Key Points:

• PALs work with patients in mental health settings, while Psychiatric Technicians provide direct patient care and assist in the treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
• PALs typically earn less than Psychiatric Technicians.
• Both fields have job opportunities.
• PALs require a high school diploma or equivalent, while Psychiatric Technicians need to complete a formal training program, which can be done online or in-person.
• The training for PALs is generally shorter and less expensive than the training for Psychiatric Technicians, which can take up to two years to complete.

The healthcare industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, and vocational training programs can be an excellent way to enter the field. PALS and Psychiatric Technicians are two such options, each with their own unique set of skills and responsibilities.

What is a PALS and Psychiatric Technician?

• PALS: A PALS provider is a healthcare professional who specializes in pediatric emergency care. They are trained to respond to life-threatening emergencies in children, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and shock. PALS providers are typically found in hospitals, emergency rooms, and pediatric clinics.
• Psychiatric Technician: A Psychiatric Technician is a healthcare professional who works in the field of mental health. They provide care and support to patients who have mental illnesses or behavioral disorders. Psychiatric Technicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics.

Difference between a PALS and a Psychiatric Technician

While both PALS and Psychiatric Technicians work in the healthcare industry, there are some key differences between the two:

• Focus: PALS providers specialize in pediatric emergency care, while Psychiatric Technicians specialize in mental health.
• Patient Population: PALS providers primarily work with children, while Psychiatric Technicians work with patients of all ages who have mental illnesses or behavioral disorders.
• Job Duties: PALS providers are responsible for assessing and treating life-threatening emergencies in children, while Psychiatric Technicians provide care and support to patients with mental illnesses, such as administering medications, leading therapeutic activities, and monitoring patient behavior.
• Work Environment: PALS providers typically work in hospital settings, while Psychiatric Technicians may work in hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient clinics.

PALS vs Psychiatric Technician: Job Description

• PALS Job Description:

  • Assess and treat life-threatening emergencies in children
  • Administer CPR and other life-saving interventions
  • Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to pediatric patients
  • Document patient information and treatment plans

• Psychiatric Technician Job Description:

  • Provide care and support to patients with mental illnesses or behavioral disorders
  • Administer medications and monitor patient responses
  • Lead therapeutic activities and provide emotional support to patients
  • Document patient behavior and progress

PALS vs Psychiatric Technician: Education and Training

• PALS Education and Training:

  • To become a PALS provider, individuals must first complete a basic life support (BLS) course, which covers CPR and other life-saving interventions.
  • After completing the BLS course, individuals can then take the PALS course, which focuses specifically on pediatric emergency care.
  • The PALS course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training, and individuals must pass a written exam and skills test to become certified.

• Psychiatric Technician Education and Training:

  • To become a Psychiatric Technician, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree program in psychiatric technology.
  • These programs cover topics such as mental health assessment, therapeutic techniques, and medication administration.
  • Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals or other healthcare settings.
  • After completing their education and training, individuals may need to pass a licensing exam or obtain certification, depending on the state in which they plan to work.

PALS vs Psychiatric Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

• PALS Career Outlook and Salary:

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for healthcare providers, including PALS providers, is expected to grow much faster than average.
  • The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations, which includes PALS providers, was $68,190 as of May 2020.

• Psychiatric Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

  • The BLS projects that employment of psychiatric technicians will grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
  • The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $34,850 as of May 2020.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare field is a big decision, and it's important to consider all of your options. Both becoming a PALS provider and a Psychiatric Technician offer rewarding opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients. Whether you prefer working with children in emergency situations or providing care and support to individuals with mental illnesses, there is a path for you. Consider your interests, skills, and career goals, and explore the education and training options available to you. With the right training and dedication, you can embark on a successful career in healthcare.

Explore Dreambound's program accessibility across different locations. Immerse yourself in these blogs for a detailed exploration of the two vocations, unraveling specific requirements and gaining insightful perspectives on how to embark on your journey:

• PALS in Ohio
• Psychiatric Technician in Ohio
• PALS classes near you
• Psychiatric Technician classes near you