Key Points:

• Physical Therapy Technicians assist physical therapists; Respiratory Therapists treat patients with breathing issues.
• Physical Therapy Technicians generally earn less than Respiratory Therapists.
• Respiratory Therapist jobs are expected to grow faster than Physical Therapy Technician jobs.
• Both roles require in-person training, but Respiratory Therapists need more advanced education.
• Physical Therapy Technician training is typically shorter and less expensive than Respiratory Therapist training.

The healthcare industry is a rapidly growing field, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can provide quality care to patients. Physical Therapy Technicians and Respiratory Therapists are both important members of the healthcare team, but they have different roles and responsibilities. Understanding these differences can help you choose the career path that aligns with your interests and goals.

What is a Physical Therapy Technician and Respiratory Therapist?

Physical Therapy Technician:

A Physical Therapy Technician, also known as a Physical Therapy Aide, works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to assist in providing treatment to patients with physical injuries or illnesses. Their main responsibilities include:

• Assisting patients with exercises and therapeutic activities
• Setting up and maintaining equipment used during therapy sessions
• Preparing treatment areas for patient appointments
• Monitoring and recording patient progress during therapy sessions
• Performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and updating patient records

Respiratory Therapist:

A Respiratory Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in treating patients with respiratory disorders. They work closely with physicians to diagnose and treat conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea. Their main responsibilities include:

• Conducting diagnostic tests to assess lung function
• Administering medications and therapies to improve respiratory function
• Monitoring and adjusting ventilator settings for patients on life support
• Educating patients on proper breathing techniques and self-care strategies
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans

Difference between a Physical Therapy Technician and a Respiratory Therapist

While both Physical Therapy Technicians and Respiratory Therapists work in the healthcare field and provide care to patients, there are several key differences between these two professions. These include:

• Scope of Practice: Physical Therapy Technicians primarily assist Physical Therapists in providing treatment to patients with physical injuries or illnesses. Respiratory Therapists, on the other hand, focus specifically on treating patients with respiratory disorders.
• Job Settings: Physical Therapy Technicians typically work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or rehabilitation centers. Respiratory Therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, and sleep disorder centers.
• Patient Population: Physical Therapy Technicians work with patients of all ages who have physical injuries or conditions limiting their mobility. Respiratory Therapists primarily work with patients who have respiratory disorders, which can include individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
• Treatment Techniques: Physical Therapy Technicians assist with exercises and therapeutic activities to help patients improve their strength, flexibility, and mobility. Respiratory Therapists use a variety of techniques, including breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and the administration of medications, to improve respiratory function.

Physical Therapy Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Job Description

Physical Therapy Technician:

As a Physical Therapy Technician, your main role is to assist Physical Therapists in providing treatment to patients with physical injuries or illnesses. Your daily responsibilities may include:

• Assisting patients with exercises and therapeutic activities
• Setting up and maintaining equipment used during therapy sessions
• Preparing treatment areas for patient appointments
• Monitoring and recording patient progress during therapy sessions
• Performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and updating patient records

Respiratory Therapist:

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will specialize in treating patients with respiratory disorders. Your job responsibilities may include:

• Conducting diagnostic tests to assess lung function
• Administering medications and therapies to improve respiratory function
• Monitoring and adjusting ventilator settings for patients on life support
• Educating patients on proper breathing techniques and self-care strategies
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans

Physical Therapy Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Education and Training

Physical Therapy Technician:

To become a Physical Therapy Technician, you typically need to complete a certificate or associate degree program in physical therapy assisting. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. After completing your education, you may also need to pass a state licensing exam or meet other requirements to practice as a Physical Therapy Technician.

Respiratory Therapist:

To become a Respiratory Therapist, you must complete an associate or bachelor's degree program in respiratory therapy. These programs typically take 2-4 years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory therapy techniques. After completing your education, you must also pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam to become a licensed Respiratory Therapist.

Physical Therapy Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary

Physical Therapy Technician:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of Physical Therapy Technicians is projected to grow 26 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for physical therapy services as the population ages and more people require rehabilitation services. The median annual wage for Physical Therapy Technicians was $26,240 in May 2019.

Respiratory Therapist:

The BLS projects that the employment of Respiratory Therapists will grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028, also much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the aging population and the increasing prevalence of respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. The median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists was $61,330 in May 2019.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry is a noble and rewarding decision. Both Physical Therapy Technicians and Respiratory Therapists play crucial roles in helping patients improve their quality of life. If you enjoy working with patients of all ages and want to focus on physical rehabilitation, a career as a Physical Therapy Technician may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a passion for respiratory health and want to specialize in treating patients with respiratory disorders, becoming a Respiratory Therapist may be a better fit. Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals as you make your decision.

Dreambound provides programs in several locations. Get detailed information about these two vocations by checking:

• Physical Therapy Technician in Massachusetts
• Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts
• Physical Therapy Technician classes near you
• Respiratory Therapist classes near you