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Behavioral health technician vs health technician

The differences between behavioral health technicians and health technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a health technician has an average salary of $37,873, which is higher than the $34,611 average annual salary of a behavioral health technician.

The top three skills for a behavioral health technician include patients, behavioral health and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a health technician are patients, excellent interpersonal, and customer service.

Behavioral health technician vs health technician overview

Behavioral Health TechnicianHealth Technician
Yearly salary$34,611$37,873
Hourly rate$16.64$18.21
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs99,503110,277
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age3434
Years of experience--

What does a behavioral health technician do?

A behavioral health technician participates in treating patients with behavioral problems caused by mental health issues. They are primarily responsible for monitoring the behavior of the patient, following the guidelines of treatment from a mental health professional, and regularly reporting any progress or problems. Moreover, a behavioral health technician must also carry out administrative tasks, which include producing reports and assessments, answering inquiries and correspondence, maintaining schedules, and keeping records. Furthermore, it is essential to give emotional support to a patient, providing them with a safe and healthy environment at all times.

What does a health technician do?

A health technician is responsible for supporting medical operations in a health care facility by performing administrative and clerical duties, ensuring that the organization provides the highest quality care service to the patients. Health technicians process patients' information, manage their medical payments, monitor their conditions as instructed by physicians, maintain an organized medical chart, administer medication, and assist in conducting medical procedures. They also check the adequacy of stock inventories and write request reports, as well as inspecting the cleanliness of all the medical tools and equipment during operations.

Behavioral health technician vs health technician salary

Behavioral health technicians and health technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavioral Health TechnicianHealth Technician
Average salary$34,611$37,873
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $47,000Between $27,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityRochester, NYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyMeta
Best paying industryNon ProfitsGovernment

Differences between behavioral health technician and health technician education

There are a few differences between a behavioral health technician and a health technician in terms of educational background:

Behavioral Health TechnicianHealth Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorPsychologyNursing
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityEmory University

Behavioral health technician vs health technician demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral health technicians' and health technicians' demographics:

Behavioral Health TechnicianHealth Technician
Average age3434
Gender ratioMale, 36.4% Female, 63.6%Male, 30.9% Female, 69.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between behavioral health technician and health technician duties and responsibilities

Behavioral health technician example responsibilities.

  • Monitor and manage preventative behavior with 2-3 MHA'S team and carry out a constructive routine with patients.
  • Provide health monitoring, crisis intervention, supervision, and facilitation of group educational/structure activities for consumers (rehabilitation patients).
  • Train in CPI to handle physically dangerous crisis situations.
  • Display sensitivity, integrity, compassion and respect towards patients and family members.
  • Obtain patients' medical history and vital signs; complete EKG's and blood work.
  • Prepare for HIPAA reviews, ensuring require brochures and pamphlets are available to patients in all clinics.
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Health technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage medical and administrative records for all patients assign to clinic area to assure accurate care and patient confidentiality.
  • Supervise labs, diets, schedule radiology procedures, EKG's, respiratory, and medical tasks for patients.
  • Can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and/or initiate appropriate emergency alert notifications.
  • Administer ABA therapy for children with autism and provide support for other technicians when not with own clients.
  • Assist providers in direct physical examinations, minor procedures, emergency care to include CPR, and other clinical duties.
  • Assist children with autism spectrum disorders in learning life still and helping them transition successfully in all aspects of their lives.
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Behavioral health technician vs health technician skills

Common behavioral health technician skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Behavioral Health, 17%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Social Work, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
Common health technician skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Blood Pressure, 6%
  • Veterans, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 5%

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