Key Points:

• Psychiatric Technicians work in mental health settings; Surgical Technicians assist surgeons in operating rooms.
• Surgical Technicians typically earn higher salaries than Psychiatric Technicians.
• Demand for both roles is expected to grow, but Surgical Technicians may have more job openings.
• Both require in-person training, but Surgical Technicians may need more extensive education.
• Psychiatric Technician training is generally less expensive and shorter than Surgical Technician training.

When it comes to choosing a career in the healthcare field, there are a multitude of options to consider. Two such options are becoming a psychiatric technician or a surgical technician. While both careers fall under the umbrella of healthcare, they differ significantly in their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two professions, allowing you to make an informed decision about which path may be the right fit for you.

What is a Psychiatric Technician and Surgical Technician?

Psychiatric Technician

A psychiatric technician, also known as a mental health technician, is a healthcare professional who provides care and support to individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to create and implement treatment plans for their patients.

Psychiatric technicians play a critical role in the overall care of individuals with mental health conditions. They may be responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medications, assisting with therapy sessions, and helping patients with daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Additionally, they may document patient progress and report any changes or concerns to the healthcare team.

Surgical Technician

A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist or operating room technician, is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons and other surgical team members during medical procedures. They work in operating rooms and are responsible for ensuring that the surgical environment is sterile and well-prepared for each procedure.

Surgical technicians play a vital role in the operating room, working alongside surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Their responsibilities include preparing the operating room by sterilizing equipment and ensuring all necessary supplies are available. During surgery, they pass instruments to the surgeon, handle specimens, and assist with suturing and wound closure. They also help to maintain a sterile field and monitor patient vital signs.

Difference between a Psychiatric Technician and Surgical Technician

While both psychiatric technicians and surgical technicians work in the healthcare field, there are distinct differences between the two professions.

Focus of Care

• Psychiatric technicians primarily work with individuals who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities, providing care and support tailored to their specific needs.
• Surgical technicians, on the other hand, focus on assisting in surgical procedures, ensuring the operating room is prepared and maintaining a sterile environment.

Work Environment

• Psychiatric technicians typically work in mental health facilities, such as psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient clinics.
• Surgical technicians primarily work in hospitals or surgical centers, spending most of their time in the operating room.

Patient Interaction

• Psychiatric technicians have direct and ongoing contact with patients, providing emotional support, assisting with daily activities, and participating in therapeutic interventions.
• Surgical technicians have limited direct patient contact during surgery, as their primary role is to assist the surgical team and maintain a sterile environment.

Emotional Demands

• Psychiatric technicians may face emotional challenges due to the nature of their work, as they often work with individuals who are experiencing mental health crises or challenging behaviors.
• Surgical technicians may also experience emotional demands, particularly during high-stress surgical procedures, but their focus is primarily on maintaining a sterile environment and supporting the surgical team.

Job Duties

• Psychiatric technicians focus on providing direct patient care, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with therapy sessions, and helping with daily activities.
• Surgical technicians focus on preparing the operating room, passing instruments to the surgeon, handling specimens, and assisting with suturing and wound closure.

Psychiatric Technician vs Surgical Technician: Job Description

Psychiatric Technician

• Provide direct patient care to individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities.
• Monitor and document patient vital signs.
• Administer medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals.
• Assist with therapy sessions, including group and individual counseling.
• Help patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Participate in treatment planning and implementation.
• Report patient progress and concerns to the healthcare team.

Surgical Technician

• Prepare the operating room for surgical procedures.
• Sterilize and arrange surgical instruments and supplies.
• Assist the surgical team by passing instruments to the surgeon.
• Handle specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Assist with suturing and wound closure.
• Maintain a sterile field during surgical procedures.
• Monitor patient vital signs during surgery.

Psychiatric Technician vs Surgical Technician: Education and Training

Psychiatric Technician

• Education: Psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in psychiatric or mental health technology. These programs provide coursework in psychology, mental health disorders, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacology.
• Training: After completing their formal education, psychiatric technicians typically receive on-the-job training to learn specific facility protocols, procedures, and treatment approaches. They may also pursue certifications, such as the Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT) credential, to demonstrate their competence and enhance their job prospects.

Surgical Technician

• Education: Surgical technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in surgical technology. These programs provide coursework in anatomy, physiology, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques.
• Training: After completing their formal education, surgical technicians typically complete a clinical externship to gain hands-on experience in the operating room. They may also pursue certifications, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, to demonstrate their competence and enhance their job prospects.

Psychiatric Technician vs Surgical Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Psychiatric Technician

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of psychiatric technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for psychiatric technicians is expected to increase as the aging population and advancements in medical technology contribute to the need for more mental health services.
• The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $35,380 in May 2020, according to the BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,120.

Surgical Technician

• According to the BLS, the employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for surgical technologists is expected to increase as the population continues to age and require surgical procedures.
• The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $49,040 in May 2020, according to the BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,380, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,170.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare field is a significant decision, and it's essential to consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Both psychiatric technicians and surgical technicians play critical roles in the healthcare system, but they differ in their focus of care, job duties, and work environments.

If you have a passion for helping individuals with mental health conditions and enjoy providing direct patient care, a career as a psychiatric technician may be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you thrive in fast-paced environments, have a keen attention to detail, and enjoy working as part of a surgical team, a career as a surgical technician may be a better match.

Ultimately, the choice between a psychiatric technician and surgical technician will depend on your individual preferences and career aspirations. By considering the information provided in this blog post, you can make an informed decision about which path may be the best fit for your future.

Dreambound's educational programs open doors to exciting opportunities. For a more comprehensive understanding of the potential within these two vocations, we invite you to explore further details by visiting: