In the healthcare industry, there are many different roles and career paths to choose from. Two such paths are graduate nursing and psychiatric technician. While both professions involve working with patients and providing care, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore what graduate nursing and psychiatric technician roles entail, the educational requirements for each, the career outlook and salary potential, and ultimately help you decide which path may be the best fit for you.

Introduction

Healthcare is a rapidly growing industry, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in a variety of roles. Graduate nursing and psychiatric technician are two such roles that offer rewarding careers in patient care. Both paths involve working directly with patients, but the specific responsibilities and educational requirements differ.

What is a Graduate Nursing and Psychiatric Technician?

Graduate Nursing: A graduate nurse is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate-level nursing program. These advanced practice nurses have obtained a master's or doctoral degree and are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare services. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Psychiatric Technician: A psychiatric technician, on the other hand, is a healthcare professional who assists in the care of individuals with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, and registered nurses to provide basic care and support to patients. Psychiatric technicians typically work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and other mental health facilities.

Difference between a Graduate Nursing and Psychiatric Technician

While both graduate nursing and psychiatric technician roles involve patient care, there are some key differences between the two professions. Here are a few distinctions:

Scope of Practice: Graduate nurses have a broader scope of practice and are able to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, focus specifically on mental health and provide basic care and support to patients with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

Education and Training: Graduate nurses are required to complete a graduate-level nursing program, which typically takes two to three years to complete. They must also pass a national licensing exam to become a registered nurse. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, typically complete a one-year certificate or associate degree program. They must also pass a licensing exam to practice as a psychiatric technician.

Job Responsibilities: Graduate nurses are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients, as well as managing their overall care. They may work in a variety of healthcare settings and specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, focus specifically on mental health and provide basic care and support to patients with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. They may assist with activities of daily living, administer medications, and help patients participate in therapeutic activities.

Supervision: Graduate nurses typically work under the supervision of medical doctors or nurse practitioners. They have a higher level of autonomy and may be responsible for managing patient care independently. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, and registered nurses. They assist in the implementation of treatment plans and provide support to patients.

Graduate Nursing vs Psychiatric Technician: Job Description

Graduate Nursing: The job description for a graduate nurse varies depending on their area of specialization. However, some common job duties include:

• Assessing and diagnosing patients
• Developing and implementing treatment plans
• Administering medications and treatments
• Educating patients and their families about healthcare management
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed

Psychiatric Technician: Psychiatric technicians work specifically with patients who have mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. Their job description may include:

• Assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Administering medications under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician
• Monitoring patient behaviors and reporting any changes to healthcare providers
• Assisting with therapeutic activities, such as group therapy sessions or recreational activities
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to patients
• Participating in the development and implementation of treatment plans

Graduate Nursing vs Psychiatric Technician: Education and Training

Graduate Nursing: To become a graduate nurse, individuals must complete a graduate-level nursing program. This typically involves obtaining a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. The program may take two to three years to complete and includes coursework in advanced nursing theory, pharmacology, and patient assessment. After completing the program, graduates must pass a national licensing exam to become a registered nurse.

Psychiatric Technician: Psychiatric technicians typically complete a one-year certificate or associate degree program in psychiatric technology. The program includes coursework in mental health nursing, psychology, and pharmacology. After completing the program, graduates must pass a licensing exam to practice as a psychiatric technician.

Graduate Nursing vs Psychiatric Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Graduate Nursing: The career outlook for graduate nurses is excellent. With an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services, the need for advanced practice nurses is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nurse practitioners, a type of advanced practice nurse, is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $111,680 in May 2020.

Psychiatric Technician: The career outlook for psychiatric technicians is also positive. As the stigma surrounding mental health continues to decrease, the demand for mental health services is expected to increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of psychiatric technicians is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $34,870 in May 2020.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in healthcare is a noble and rewarding decision. Both graduate nursing and psychiatric technician roles offer opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients. The decision between the two ultimately depends on your interests, educational goals, and career aspirations. If you are interested in providing comprehensive healthcare services and have a passion for patient care, graduate nursing may be the right path for you. If you have a specific interest in mental health and enjoy providing basic care and support to patients with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities, a career as a psychiatric technician may be the best fit. Ultimately, both paths offer fulfilling careers with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Discover the widespread reach of Dreambound's programs in various locations. Delve into the content of these blogs to gain a thorough understanding of the intricacies surrounding the two vocations, covering everything from requirements to valuable tips on starting your endeavor:

• Graduate Nursing in West Virginia
• Psychiatric Technician in West Virginia
• Graduate Nursing classes near you
• Psychiatric Technician classes near you