Vocational training can provide a fast-track to a rewarding career in healthcare. Two popular vocational training options in the medical field are becoming a medical assistant or a physical therapy technician. While both roles involve providing essential support to healthcare professionals, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between a medical assistant and a physical therapy technician, as well as the job description, education and training requirements, and career outlook for each role.

Introduction

Medical assistants and physical therapy technicians play crucial roles in the healthcare industry. They both work closely with patients and healthcare professionals to provide quality care and support. While their responsibilities may overlap in some areas, there are distinct differences in the skills and training required for each role.

What is a Medical Assistant and Physical Therapy Technician?

Medical Assistant:

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled healthcare professional who works in various healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians and other healthcare professionals. Some common responsibilities of a medical assistant include:

• Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
• Taking patient vital signs and medical histories
• Assisting with medical procedures and examinations
• Administering medications and injections
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Providing patient education and support

Physical Therapy Technician:

A physical therapy technician, also known as a physical therapy aide or assistant, works specifically in physical therapy settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. They work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Some common responsibilities of a physical therapy technician include:

• Assisting patients with therapeutic exercises and activities
• Setting up and maintaining equipment
• Preparing treatment areas for patient sessions
• Monitoring patient progress and reporting to physical therapists
• Providing support and encouragement to patients during therapy sessions
• Administering modalities, such as heat and ice packs, under the direction of a physical therapist

Difference between a Medical Assistant and Physical Therapy Technician

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

Job Focus:

• Medical assistants have a broader scope of practice and can work in various healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They provide support to physicians and other healthcare professionals in both administrative and clinical tasks.
• Physical therapy technicians, on the other hand, work specifically in physical therapy settings and focus on assisting patients with therapeutic exercises and activities. They work under the direct supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses.

Patient Population:

• Medical assistants often work with a diverse patient population, ranging from infants to seniors. They may assist with routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other general medical care.
• Physical therapy technicians primarily work with patients who are undergoing physical therapy for injuries or conditions that affect their movement and mobility. These patients may include athletes recovering from sports injuries, individuals with disabilities, or elderly individuals who need rehabilitation after surgery or illness.

Skills Required:

• Medical assistants require a broad range of skills, including administrative tasks (such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records) and clinical tasks (such as taking vital signs and assisting with medical procedures).
• Physical therapy technicians need strong interpersonal and communication skills to work closely with patients and physical therapists. They also need a good understanding of anatomy and physiology and the ability to assist with therapeutic exercises and activities.

Medical Assistant vs Physical Therapy Technician: Job Description

Medical Assistant Job Description:

Medical assistants have a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the smooth operation of a healthcare facility. Some of the common tasks performed by medical assistants include:

• Scheduling and managing patient appointments
• Greeting and checking in patients
• Taking patient vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care or minor surgeries
• Administering medications and injections under the direction of a physician
• Performing basic laboratory tests, such as blood draws or urinalysis
• Updating patient medical records and documenting patient care
• Providing patient education and support

Physical Therapy Technician Job Description:

Physical therapy technicians work under the supervision of physical therapists to assist patients in their rehabilitation journey. Some of the common tasks performed by physical therapy technicians include:

• Assisting patients with therapeutic exercises and activities, such as stretching or range of motion exercises
• Setting up and maintaining equipment for therapy sessions
• Preparing treatment areas for patient sessions
• Monitoring and documenting patient progress during therapy sessions
• Providing support and encouragement to patients during therapy sessions
• Administering modalities, such as heat or ice packs, under the direction of a physical therapist
• Assisting with patient transfers and mobility exercises

Medical Assistant vs Physical Therapy Technician: Education and Training

Medical Assistant Education and Training:

To become a medical assistant, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary training program. These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities. The duration of the program can range from several months to two years, depending on the level of education and the program's structure.

Medical assistant training programs cover a wide range of topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, pharmacology, and clinical skills. Students also gain hands-on experience through internships or clinical rotations in healthcare settings.

While certification is not always required to work as a medical assistant, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Certification can be obtained through organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Physical Therapy Technician Education and Training:

To become a physical therapy technician, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary training program specifically designed for physical therapy technicians. These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities. The duration of the program can range from several months to two years, depending on the program's structure.

Physical therapy technician training programs cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercises, modalities, medical terminology, and patient care. Students also gain hands-on experience through internships or clinical rotations in physical therapy settings.

Certification is not always required to work as a physical therapy technician, but some employers prefer to hire certified individuals. Certification can be obtained through organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or the National Board of Certification for Orthopaedic Technologists (NBCOT).

Medical Assistant vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Medical Assistant Career Outlook and Salary:

The career outlook for medical assistants is promising, with a projected job growth of 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the expansion of healthcare facilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 as of May 2020. The highest 10% of medical assistants earned more than $51,000, while the lowest 10% earned less than $26,930.

Physical Therapy Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

The career outlook for physical therapy technicians is also promising, with a projected job growth of 29% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for physical therapy services, particularly among the aging population.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapy technicians was $28,170 as of May 2020. The highest 10% of physical therapy technicians earned more than $49,000, while the lowest 10% earned less than $20,460.

Final Thoughts

Both medical assistants and physical therapy technicians play important roles in the healthcare industry. While medical assistants have a broader scope of practice and can work in various healthcare settings, physical therapy technicians specialize in assisting patients with therapeutic exercises and activities. The education and training requirements for each role differ slightly, with medical assistants typically completing a broader medical assisting program and physical therapy technicians completing a program specifically designed for their role. The career outlook for both roles is promising, with strong job growth expected in the coming years. Ultimately, the choice between becoming a medical assistant or a physical therapy technician depends on individual interests, career goals, and personal preferences.

Uncover the opportunities with Dreambound's programs, available in different locations. Dive into these two vocations by checking:

• Medical Assistant in Arkansas
• Physical Therapy Technician in Arkansas
• Physical Therapy Technician classes near you