Dreambound
Blog

Patient Care Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician

Patient Care Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician

Want personalized insights?

Let Skipper help you discover new career pathways

coach

Key Points:

  • Patient Care Technicians assist nurses in hospitals, while Physical Therapy Technicians help physical therapists in clinics.
  • Patient Care Technicians typically earn slightly more than Physical Therapy Technicians, but both have competitive salaries.
  • Both jobs are in high demand, with growing opportunities in healthcare settings.
  • Patient Care Technician training is often done in-person, while Physical Therapy Technician training can be found online or in-person.
  • Patient Care Technician training is generally shorter and less expensive than Physical Therapy Technician training.

When it comes to a career in the healthcare industry, there are many different paths to choose from. Two popular options are becoming a patient care technician or a physical therapy technician. While both roles involve working closely with patients and assisting in their care, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between patient care technicians and physical therapy technicians, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks.

Patient Care Technician vs Physical Therapy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career as a patient care technician or a physical therapy technician, it's important to also consider the career outlook and salary potential for each role.

Career Outlook:

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of patient care technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is primarily due to an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services.
  • The BLS also projects that employment of physical therapy technicians will grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for physical therapy services, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities.

Salary:

  • According to the BLS, the median annual wage for patient care technicians was $31,110 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,810, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,830.
  • The BLS does not provide specific salary data for physical therapy technicians. However, the median annual wage for physical therapist aides, who perform similar duties to physical therapy technicians, was $27,430 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,200, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,530.

Final Thoughts

Both patient care technicians and physical therapy technicians play crucial roles in the healthcare industry, providing care and support to patients in need. While their job responsibilities may differ, both careers offer rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact on patients' lives.

When deciding between a career as a patient care technician or a physical therapy technician, it's important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals. If you enjoy providing basic nursing care and working with a variety of patients, a career as a patient care technician may be a good fit. On the other hand, if you have a passion for helping patients with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions regain their mobility and function, a career as a physical therapy technician may be the right choice.

Ultimately, the decision between these two careers comes down to personal preference and what aligns best with your interests and goals. Whichever path you choose, both patient care technicians and physical therapy technicians are valued members of the healthcare team and play an essential role in providing quality care to patients.

Dreambound ensures accessibility to its educational programs by offering them in diverse locations. For a detailed exploration of the exciting opportunities within these two vocations, we encourage you to visit:

Vduani Martinez
Written by
Vduani Martinez

Vduani Martinez is a part of the Growth team at Dreambound. She creates and fixes workflows and automation to guarantee seamless operations. On top of that, she manages databases to ensure all information is up to date. Vduani is a licensed Electronics Engineer who loves coffee and is a travel enthusiast. Out of the office, she enjoys going on road trips and discovering new cafes and restaurants.

Share this post: