In the field of healthcare, there are many different roles and positions available to those interested in working in the industry. Two such positions are healthcare operators and physical therapy technicians. While both of these roles are important in providing care to patients, there are some key differences between them. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be a healthcare operator and a physical therapy technician, as well as the differences between the two. We will also discuss the job description, education and training requirements, career outlook, and salary potential for each role.

What is a Healthcare Operator and Physical Therapy Technician?

Healthcare Operator:

A healthcare operator, also known as a healthcare support worker, is a valuable member of the healthcare team. They provide essential non-clinical support to patients and healthcare professionals. Some of the tasks that healthcare operators may perform include:

• Assisting with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records
• Providing basic patient care, such as taking vital signs and assisting with personal hygiene
• Assisting with the transportation of patients within the healthcare facility
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families

Healthcare operators are often the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in ensuring that the healthcare facility runs smoothly.

Physical Therapy Technician:

A physical therapy technician, on the other hand, works specifically in the field of physical therapy. They assist physical therapists in providing treatment to patients with injuries or disabilities. Some of the tasks that physical therapy technicians may perform include:

• Preparing treatment areas and equipment for patient use
• Assisting patients with exercises and therapeutic activities
• Providing therapeutic massages and applying modalities, such as heat or cold therapy
• Documenting patient progress and reporting it to the physical therapist

Physical therapy technicians work closely with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and improve their physical strength and mobility.

Difference between a Healthcare Operator and Physical Therapy Technician

While both healthcare operators and physical therapy technicians work in the healthcare field, there are several key differences between the two roles:

• Scope of practice: Healthcare operators have a broader scope of practice and may work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They provide non-clinical support to patients and healthcare professionals. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, work specifically in the field of physical therapy and assist physical therapists in providing treatment to patients with injuries or disabilities.
• Responsibilities: Healthcare operators perform a variety of tasks, including administrative duties and basic patient care. They may assist with scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and providing emotional support to patients. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, focus on assisting physical therapists in providing treatment to patients. They may assist with exercises, therapeutic activities, and documenting patient progress.
• Training requirements: Healthcare operators typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training. Some may choose to pursue certification programs to enhance their skills and job prospects. Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, usually need to complete a postsecondary education program, such as an associate degree or a certificate program in physical therapy assisting.
• Supervision: Healthcare operators may work under the direct supervision of healthcare professionals, such as nurses or medical assistants. They may receive instructions on tasks to be performed and report any changes in patient condition to the healthcare team. Physical therapy technicians also work under the supervision of physical therapists. They follow the treatment plans created by the physical therapists and provide updates on patient progress.

Healthcare Operator vs Physical Therapy Technician: Job Description

Healthcare Operator:

• Assists with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records
• Provides basic patient care, such as taking vital signs and assisting with personal hygiene
• Assists with the transportation of patients within the healthcare facility
• Provides emotional support to patients and their families
• Works in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

Physical Therapy Technician:

• Prepares treatment areas and equipment for patient use
• Assists patients with exercises and therapeutic activities
• Provides therapeutic massages and applies modalities, such as heat or cold therapy
• Documents patient progress and reports it to the physical therapist
• Works specifically in the field of physical therapy

Healthcare Operator vs Physical Therapy Technician: Education and Training

Healthcare Operator:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• On-the-job training provided by the healthcare facility
• Optional certification programs available to enhance skills and job prospects

Physical Therapy Technician:

• Postsecondary education program, such as an associate degree or a certificate program in physical therapy assisting
• Clinical training included as part of the program
• Some states may require licensure or certification

Healthcare Operator vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Healthcare Operator:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of healthcare support workers, including healthcare operators, is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for healthcare support workers was $29,740 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Physical Therapy Technician:

• According to the BLS, the employment of physical therapist assistants and aides, including physical therapy technicians, 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 and aides was $49,970 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Both healthcare operators and physical therapy technicians play important roles in the healthcare field. While healthcare operators provide non-clinical support and assistance to patients and healthcare professionals, physical therapy technicians focus specifically on assisting physical therapists in providing treatment to patients with injuries or disabilities. The education and training requirements, as well as the career outlook and salary potential, differ between the two roles. Ultimately, individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare should carefully consider their interests and career goals to determine which role is the best fit for them.

Dreambound's programs are accessible in different locations. For additional details on these two vocations, please visit:

• Healthcare Operator in Hawaii
• Physical Therapy Technician in Hawaii
• Healthcare Operator classes near you
• Physical Therapy Technician classes near you