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Blood bank technician vs certified medical technician

The differences between blood bank technicians and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a blood bank technician and a certified medical technician. Additionally, a blood bank technician has an average salary of $53,664, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a blood bank technician include blood bank, clinical laboratory and patients. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Blood bank technician vs certified medical technician overview

Blood Bank TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$53,664$38,859
Hourly rate$25.80$18.68
Growth rate-5%
Number of jobs54,130164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

What does a blood bank technician do?

A blood bank technician is typically a trained phlebotomist who works with donors and patients on a daily basis. They are primarily in charge of collecting blood and other components, labeling and storing them according to protocols, and preparing them for transfusion. They also work at laboratories to test and analyze different samples, assess potential donors, and maintain extensive records. Moreover, a blood bank technician assists donors or patients by answering inquiries, providing instructions, and helping them be at ease during the procedure.

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.

Blood bank technician vs certified medical technician salary

Blood bank technicians and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Blood Bank TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$53,664$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CADenton, TX
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyFirst Republic BankFavorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industryFinanceHealth Care

Differences between blood bank technician and certified medical technician education

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

Blood Bank TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianNursing
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Blood bank technician vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between blood bank technicians' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

Blood Bank TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 33.4% Female, 66.6%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between blood bank technician and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Blood bank technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Function in all areas of testing, maintenance and quality control in hematology and chemistry.
  • Provide emergency coverage in hematology, chemistry, coagulation, blood gas, urinalysis, and HIV labs.
  • Perform ABO for adults, and babies, RH typing, antibody screening by tube or gel technique.
  • Complete blood typing, antibody screening, compatibility testing, and antibody identification procedures entering all data into patient file.
  • Review patient history and results testing in hospital LIS.
  • Show more

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

Blood bank technician vs certified medical technician skills

Common blood bank technician skills
  • Blood Bank, 16%
  • Clinical Laboratory, 15%
  • Patients, 10%
  • Compatibility, 8%
  • Blood Samples, 6%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 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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