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Patient Care Technician vs Surgical Technician

Patient Care Technician vs Surgical Technician

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Key Points:

  • Patient Care Technicians provide basic patient care; Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations.
  • Patient Care Technicians typically earn less than Surgical Technicians.
  • Both roles are in demand, but Surgical Technician jobs may be more competitive.
  • Both may require in-person training, but Surgical Technician programs are often more intensive.
  • Patient Care Technician training is generally shorter and less expensive than Surgical Technician training.

In the medical field, there are a variety of careers that can be pursued to make a difference in the lives of patients. Two such careers are patient care technician and surgical technician. While both professions involve direct patient care, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of patient care technicians and surgical technicians, as well as the educational requirements and career outlook for each.

Patient Care Technician vs Surgical Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Patient Care Technician:

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of patient care technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • The median annual wage for patient care technicians was $31,220 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Surgical Technician:

  • Employment of surgical technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.
  • The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $49,710 in May 2020, according to the BLS.

Final Thoughts

Both patient care technicians and surgical technicians play integral roles in the healthcare industry. While patient care technicians focus on providing basic care to patients in various healthcare settings, surgical technicians specialize in assisting with surgical procedures in the operating room. The educational requirements and career outlook for each profession differ slightly, but both offer opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients. Whether you choose to pursue a career as a patient care technician or surgical technician, you can be confident that you are entering a field that is in high demand and offers competitive wages.

Discover Dreambound's program accessibility across various locations. For detailed insights into the two vocations, their requirements, and joining procedures, explore the following blogs:

Sunshine Tupan
Written by
Sunshine Tupan

Sunshine is a member of the School Growth team at Dreambound, where she assists students and schools with their billing and onboarding needs. She is a licensed mechanical engineer. Outside of work, she enjoys road trips with her family, discovering cozy cafes, and exploring her love for art.

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