Chemical dependency therapist vs certified medical technician

The differences between chemical dependency therapists 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 chemical dependency therapist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a chemical dependency therapist has an average salary of $56,575, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a chemical dependency therapist include patients, chemical dependency and treatment services. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Chemical dependency therapist vs certified medical technician overview

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$56,575	$38,859
Hourly rate	$27.20	$18.68
Growth rate	14%	5%
Number of jobs	34,075	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	39	44
Years of experience	6	12

Chemical dependency therapist vs certified medical technician salary

Chemical dependency therapists and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$56,575	$38,859
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $83,000	Between $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 chemical dependency therapist and certified medical technician education

There are a few differences between a chemical dependency therapist and a certified medical technician in terms of educational background:

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Psychology	Nursing
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	University of Connecticut

Chemical dependency therapist vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between chemical dependency therapists' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

	Chemical Dependency Therapist	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	39	44
Gender ratio	Male, 28.8% Female, 71.2%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black 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 Percentage	12%	8%

Differences between chemical dependency therapist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Chemical dependency therapist example responsibilities.

Utilize ASAM's criteria to determine the appropriate therapeutic level of care for patients/clients.
Direct weekly psycho-educational group for parents of patients.
Coordinate intake process for new patients including preliminary individual treatment plans.
Develop and increase knowledge of federal, state and agency regulations regarding confidentiality methadone treatment and substance abuse counseling certification.
Conduct psychological test batteries and write integrative reports for IEP meetings.
Administer state require DWI protocols including breathalyzer tests and obtaining specimens.

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.

Chemical dependency therapist vs certified medical technician skills

Common chemical dependency therapist skills

Patients, 31%
Chemical Dependency, 19%
Treatment Services, 11%
OASAS, 7%
ASAM, 6%
Substance Abuse, 3%

Common certified medical technician skills

Patients, 17%
Vital Signs, 12%
CPR, 8%
Administer Medications, 7%
Resident Care, 6%
HIPAA, 6%

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Chemical Dependency Therapist vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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