Key Points:

• Patient care technicians assist nurses; Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks.
• Patient care technicians typically earn less than Medical Assistants. Both fields are expected to grow, but Medical Assistants may have more job opportunities.
• Patient care technicians often require a certificate program, while Medical Assistants may need a diploma or associate's degree, with both offering online and in-person options.
• Patient care technician programs are generally shorter and less expensive than Medical Assistant programs, which can take 1-2 years to complete.

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 differences between them in this blog post.

What is a Patient care technician? What is a Medical Assistant?

First, let's define both professions 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.

PCT vs MA: Responsibilities

Patient Care Technician (PCT): Patient care technicians are often healthcare professionals with existing certifications as CNAs, EKG technicians, and phlebotomists. They typically do more direct patient care compared to Medical assistants.

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 patient care technician, they also schedule appointments, update medical records, and help with billing.

PCT vs MA: Training

Patient Care Technician:

• Length: Training for PCTs is 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

Medical Assistant:

• 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).

PCT vs MA: 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

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. ‍

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. You may find Patient Care Technician classes near you through Dreambound! For online classes, kindly view the online Patient Care Technician classes found through the Dreambound platform.

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 Medical Assistant schools near you and online Medical Assistant classes are also available through the Dreambound platform!

Dreambound helps students find comprehensive training programs that equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the field. Wondering if Dreambound can help you achieve your aspirations? Let's hear from students who have experienced firsthand success with their support.

• "My experience using the Dreambound platform was great. I really liked how they have different classes you can choose from. I have been praying and wanting to go back to school, but I just did not know where to start. Then I came across Dreambound, and it had everything that I needed. So I know that this is a sign for me to start my career and to get back to what I used to love." - Shanika Inman
• "The process was easy, fast, and provided lots of information." — Nicole Caballero
• "Dreambound is an easy-to-use and professional platform. It helps you reach your goals and make your dreams a reality. Dreambound provides the tools and guidance you need to succeed." — Samantha Williams

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a medical assistant the same as a tech?

While there may be some similarities between a patient care technician and a medical assistant, they are not the same. Both roles might involve similar responsibilities in patient care, such as measuring vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. However, a medical assistant's role often includes more tasks that are not directly related to patient care.

Is PCA the same as PCT?

PCA and PCT can be interchangeable depending on the state or place you live. They are also closely related to one another. Both Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) and Patient Care Associates (PCAs) work in the healthcare field, providing essential care to patients. They work under the guidance of a registered nurse or doctor. Their role is to make sure the patient is comfortable, safe, and well-communicated. However, PCTs usually have a bit more responsibility and technical skills compared to PCAs, who are similar to nursing aides.

Is PCT a stressful job?

Yes, being a Patient Care Technician can be stressful at times but any job has its ups and downs. This is mainly because PCTs often work with individuals who are sick or recuperating, which can be emotionally challenging. They may have to handle situations involving patient discomfort, providing care at the end of life, and managing the pressure of intense medical settings.

What is the best job as a medical assistant?

One of the top jobs for a medical assistant is in the field of podiatry, where they assist doctors who specialize in foot care. These medical assistants earn an average yearly salary of about $54,116! Their duties include helping with procedures like toenail removal and bunion corrections, as well as general foot care.