When it comes to choosing a vocational training program, it's important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals. Two popular vocational paths that you may be considering are becoming a physical therapy technician or a psychiatric technician. While both of these careers involve working with patients and assisting in their care, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of physical therapy technicians and psychiatric technicians, as well as the education and training required for each career. We will also discuss the career outlook and salary potential for both professions. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of which path may be the best fit for you.

What is a Physical Therapy Technician and Psychiatric Technician?

Before we dive into the differences between physical therapy technicians and psychiatric technicians, let's take a closer look at what each of these roles entails.

A physical therapy technician is a healthcare professional who assists physical therapists in providing treatment to patients with injuries or disabilities. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices. Some of the tasks that a physical therapy technician may perform include:

• Assisting patients with exercises and stretches
• Setting up equipment for therapy sessions
• Monitoring patients' progress and reporting back to the physical therapist
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to patients
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the therapy area

On the other hand, a psychiatric technician is responsible for assisting in the care and treatment of individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They often work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or outpatient clinics. Some of the duties of a psychiatric technician may include:

• Monitoring patients' behavior and reporting any changes or concerns to the treatment team
• Assisting with group therapy sessions or recreational activities
• Administering medications as prescribed by a psychiatrist or nurse
• Providing personal care, such as bathing or grooming, to patients
• Creating a safe and therapeutic environment for patients

Difference between a Physical Therapy Technician and a Psychiatric Technician

While physical therapy technicians and psychiatric technicians both work in the healthcare field and play a crucial role in patient care, there are some key differences between the two professions. Here are a few factors that set them apart:

• Focus of Care: Physical therapy technicians primarily work with patients who have physical injuries or disabilities, while psychiatric technicians focus on individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities.

• Treatment Approach: Physical therapy technicians assist in providing physical rehabilitation and therapy to help patients regain mobility and function. Psychiatric technicians, on the other hand, support patients in managing their mental health symptoms and developing coping strategies.

• Work Environment: Physical therapy technicians commonly work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices, while psychiatric technicians typically work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or outpatient clinics.

• Patient Population: Physical therapy technicians work with patients of all ages who are recovering from physical injuries or surgeries. Psychiatric technicians often work with adults or adolescents who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities.

• Team Collaboration: Physical therapy technicians work closely with physical therapists to develop and implement treatment plans. Psychiatric technicians collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other members of the treatment team to provide holistic care for patients.

Physical Therapy Technician vs Psychiatric Technician: Job Description

Now that we have a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of physical therapy technicians and psychiatric technicians, let's take a closer look at the job descriptions for each profession.

Physical Therapy Technician Job Description:

• Assisting physical therapists in providing treatment to patients
• Setting up equipment and preparing treatment areas for therapy sessions
• Assisting patients with exercises and stretches
• Monitoring patients' progress and reporting back to the physical therapist
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to patients
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the therapy area

Psychiatric Technician Job Description:

• Assisting in the care and treatment of individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities
• Monitoring patients' behavior and reporting any changes or concerns to the treatment team
• Assisting with group therapy sessions or recreational activities
• Administering medications as prescribed by a psychiatrist or nurse
• Providing personal care, such as bathing or grooming, to patients
• Creating a safe and therapeutic environment for patients

Physical Therapy Technician vs Psychiatric Technician: Education and Training

To pursue a career as a physical therapy technician or psychiatric technician, you will need to complete a vocational training program. Here are the education and training requirements for each profession:

Physical Therapy Technician Education and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a physical therapy technician program, which typically takes around 1-2 years
• Some states may require licensure or certification, which may involve passing an exam or completing a certain number of clinical hours

Psychiatric Technician Education and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a psychiatric technician program, which usually takes around 1-2 years
• Some states may require licensure or certification, which may involve passing an exam or completing a certain number of clinical hours

Physical Therapy Technician vs Psychiatric Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career path, it's important to also take into account the job outlook and potential salary. Here is an overview of the career outlook and salary potential for physical therapy technicians and psychiatric technicians:

Physical Therapy Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of physical therapy technicians is projected to grow 27% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• As of May 2020, the median annual wage for physical therapy technicians was $48,990, with the lowest 10% earning less than $31,000 and the highest 10% earning more than $79,000.

Psychiatric Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

• The BLS projects that the employment of psychiatric technicians will grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• As of May 2020, the median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $37,330, with the lowest 10% earning less than $25,930 and the highest 10% earning more than $64,300.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between becoming a physical therapy technician or a psychiatric technician is a personal decision that depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Both professions offer rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact on patients' lives. Consider what type of patient population you would like to work with, the treatment approaches that interest you, and the work environment that aligns with your preferences. Additionally, take into account the education and training requirements, as well as the career outlook and salary potential for each profession. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and with the right training and dedication, you can have a successful career as either a physical therapy technician or a psychiatric technician.

Dreambound's programs are available in different places. Check these blogs for a good look at the two vocations, including what you need and tips on how to start:

• Physical Therapy Technician in Louisiana
• Psychiatric Technician in Louisiana
• Physical Therapy Technician classes near you
• Psychiatric Technician classes near you