Patient Care Technician
Want personalized recommendations?
Let's match you to the right program
Key Points:
In the healthcare industry, there are various roles that are essential for providing quality patient care. Patient care technicians and respiratory therapists are two such roles that work closely with patients to ensure their well-being. While they both contribute to the overall care of patients, their responsibilities and focus areas differ.
Article continues after recommendations
Patient Care Technician: A patient care technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of registered nurses or other medical staff. They provide direct care to patients in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. PCTs assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. They also monitor vital signs, collect specimens, and help with medical procedures.
Respiratory Therapist: A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and provide care in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care. Respiratory therapists evaluate lung function, administer breathing treatments, monitor ventilator settings, and educate patients on respiratory care.
While both patient care technicians and respiratory therapists work in healthcare and focus on patient care, there are several key differences between the two roles:
Scope of Practice: Patient care technicians have a broader scope of practice and perform a wide range of basic patient care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and assisting with mobility. Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, have a specialized focus on respiratory care and perform tasks related to assessing and treating respiratory disorders.
Training and Education: Patient care technicians typically complete a short-term training program or certification course, which can be completed in a matter of months. Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, must complete an associate's degree program in respiratory therapy, which usually takes two years to complete.
Job Responsibilities: Patient care technicians primarily assist with activities of daily living, monitor vital signs, and provide basic patient care. Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, focus on assessing lung function, administering breathing treatments, managing ventilators, and providing education to patients on respiratory care.
Certification and Licensure: Patient care technicians may obtain certification through organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Respiratory therapists must be licensed in most states and hold the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential or the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Patient Care Technician Job Description:
Respiratory Therapist Job Description:
Patient Care Technician Education and Training:
Respiratory Therapist Education and Training:
Get courses selected just for you
Try our powerful search engine
Article continues after recommendations
Patient Care Technician Career Outlook and Salary:
Respiratory Therapist Career Outlook and Salary:
Choosing a career in healthcare is a noble and rewarding decision. Both patient care technicians and respiratory therapists play vital roles in providing care to patients and contributing to their well-being. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your interests, career goals, and the level of specialized care you wish to provide. Consider your strengths, preferences, and the education and training required for each role to make an informed decision about your future in healthcare.
Dreambound's programs extend across various locations. Visit these blogs for a thorough exploration of the two vocations, encompassing details on their requirements and insights on how to get started:
Blessed Joy Amarga is part of the Growth and Sales teams at Dreambound. She helps bring in new leads, increasing the number of people at the top of the sales funnel, and supporting the team in creating graphics to boost social media engagement. Blessed is also a Licensed Architect. Outside work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places for her vlog.