If you've been looking to break into the healthcare field, you may have heard of both Medical Assistants and Patient Care Technicians. But, what's the difference? They sound quite similar in roles and responsibilities, so we'll break down the key difference between them in this blog post.

What is a PCT? What is a Medical Assistant?

First, let's define both profession for us to understand them further. A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional responsible for delivering hands-on care to patients. Their role encompasses tasks similar to those of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but they are also trained in basic medical procedures like conducting EKGs and performing phlebotomy. PCTs operate under the supervision of registered nurses, medical doctors, or other healthcare providers, with the specific scope of their practice determined by state laws.

On the other hand, a Medical Assistant (MA) fulfills administrative and clinical responsibilities within a medical environment. They engage in direct patient care and execute various clinical duties, including ECGs, phlebotomy, and medication administration, all while upholding patient safety and confidentiality. The specific tasks of MAs can vary based on location, specialization, and level of experience.

Responsibilities

Patient Care Technician (PCT): PCTs are a CNA, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist all in one. So, they end up doing more direct patient care.

Medical Assistant (MA): MAs do both clinical and administrative duties. They might take vital signs, administer injections, and help with other procedures. But differently from a PCT, they also schedule appointments, update medical records, and help with billing.

Training

PCT:

• Length: Training for PCTs are generally shorter (2-6 months long) than MA school
• Cost: $2,000-4,000
• Type of school: Only offered by vocational training programs, not colleges. This means that it's more challenging to get financial aid (if you qualify)
• Environment: Can be done online (with optional in-person externship), hybrid (part online, part in-person), or fully in-person
• Certification: Not always required but is preferred by many employers. Certification options vary by state but often include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), EKG, and Phlebotomy certification separately

MA:

• Length: 3 months-1 year
• Cost: $3,000-10,000, but financial aid may be available for those who qualify
• Type of school: vocational school or college
• Environment: Can be done online (with optional in-person externship), hybrid, or fully in-person
• Certification: Not always required but is preferred by many employers. Certifications include Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Employment

PCT:

• Work environment: Works in hospitals and home health care
• Pay: $35,740 per year ($17.18 hourly)
• Opportunities for growth: Can get additionally certified in a variety of other healthcare roles

MA:

• Work environment: Can work in doctor's offices, hospitals, lab environments, and more
• Pay: $38,270 annually ($18.40 hourly), so slightly higher than PCTs
• Opportunities for growth: Can get additionally certified in a variety of other healthcare roles

Which one do we recommend?

• Pick PCT if: You're looking for a faster and cheaper certification that will get you into the door of a hospital job
• Pick MA if: You're looking to stay in the MA role for a long time, e.g. if you're not looking to immediately become a nurse after finishing school. The increased pay is worth the time and education if you stay in the job longer

But, both are great! They are relatively affordable and can be done online.

PCT vs MA: Job description

PCTs work directly with patients and their families. They ensure that their patients receive quality care. They also work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). PCTs commonly work in hospitals but can also find employment in various facilities. Other workplaces include assisted living facilities, nursing homes, long-term facilities, and hospices.

Key roles:

• Providing basic patient care — assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, grooming, feeding, and toileting.

• Monitoring and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.

• Administering medication—oral and topical medications under the direction of a nurse or physician.

• Assisting with medical procedures, such as catheterization and wound care

• Keeping patient rooms tidy and sanitized

• Taking fluid samples of patients for specimen testing

• Providing extra emotional care and support to patients through communication

Skills needed:

• Knowledge in phlebotomy and vital signs measurement

• Able to use electronic health records systems and medical equipment

• Detail-oriented and able to record and report patient information

• Solve problems related to patient care and work with other healthcare professionals

• Communicate with patients, families, and healthcare professionals

• Able to build relationships with patients and their families. Show empathy, and exhibit patience and understanding.

• Able to stand or walk for long periods and perform other physical-demanding tasks

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MAs are responsible for tasks to help both medical professionals and patients. They help to complete tasks like filing insurance forms. They also provide clinical care for patients. Most MAs work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Key roles:

• Interviewing patients and documenting medical history

• Providing patients with education on their health condition, treatment options, and preventative measures

• Organizing and scheduling medical appointments

• Taking basic medical tests such as vital signs

• Performing oxygen titration on patients

• Administering medications- Including vaccinations/immunizations as directed by a physician or other medical professional

• Maintaining and sterilizing medical equipment and supplies

• Providing injections and vaccinations to patients

• Communicating with patients and their families, explaining medical concerns, test results, and treatment plans.

• Wound care, removing stitches, and changing dressings 

• Handling payments, accounts, and other financial records

Skills needed:

• Knowledge of medical managing systems and procedures

• Efficient time management and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of patient management software

• Strong organizational and planning skills

• Able to build relationships with patients and their families. Show enthusiasm and exhibit patience.

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PCT vs MA: Education & training

Patient Care Technician education and training

• A typical PCT training program's length is approximately 600 hours and range from 3 to 6 months. Training programs cost anywhere between $1,800 and $2,100. 

• Find Patient Care Technician classes near you

• Can be done online. See online Patient Care Technician classes

Medical Assistant education and training

• To become a Medical Assistant, you must complete training and graduate from an accredited institution.  After that, you must pass the Certified Medical Assistant exam. The duration of MA programs varies from 4 months to 2 years. The cost of accredited MA programs ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. You can also pursue a degree instead of a certificate program.

• Find Medical Assistant schools near me

• Can be done online. See online Medical Assistant classes

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PCT vs MA: Career outlook

‍Patient Care Technician Career Outlook

• Nursing assistants, a category that may include PCTs, are in high demand in the US, with a projected 4% growth from 2022 to 2032. The average salary stands at $35,740 per year ($17.18 hourly), but individuals with experience have the potential to earn up to $46,000 annually. For a more in-depth analysis, feel free to explore the salary information for PCTs.

Medical Assistant Career Outlook

• According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), expect 114,600 new job openings to come in the next few years. MA jobs expect a 14% growth between 2022 and 2032.  They earn an average annual salary of $38,270 annually ($18.40 hourly). The top-paying states for MAs are California, Washington, Alaska and Oregon. They all offer average annual salaries above $48,000. For a closer look, check out the salary details for MAs.

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Both MAs and Patient Care Technicians PCTs play important roles in the healthcare field, supporting both patients and healthcare professionals. Their absence may lead to increased workloads for others, ultimately impacting patient care negatively. The choice between the two positions largely depends on personal preference. PCTs concentrate on delivering optimal patient care, while MAs perform a range of medical and technical tasks in various ways.

If you are interested in providing direct patient care, being a PCT may be the ideal choice for you. This would allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to your healthcare career. On the other hand, if you want to work alongside physicians, an MA position may be more appropriate. An MA program provides cross-training, enabling you to perform a wider range of clinical and administrative duties.