Medical Assistant Vs. Patient Care Technician
By: Jordan Jennings; MHA, EMT
Did you know that throughout someone’s lifetime, the average person switches their career anywhere between 3 and 7 times? A lot of the time, this has to do with seeking better salaries, better work cultures, and structure.
During a time of economic uncertainty and the challenges of inflation, staggered layoffs, and a possible recession*, job seekers are thinking about what their next professional move should be and how to make it happen. With a rewarding career in mind, many people are leaning toward careers as a Medical Assistant (MA) or a Patient Care Technician (PCT).
The reason for this is the expected growth of both fields**, the above-average entry salaries, and the ability to quickly scale if you specialize, which you can do with this certificate. While the benefits of both career paths are uncapped, they are often used interchangeably when they are completely different.
If you want to enter a top-ranking industry in the U.S. known for having ‘faster than average growth opportunities’ and for being consistently in demand, keep reading and learn how you can start your career in the healthcare field!
What is a Medical Assistant?
As a medical assistant, you’re considered to be an allied health professional. You may also be called a healthcare assistant or a clinical assistant, regardless of the exact title, you can expect to have room to specialize and have a versatile daily schedule. Aside from certain interpersonal skills, in an MA certificate program, you may learn a combination of skills such as:
- Medical Terminology
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Vital Signs Measurement
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) Setup and Use
- Medical Coding Basics
- Scheduling and Appointment Setting
You may have noticed that this type of healthcare professional alternates between clinical and administrative tasks.
What Is a Patient Care Technician?
A PCT is a paraprofessional that focuses on providing patient care. These professionals work alongside physicians and other clinical staff like an MA would but your primary function will be providing support for all aspects of a patient's physical health and general areas of wellness as needed.
In a PCT program, a few of the things you can expect to learn:
- How to Handle Specimens
- Administer First-aid
- Nutrition
- Medical Ethics
- EKG Administration
After completing a PCT program, you will have the advantage of having access to a career path with increasing demand and an expected 8% growth rate** as soon as 2024.
MA vs. PCT: Understanding an Average Day
As a medical assistant, as you enter the office, hospital, or clinic, you can expect to work in the front or back office in an administrative capacity as well as alongside the physician(s) or nurse(s) you’re assigned to. Some of the skills you would perform daily would involve:
- Removing Sutures
- Preparing Treatment Sites
- Assisting with Examinations as Needed
- Preparing Blood Samples for the Lab
As for the administrative side of things you can expect to:
- Handle Patient Scheduling
- Utilize the Clinic’s Electronic Health or Medical Record (EHR/EMR)
- Keep Patient Medical Records Current
As a patient care technician, you will be focused on delivering optimized patient care. As you enter the outpatient facility or hospital, you could expect to:
- Prepare Patients for Exams and Procedures
- Assist with Personal Care
- Take Fluid Samples or Specimens as Needed
- Ensure the Sanitation of Exam Rooms
- Monitor Vital Signs
Whether you take the PCT or MA path, you will get to work with patients, physicians, and families or caregivers and you will be an integral part of the patient’s initial care.
Which Option is the Right One for You?
Jobs in healthcare are expected to see a 13% growth rate between 2022 and 2032***. This means that if you’re ready to pivot into the industry or onto a new path from your current job in healthcare, the chances of finding a quick job placement are strong. The main difference between the two is working within one primary capacity (PCT) or two (MA).
As a patient care technician, your day-to-day will be specifically patient care. As a medical assistant, you will do exactly that, assist with functions of a medical practice which usually entails both patient care and administrative tasks.
Base your choice between the two on how you would prefer your day to be structured. To make the choice easier…keep a few things in mind:
- Medical assistants, on average make $7,000 more than a PCT
- A patient care technician most often will work in nursing homes or hospital settings
- A medical assistant can be found in doctor’s offices, diagnostic labs, outpatient centers, and medical research centers
- MAs may have more room for advancement depending on the setting (this depends on your state)
- Both roles would allow you to take travel contracts which can increase your salary
Both options have significant benefits but the best choice depends on your preference and your interests.
Recession-Proofing Your Carer
If you want to become a medical assistant or a patient care technician, both are in high demand with no sign of slowing down any time soon. If you are still undecided after learning about both roles, ask yourself a simple question; “Do I see myself only working with patients, or do I also want to administratively support the practice that I will be working in?”
Start working towards your future and start our online medical assistant school or online patient care technician school today!
