Key Points:

• Graduate Nurses have more advanced clinical duties, while Patient Care Technicians focus on basic patient care tasks.
• Graduate Nurses typically earn higher salaries than Patient Care Technicians.
• Both fields have job opportunities.
• Graduate Nurses require a master's or doctoral degree, while Patient Care Technicians usually need a certificate or diploma program.
• Graduate Nursing programs are generally more expensive and take longer to complete compared to Patient Care Technician training.

Healthcare is a rapidly growing field, with a wide range of career opportunities available. Graduate nursing and patient care technician are two professions that offer rewarding work and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others. Both roles involve caring for patients, but the level of responsibility and the scope of practice differ between the two.

What is a Graduate Nursing and Patient Care Technician?

• Graduate Nursing: A graduate nurse, also known as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), is a highly trained healthcare professional who has completed a graduate-level nursing program. Graduate nurses have advanced knowledge and skills that allow them to provide specialized care to patients. They may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

• Patient Care Technician: A patient care technician, also known as a nursing assistant or patient care assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides direct care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare provider. Patient care technicians assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and may also take vital signs and perform other basic medical tasks. They typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Difference between a Graduate Nursing and Patient Care Technician

While both graduate nursing and patient care technician involve caring for patients, there are several key differences between the two professions:

• Education and Training: Graduate nursing requires a higher level of education and training than patient care technician. Graduate nurses must complete a graduate-level nursing program, typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and obtain a state license to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse. Patient care technicians, on the other hand, typically complete a short-term training program, which may be as little as a few weeks or several months, and must pass a competency exam to become certified.

• Scope of Practice: Graduate nurses have a broader scope of practice than patient care technicians. They are authorized to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and provide specialized care within their area of expertise. Patient care technicians, on the other hand, provide basic care and support to patients, but do not have the authority to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

• Responsibilities: Graduate nurses have more responsibilities than patient care technicians. They may be responsible for managing patient care, coordinating treatment plans, and providing patient education. Patient care technicians, on the other hand, primarily assist with activities of daily living and provide basic medical care under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare provider.

• Career Advancement: Graduate nursing offers more opportunities for career advancement than patient care technician. With advanced education and training, graduate nurses can specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health, and may have the opportunity to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse educators. Patient care technicians, on the other hand, may choose to pursue further training and education to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs).

Graduate Nursing vs Patient Care Technician: Job Description

• Graduate Nursing: Graduate nurses assess, diagnose, and treat patients with acute and chronic health conditions. They order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and develop treatment plans. They also provide patient education and support, and may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care. Graduate nurses may specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.

• Patient Care Technician: Patient care technicians provide direct care and support to patients. They assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and may also take vital signs, collect specimens, and perform other basic medical tasks. They provide emotional support to patients and their families, and may assist with the transportation of patients and the maintenance of patient records.

Graduate Nursing vs Patient Care Technician: Education and Training

• Graduate Nursing: To become a graduate nurse, individuals must complete a graduate-level nursing program, typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include coursework in advanced nursing theory, pharmacology, and clinical practice. After completing their education, graduate nurses must pass a national certification exam and obtain a state license to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse.

• Patient Care Technician: Patient care technicians typically complete a short-term training program, which may be as little as a few weeks or several months in length. These programs provide instruction in basic nursing skills, such as taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing basic medical care. After completing their training, patient care technicians must pass a competency exam to become certified.

Graduate Nursing vs Patient Care Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

• Graduate Nursing: The career outlook for graduate nurses is excellent, with a projected growth rate of 31% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for advanced practice registered nurses is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased emphasis on preventive care, and a shortage of primary care physicians. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners, a common type of graduate nurse, was $115,800 in May 2019.

• Patient Care Technician: The career outlook for patient care technicians is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for patient care technicians is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased emphasis on home healthcare, and a need for support staff in healthcare settings. The median annual wage for nursing assistants, a common type of patient care technician, was $29,640 in May 2019.

Final Thoughts

Both graduate nursing and patient care technician are rewarding careers in healthcare. Graduate nursing offers a higher level of responsibility and a broader scope of practice, while patient care technician provides a more entry-level role with opportunities for advancement. The choice between the two professions depends on individual interests, educational goals, and career aspirations. Regardless of which path you choose, both roles offer the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the field of healthcare.

Dreambound offers programs in multiple locations. For in-depth information on the intricacies of these two vocations, their prerequisites, and steps to join, explore the following blogs:

• Graduate Nursing in Texas
• Patient Care Technician in Texas
• Graduate Nursing classes near you