Are you considering a career in healthcare but unsure which path to take? Two popular options to consider are graduate nursing and physical therapy technician. While both careers offer opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients, they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between graduate nursing and physical therapy technician to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Graduate Nursing and Physical Therapy Technician?

Graduate Nursing

Graduate nursing refers to the advanced practice of nursing, where individuals have obtained a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. Graduate nurses, also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), have specialized knowledge and skills that allow them to provide a higher level of care to patients. They can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Physical Therapy Technician

A physical therapy technician, on the other hand, is a healthcare professional who assists physical therapists in providing treatment and rehabilitation to patients. They work closely with patients to help them regain mobility and manage pain through exercises and other therapeutic techniques. Physical therapy technicians can be found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics.

Difference between a Graduate Nursing and Physical Therapy Technician

Scope of Practice

One of the key differences between graduate nursing and physical therapy technician is the scope of practice. Graduate nurses have a broader scope of practice and can perform a wide range of healthcare tasks, including diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and ordering diagnostic tests. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, work under the supervision of physical therapists and primarily assist in implementing treatment plans and providing patient care.

Patient Population

Another difference is the patient population that graduate nurses and physical therapy technicians work with. Graduate nurses often work with patients of all ages and across various healthcare settings. They can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, primarily work with patients who need rehabilitation due to injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. Their focus is on helping patients regain physical function and mobility.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of graduate nursing and physical therapy technician also differ. Graduate nurses typically perform a wide range of tasks, including conducting physical exams, interpreting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, administering medications, and providing patient education. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, assist physical therapists in implementing treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and providing hands-on care, such as assisting with exercises and applying modalities.

Level of Autonomy

Graduate nurses have a higher level of autonomy compared to physical therapy technicians. As advanced practice nurses, they have the authority to diagnose and treat patients independently, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, work under the direct supervision of physical therapists and follow their treatment plans.

Graduate Nursing vs Physical Therapy Technician: Job Description

Graduate Nursing Job Description

Graduate nurses, or APRNs, have a wide range of job opportunities and can choose to specialize in various areas of healthcare. Some common job titles for graduate nurses include:

• Nurse Practitioner: Provides primary care services, diagnoses and treats common illnesses, and prescribes medications.
• Nurse Anesthetist: Administers anesthesia during surgical procedures and monitors patients' vital signs.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Provides expert advice and education to patients and healthcare professionals in a specialized area of nursing.
• Nurse Midwife: Provides prenatal care, assists with labor and delivery, and provides postpartum care to women.

Physical Therapy Technician Job Description

Physical therapy technicians work closely with physical therapists to provide rehabilitation and treatment to patients. Their job responsibilities may include:

• Assisting patients with exercises and therapeutic activities.
• Applying modalities such as heat or cold therapy and electrical stimulation.
• Documenting patients' progress and reporting it to the physical therapist.
• Preparing treatment areas and equipment for patient use.
• Instructing patients on proper techniques for exercises and activities.

Graduate Nursing vs Physical Therapy Technician: Education and Training

Graduate Nursing Education and Training

To become a graduate nurse, individuals must first complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and become a licensed registered nurse (RN). After gaining experience as an RN, they can then pursue a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, specializing in their chosen area of practice. The advanced degree program typically takes an additional 2-4 years to complete. After completing their education, graduate nurses must pass a national certification exam to become licensed as an APRN.

Physical Therapy Technician Education and Training

Becoming a physical therapy technician typically requires completing a postsecondary certificate program or an associate degree program in physical therapy assisting. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing their education, physical therapy technicians may also need to pass a certification exam, depending on their state's requirements.

Graduate Nursing vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Career Outlook for Graduate Nursing

The career outlook for graduate nursing is very promising, with a projected growth rate of 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This high demand is driven by several factors, including an aging population, increased access to healthcare, and a shortage of primary care providers. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives was $117,670 in May 2020, significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations.

Career Outlook for Physical Therapy Technician

The career outlook for physical therapy technicians is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and an increasing emphasis on rehabilitation and preventive care. The median annual wage for physical therapy technicians was $48,090 in May 2020, slightly higher than the median wage for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

Both graduate nursing and physical therapy technician offer rewarding careers in the healthcare field. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your interests, career goals, and the level of responsibility and autonomy you desire. If you are interested in providing primary care and taking on a broader scope of practice, graduate nursing may be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for helping patients regain physical function and mobility, a career as a physical therapy technician may be a better fit. Ultimately, both careers offer opportunities to make a positive impact on patients' lives and contribute to the healthcare industry.

Dreambound's educational programs are available in diverse locations. Explore these recommended blogs for a comprehensive examination of the two vocations, including in-depth insights into their prerequisites and guidance on initiating your journey:

• Graduate Nursing in Washington
• Physical Therapy Technician in Washington
• Graduate Nursing classes near you
• Physical Therapy Technician classes near you