Key Points:

• Psychiatric Technicians provide care for patients with mental health issues; Radiology Technicians operate medical imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients.
• Psychiatric Technicians typically earn a lower median salary compared to Radiology Technicians.
• Both fields are expected to see job growth.
• Both roles require formal training, but Psychiatric Technicians may have more in-person training, while Radiology Technicians may have more online learning options.
• The training for Psychiatric Technicians is generally less expensive and shorter than Radiology Technicians.

Choosing a career path can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many options to choose from. Two popular vocational training options are psychiatric technician and radiology technician. Both professions require specialized training and offer unique opportunities for those interested in the healthcare field. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a psychiatric technician and a radiology technician, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks.

What is a Psychiatric Technician and Radiology Technician?

Before diving into the differences between these two professions, let's first understand what each role entails.

A psychiatric technician is a healthcare professional who provides care and assistance to individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, and registered nurses to implement treatment plans, monitor patients' progress, and provide emotional support. Psychiatric technicians may work in various settings such as psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient clinics.

On the other hand, a radiology technician, also known as a radiologic technologist or radiographer, is responsible for operating imaging equipment to obtain diagnostic images of patients' internal structures. They work closely with radiologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to perform X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging procedures. Radiology technicians work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities.

Difference between a Psychiatric Technician and a Radiology Technician

While both psychiatric technicians and radiology technicians work in the healthcare field, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly. Here are some key differences between the two professions:

• Patient Population: Psychiatric technicians primarily work with individuals who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They focus on providing emotional support, assisting with daily activities, and implementing treatment plans. Radiology technicians, on the other hand, work with patients of all ages and medical conditions who require imaging procedures for diagnostic purposes.

• Direct Patient Care vs Technical Skills: Psychiatric technicians spend a significant amount of time providing direct patient care. They interact closely with patients, monitor their progress, administer medication, and assist with daily activities. Radiology technicians, on the other hand, focus more on technical skills and operating imaging equipment to obtain high-quality diagnostic images. While they do interact with patients during the procedures, their primary role is to ensure accurate and safe imaging.

• Treatment vs Diagnosis: Psychiatric technicians play a vital role in the treatment process of individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They implement treatment plans, provide counseling, and monitor patients' responses to medication and therapies. Radiology technicians, on the other hand, are responsible for obtaining diagnostic images that aid in the diagnosis of various medical conditions. Their primary focus is on capturing clear and accurate images to assist physicians in making informed diagnoses.

• Work Environment: Psychiatric technicians primarily work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient clinics. They may also work in correctional facilities or community mental health centers. Radiology technicians, on the other hand, work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities that offer imaging services.

Psychiatric Technician vs Radiology Technician: Job Description

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between these two professions, let's delve deeper into their job descriptions.

A psychiatric technician's job description may include:

• Assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Administering medication as prescribed by the supervising healthcare professionals.
• Monitoring and documenting patients' vital signs and behaviors.
• Facilitating group therapy sessions and recreational activities.
• Implementing individualized treatment plans under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
• Providing emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.

A radiology technician's job description may include:

• Explaining imaging procedures to patients and ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Positioning patients correctly to obtain clear and accurate diagnostic images.
• Operating computerized imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI scanners.
• Following radiation safety protocols to protect patients, themselves, and other healthcare personnel.
• Collaborating with radiologists and physicians to ensure proper imaging techniques and protocols.
• Evaluating images for quality and ensuring that all necessary images are captured for diagnosis.

Psychiatric Technician vs Radiology Technician: Education and Training

To pursue a career as a psychiatric technician or radiology technician, specific education and training are required. Here's what you need to know:

Psychiatric Technician Education and Training:

• Education: Psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate or diploma in psychiatric or mental health technology. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare training institutes. The duration of the programs can range from 6 months to 2 years.
• Training: After completing their education, psychiatric technicians often undergo on-the-job training where they learn about facility-specific policies, procedures, and treatment approaches. This training is typically provided by experienced psychiatric technicians or other healthcare professionals.

Radiology Technician Education and Training:

• Education: Radiology technicians usually need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field. These programs are offered by community colleges, universities, or hospitals and typically take 2 years to complete. Some bachelor's degree programs in radiologic sciences are also available.
• Training: In addition to their formal education, radiology technicians must complete a clinical internship or externship, where they gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists. This hands-on training ensures that they are competent in performing imaging procedures and operating imaging equipment.

Psychiatric Technician vs Radiology Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career path, it's essential to understand the potential career outlook and salary prospects. Here's what you can expect as a psychiatric technician or radiology technician:

Psychiatric Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

• Career Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of psychiatric technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for psychiatric technicians is expected to increase as the population ages and more individuals seek treatment for mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.
• Median Salary: As of May 2020, the median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $35,870. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,580, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,880.

Radiology Technician Career Outlook and Salary:

• Career Outlook: The BLS projects that employment of radiologic technologists and technicians will grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for diagnostic imaging is expected to increase as the population grows and ages, leading to more medical conditions that require imaging for diagnosis.
• Median Salary: As of May 2020, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $63,710. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,600, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,580.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career as a psychiatric technician or radiology technician can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare field. While both professions require specialized training and offer unique opportunities, they cater to different interests and skill sets. Consider your passion for patient care and technical skills when deciding between these two vocational training options. Ultimately, choosing a career that aligns with your interests, values, and strengths is key to long-term professional satisfaction.

Dreambound's programs are accessible in various locations. To gather more information about these two vocations, check out:

• Psychiatric Technician in Missouri
• Radiology Technician in Georgia
• Psychiatric Technician classes near you