Patient Care Technician vs Respiratory Therapist

Patient Care Technician vs Respiratory Therapist

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If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, two great options to consider are becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or a Respiratory Therapist (RT). Both roles let you work directly with patients and make a real impact—but they have different responsibilities, training paths, and career opportunities. In this guide, we’ll break down what each role involves, how to get started, and which might be the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.

Key Points:

  • Patient Care Technicians assist nurses; Respiratory Therapists treat patients with breathing issues.
  • Patient Care Technicians typically earn less than Respiratory Therapists.
  • Both jobs are in high demand, but Respiratory Therapists may have more opportunities.
  • Patient Care Technicians can train online or in-person, while Respiratory Therapists require in-person training.
  • Patient Care Technician training is generally shorter and less expensive than Respiratory Therapist training.

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.

Patient Care Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary

Patient Care Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nursing assistants and orderlies (which includes patient care technicians) is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
  • The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,430 in May 2024, according to the BLS.

Respiratory Therapist Career Outlook and Salary:

  • According to the BLS, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $80,450 in May 2024, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

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
Written by
Blessed Joy Amarga

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.

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