Key Points:

• Patient Care Technicians assist nurses in hospitals; Veterinary Assistants support veterinarians in animal clinics.
• Patient Care Technicians typically earn higher salaries than Veterinary Assistants.
• There are more job openings for Patient Care Technicians due to the growing healthcare industry.
• Both jobs require in-person training, but Patient Care Technicians may have more online course options.
• Patient Care Technician training is generally more expensive and takes longer than Veterinary Assistant training.

Are you interested in working in a healthcare or animal care field but unsure which career path to pursue? Two popular options to consider are becoming a Patient Care Technician or a Veterinary Assistant. While both roles involve caring for others, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of a Patient Care Technician and a Veterinary Assistant, their job descriptions, required education and training, career outlook, and salary potential. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which career path aligns best with your interests and goals.

What is a Patient Care Technician and Veterinary Assistant?

Patient Care Technician:

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a vital member of a healthcare team who provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. PCTs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
• Collecting specimens for laboratory testing.
• Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs) and other basic medical procedures.
• Assisting with patient transportation and transfers.
• Maintaining patient records and documentation.

Veterinary Assistant:

A Veterinary Assistant is a healthcare professional who provides support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care settings. They work primarily in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and animal shelters. Some of their main duties include:

• Assisting with animal handling and restraint during exams and procedures.
• Administering medication and treatments under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Assisting with surgical procedures and post-operative care.
• Performing routine laboratory tests, such as blood and urine analysis.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization within the clinic or hospital.
• Educating pet owners on basic animal care and medication administration.

Difference between a Patient Care Technician and Veterinary Assistant

While both Patient Care Technicians and Veterinary Assistants provide care to others, there are some key differences between the two roles. These differences include:

• Patient Population: Patient Care Technicians primarily work with human patients, while Veterinary Assistants work with animals.
• Medical Procedures: Patient Care Technicians are trained to perform basic medical procedures on humans, such as taking vital signs and collecting specimens. Veterinary Assistants assist with animal handling and perform routine laboratory tests on animals.
• Work Settings: Patient Care Technicians work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, while Veterinary Assistants work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and animal shelters.
• Supervision: Patient Care Technicians work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians, while Veterinary Assistants work under the supervision of veterinarians or veterinary technicians.

Patient Care Technician vs Veterinary Assistant: Job Description

Patient Care Technician:

A Patient Care Technician's job description includes:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
• Collecting specimens for laboratory testing.
• Performing basic medical procedures, such as EKGs.
• Assisting with patient transportation and transfers.
• Maintaining patient records and documentation.

Veterinary Assistant:

A Veterinary Assistant's job description includes:

• Assisting with animal handling and restraint during exams and procedures.
• Administering medication and treatments under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Assisting with surgical procedures and post-operative care.
• Performing routine laboratory tests, such as blood and urine analysis.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization within the clinic or hospital.
• Educating pet owners on basic animal care and medication administration.

Patient Care Technician vs Veterinary Assistant: Education and Training

Patient Care Technician:

To become a Patient Care Technician, most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with post-secondary training. PCT training programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes. These programs typically take a few months to a year to complete and cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care skills, and basic medical procedures. After completing the training program, aspiring PCTs may need to pass a certification exam to become certified.

Veterinary Assistant:

The educational requirements for Veterinary Assistants vary by state and employer. Some employers may hire candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training. However, completing a Veterinary Assistant training program can increase job prospects and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role. These programs, offered at vocational schools and community colleges, typically take a few months to a year to complete. Topics covered may include animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary medical terminology, animal handling and restraint, and basic veterinary procedures.

Patient Care Technician vs Veterinary Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

Patient Care Technician:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 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 mainly due to the aging population and the increased demand for healthcare services. The median annual wage for Patient Care Technicians was $32,050 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $49,750.

Veterinary Assistant:

The BLS does not provide specific data for Veterinary Assistants, but the employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for pet care services and the expansion of veterinary clinics. The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $28,590 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $41,490.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career path as a Patient Care Technician or a Veterinary Assistant requires careful consideration of your interests and goals. If you enjoy working with people and want to make a difference in the lives of patients, becoming a Patient Care Technician may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for animals and want to contribute to their well-being, a career as a Veterinary Assistant may be more suitable. Both careers offer rewarding opportunities to provide care and support to others, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and career aspirations.

Dreambound's program is accessible in diverse locations. Take a deep dive into these blogs for comprehensive insights into the two vocations, covering their requirements and guidance on joining:

• Patient Care Technician in New Jersey
• Veterinary Assistant in New Jersey
• Patient Care Technician classes near you