Post job

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant vs certified medical technician

The differences between certified ophthalmic surgical assistants and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant has an average salary of $44,864, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant include patients, surgery and in-office. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant vs certified medical technician overview

Certified Ophthalmic Surgical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$44,864$38,859
Hourly rate$21.57$18.68
Growth rate-5%
Number of jobs59,884164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4144
Years of experience212

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant vs certified medical technician salary

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistants and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Certified Ophthalmic Surgical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$44,864$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $65,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-Denton, TX
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between certified ophthalmic surgical assistant and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

Certified Ophthalmic Surgical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common college-University of Connecticut

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between certified ophthalmic surgical assistants' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

Certified Ophthalmic Surgical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 10.1% Female, 89.9%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 Percentage6%8%

Differences between certified ophthalmic surgical assistant and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage surgical scheduling, cataract evaluations, ultrasounds, keratometry, IOL selection, and preoperative exam for surgery.
  • Perform technical examination, testing and evaluation of cancer patients in outpatient setting and bedside.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Project management and event coordinator responsibilities; Dr. Garcia hosts and attends numerous continuing education events yearly.

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

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant vs certified medical technician skills

Common certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills
  • Patients, 29%
  • Surgery, 14%
  • In-Office, 6%
  • Laser Treatments, 6%
  • Medical History, 5%
  • IOL, 5%
Common certified medical technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 12%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Administer Medications, 7%
  • Resident Care, 6%
  • HIPAA, 6%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs