programs typically lasting from a few weeks to several months and an average annual salary of around $35,000. Physical Therapy Technicians assist in rehabilitation under physical therapists' supervision, involving therapeutic exercises and modalities, typically earning a similar annual salary with training lasting several months.

Difference between an Emergency Medical Technician and a Physical Therapy Technician

While both EMTs and Physical Therapy Technicians work in healthcare settings and play important roles in patient care, there are significant differences between the two professions:

• Scope of Practice: EMTs primarily focus on providing immediate medical care in emergency situations, such as administering CPR, controlling bleeding, and stabilizing patients. Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, assist in the rehabilitation process, which involves helping patients regain their mobility, strength, and independence.

• Work Environment: EMTs often work in high-stress environments, such as ambulances, emergency rooms, and disaster sites. They must be prepared to handle life-threatening situations and make quick decisions under pressure. Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, typically work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or outpatient clinics, where they assist patients with their exercises and treatments in a more controlled and structured environment.

• Job Responsibilities: EMTs are responsible for assessing patients' conditions, providing immediate medical treatments, and transporting patients to the appropriate medical facility. They must be skilled in performing medical procedures, such as administering medications, starting IVs, and using specialized equipment. Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, focus on assisting patients with their exercises, performing modalities (such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation), and documenting patients' progress.

• Training and Certification: The training and certification requirements for EMTs and Physical Therapy Technicians also differ. EMTs must complete a state-approved training program, which typically takes about 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the level of certification desired (such as EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, or EMT-Paramedic). Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, usually need to complete a 2-year associate's degree program in physical therapy assisting. They may also be required to pass a certification exam to become a licensed Physical Therapy Technician.

• Career Opportunities: EMTs have a variety of career options available to them, including working in ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments, and other emergency medical services. They may also choose to advance their careers by becoming paramedics, emergency room technicians, or pursuing further education in nursing or medicine. Physical Therapy Technicians, on the other hand, primarily work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. They may also have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of physical therapy, such as pediatric or sports rehabilitation.

Emergency Medical Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician: Job Description

The job descriptions of EMTs and Physical Therapy Technicians can be summarized as follows:

• Emergency Medical Technician:
  • Respond to emergency calls and provide immediate medical care to patients
  • Assess patients' conditions and perform necessary medical treatments
  • Transport patients to the nearest medical facility for further care
  • Communicate with paramedics, nurses, and doctors to ensure appropriate patient care
  • Maintain accurate records of patients' conditions and treatments
• Physical Therapy Technician:
  • Assist physical therapists in implementing treatment plans for patients
  • Help patients perform exercises and activities aimed at improving their mobility and strength
  • Set up and maintain equipment used in physical therapy treatments
  • Clean treatment areas and ensure a safe and sanitary environment for patients
  • Document patients' progress and report any changes to the physical therapist

Emergency Medical Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician: Education and Training

The education and training requirements for EMTs and Physical Therapy Technicians are as follows:

• Emergency Medical Technician:
  • Complete a state-approved EMT training program
  • Training programs can range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the level of certification desired
  • Courses cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, emergency medical procedures, and patient assessment
  • EMTs may also need to obtain CPR certification
  • Some states require EMTs to pass a certification exam to become licensed
• Physical Therapy Technician:
  • Complete a 2-year associate's degree program in physical therapy assisting
  • Programs typically include coursework in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercises, and patient care skills
  • Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical internships
  • Some states may require Physical Therapy Technicians to pass a certification exam to become licensed

Emergency Medical Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook and salary for EMTs and Physical Therapy Technicians are as follows:

• Emergency Medical Technician:
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations
  • The median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $36,650 in May 2020, according to the BLS
• Physical Therapy Technician:
  • The BLS does not provide specific data for Physical Therapy Technicians, but it does provide information for physical therapist assistants, who perform similar duties
  • The employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 33 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations
  • The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $50,280 in May 2020, according to the BLS

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as an Emergency Medical Technician or a Physical Therapy Technician ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. If you thrive in high-stress environments and enjoy providing immediate medical care in emergency situations, a career as an EMT may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for helping others regain their mobility and independence through rehabilitation, becoming a Physical Therapy Technician may be a better fit. Consider your strengths, preferences, and long-term career prospects when making your decision, and remember that both careers offer rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Dreambound provides programs in several locations. Get detailed information about these two vocations by checking:

• Emergency Medical Technician in Washington
• Physical Therapy Technician in Washington
• Emergency Medical Technician classes near you