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Behavior interventionist vs certified medical technician

The differences between behavior interventionists and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a behavior interventionist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a behavior interventionist has an average salary of $38,908, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a behavior interventionist include applied behavior analysis, autism and behavior analysis. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Behavior interventionist vs certified medical technician overview

Behavior InterventionistCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$38,908$38,859
Hourly rate$18.71$18.68
Growth rate14%5%
Number of jobs70,115164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age3944
Years of experience612

What does a behavior interventionist do?

A behavior interventionist, or sometimes called behavior intervention specialist (BIS), is an individual who provides support and training for students with behavioral challenges through behavior management techniques and coping skills. Behavior interventionists must assist in implementing Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) or Individual Education Programs (IEP) to students who have difficulties in learning and advancing with their class. They are required to travel between different schools to attend case review meetings and meet with teachers who need assistance for managing problems in their classrooms. Behavior interventionists also consult with both medical and psychological professionals to develop and implement BIPs.

What does a certified medical technician do?

Certified Medical Technicians are specialists in medical diagnoses by performing laboratory testing and analysis for hospitals and physicians. Their duties include lab sanitization to prepare for testing and collection, recording medical samples for testing, specimen preparation, blood drawing for donation and testing, and assisting physicians with sample collection as well as equipment handling in surgical rooms. They must also understand how to use complex and sensitive testing equipment such as cell counters, analyzers, microscopes, and centrifuges.

Behavior interventionist vs certified medical technician salary

Behavior interventionists and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavior InterventionistCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$38,908$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYDenton, TX
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyCrescent City SchoolsFavorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industryEducationHealth Care

Differences between behavior interventionist and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a behavior interventionist and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

Behavior InterventionistCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorPsychologyNursing
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Behavior interventionist vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between behavior interventionists' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

Behavior InterventionistCertified Medical Technician
Average age3944
Gender ratioMale, 27.5% Female, 72.5%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage12%8%

Differences between behavior interventionist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Behavior interventionist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and target behaviors using the ESDM, ABA, PRT and SCERTS model.
  • Complete all require documentations including collecting data, graphing, IEP, and quarterly notes.
  • Focus on improving behavior and communication in children with autism and developmental disabilities by providing in home behavioral services.
  • Implement behavior programs design as directed for children with autism spectrum disorders, and children with other developmental disabilities.
  • Report infractions to the district as information to better understand the needs of at-risk kids.
  • Implement behavioral therapy programs design specifically for a client's needs under the supervision of a BCBA.
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Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
  • Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
  • Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
  • Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
  • Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
  • Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.
  • Show more

Behavior interventionist vs certified medical technician skills

Common behavior interventionist skills
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 19%
  • Autism, 18%
  • Behavior Analysis, 9%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 8%
  • ABA, 7%
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, 5%
Common certified medical technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 12%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Administer Medications, 7%
  • Resident Care, 6%
  • HIPAA, 6%

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