Are you considering a career in healthcare but not sure which path to take? Two popular options to consider are becoming a medical administrative assistant or a psychiatric technician. While both careers are in the healthcare field, they have different job responsibilities and require different levels of education and training. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of a medical administrative assistant and a psychiatric technician, discuss the differences between the two, and provide information on the education and career outlook for each profession.

Introduction

The healthcare industry is constantly growing, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in various roles. Medical administrative assistants and psychiatric technicians play important roles in different areas of healthcare. Understanding the differences between these two careers can help you make an informed decision about which path to pursue.

What is a Medical Administrative Assistant?

A medical administrative assistant, also known as a medical secretary or healthcare administrator, is responsible for managing the administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities to ensure the smooth operation of the office.

Some of the common duties of a medical administrative assistant include:

• Greeting patients and checking them in
• Scheduling appointments and managing the healthcare provider's calendar
• Answering phone calls and responding to emails
• Maintaining patient records and updating medical charts
• Billing and coding for insurance purposes
• Managing office supplies and ordering inventory

Medical administrative assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing administrative support to healthcare providers, enabling them to focus on patient care.

What is a Psychiatric Technician?

A psychiatric technician, also known as a mental health technician or behavioral health technician, works directly with patients who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They provide care and support to patients in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and other mental health facilities.

Some of the common duties of a psychiatric technician include:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing
• Monitoring patients' behavior and reporting any changes to the healthcare team
• Administering medications as prescribed by a psychiatrist or nurse
• Leading group therapy sessions and recreational activities
• Providing emotional support and counseling to patients
• Maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients

Psychiatric technicians play a vital role in the mental health field by providing direct care and support to patients who are experiencing mental health challenges.

Difference between a Medical Administrative Assistant and Psychiatric Technician

While both medical administrative assistants and psychiatric technicians work in healthcare settings, their job responsibilities and areas of focus are different. Here are some key differences between the two professions:

• Job Responsibilities: Medical administrative assistants primarily handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, provide direct care and support to patients with mental illnesses.
• Patient Interaction: Medical administrative assistants have limited patient interaction and primarily communicate with patients during check-in and appointment scheduling. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, have regular and direct contact with patients, providing emotional support and assisting with daily activities.
• Medical Knowledge: Medical administrative assistants need to have a basic understanding of medical terminology and procedures to effectively manage patient records and communicate with healthcare providers. Psychiatric technicians require a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and treatment methods to provide appropriate care and support to patients.
• Focus of Care: Medical administrative assistants focus on ensuring the smooth operation of the healthcare facility and supporting healthcare providers in their administrative tasks. Psychiatric technicians focus on the mental and emotional well-being of patients and work closely with the healthcare team to implement treatment plans.

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician: Job Description

Now let's take a closer look at the job descriptions of a medical administrative assistant and a psychiatric technician.

Medical Administrative Assistant Job Description:

• Greet and check-in patients, ensuring accurate patient information
• Schedule appointments and manage the healthcare provider's calendar
• Answer phone calls and respond to emails, addressing patient inquiries and concerns
• Maintain patient records and update medical charts
• Bill and code for insurance purposes
• Manage office supplies and order inventory as needed

Psychiatric Technician Job Description:

• Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing
• Monitor patients' behavior and report any changes to the healthcare team
• Administer medications as prescribed by a psychiatrist or nurse
• Lead group therapy sessions and recreational activities
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician: Education and Training

Education and training requirements vary for medical administrative assistants and psychiatric technicians. Here's an overview of what you can expect for each profession:

Medical Administrative Assistant Education and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically required
• Some employers may prefer candidates with post-secondary education in medical assisting or healthcare administration
• On-the-job training provided by the employer
• Optional certification programs available, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential offered by the National Healthcareer Association

Psychiatric Technician Education and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically required
• Completion of a post-secondary psychiatric technician program, which may include coursework in psychology, counseling, and behavioral health
• Clinical training and hands-on experience provided as part of the program
• Some states may require licensure or certification for psychiatric technicians, which typically involves passing an exam and meeting specific education and experience requirements

Medical Administrative Assistant vs Psychiatric Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Both medical administrative assistants and psychiatric technicians can expect positive career outlooks and competitive salaries.

Medical Administrative Assistant Career Outlook and Salary:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical secretaries (including medical administrative assistants) is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for medical secretaries was $36,580 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Psychiatric Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

• According to the BLS, employment of psychiatric technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $35,020 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in healthcare is an excellent choice, and both medical administrative assistants and psychiatric technicians play important roles in the healthcare system. The decision between the two depends on your interests, skills, and desired level of patient interaction.

If you enjoy administrative tasks and prefer a behind-the-scenes role, a career as a medical administrative assistant may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for mental health and enjoy working directly with patients, becoming a psychiatric technician may be the right choice.

Take the time to research and explore both careers, and consider speaking with professionals in each field to gain further insights. Ultimately, the career path you choose should align with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals in the healthcare industry.

Dreambound's program is accessible in diverse locations. Take a deep dive into these blogs for comprehensive insights into the two vocations, covering their requirements and guidance on joining:

• Medical Administrative Assistant in Tennessee
• Psychiatric Technician in Tennessee
• Psychiatric Technician classes near you