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The differences between biological science technicians and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a biological science technician, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a certified medical technician has an average salary of $38,859, which is higher than the $35,390 average annual salary of a biological science technician.
The top three skills for a biological science technician include laboratory equipment, data collection and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.
| Biological Science Technician | Certified Medical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $35,390 | $38,859 |
| Hourly rate | $17.01 | $18.68 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 13,801 | 164,424 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A biological science technician is responsible for supporting scientists in conducting laboratory experiments and examinations. Biological science technicians perform data analysis procedures, evaluate findings, and create data reports. They also ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory, including the laboratory tools and equipment, to prevent contamination that may affect the accuracy of test results. A biological science technician must have excellent scientific knowledge, especially on the application of scientific methods, assessing research studies, and other related scientific principles.
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.
Biological science technicians and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biological Science Technician | Certified Medical Technician | |
| Average salary | $35,390 | $38,859 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $28,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Watertown Town, MA | Denton, TX |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | SenesTech | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a biological science technician and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:
| Biological Science Technician | Certified Medical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 28% |
| Most common major | Biology | Nursing |
| Most common college | Duke University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between biological science technicians' and certified medical technicians' demographics:
| Biological Science Technician | Certified Medical Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.0% Female, 49.0% | Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 12.7% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | 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 Percentage | 6% | 8% |