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Cytogenetic technologist vs certified medical technician

The differences between cytogenetic technologists and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cytogenetic technologist has an average salary of $54,242, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a cytogenetic technologist include harvest, patients and ASCP. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Cytogenetic technologist vs certified medical technician overview

Cytogenetic TechnologistCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$54,242$38,859
Hourly rate$26.08$18.68
Growth rate9%5%
Number of jobs76,373164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 85%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4444
Years of experience-12

What does a cytogenetic technologist do?

A cytogenetic technologist is a lab specialist who is responsible for preparing and examining chromosomes in the DNA of patients to learn about the relationship between genetics and health. To aid in diagnosis and treatment plans, cytogenetic technologists must use microscopes to examine and analyze normal and abnormal chromosomes. They work closely with doctors to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases such as congenital disorders, blood disorders, and birth defects. Cytogenetic technologists can also work in different establishments such as hospitals, government facilities, and private labs.

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.

Cytogenetic technologist vs certified medical technician salary

Cytogenetic technologists and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Cytogenetic TechnologistCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$54,242$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $75,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MADenton, TX
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyFavorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between cytogenetic technologist and certified medical technician education

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

Cytogenetic TechnologistCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 85%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorBiologyNursing
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Cytogenetic technologist vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between cytogenetic technologists' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

Cytogenetic TechnologistCertified Medical Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 29.2% Female, 70.8%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 12.1% White, 53.6% 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 cytogenetic technologist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Cytogenetic technologist example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish at using/troubleshooting with programs such as ASI for image capture/analysis and karyotyping.
  • Help maintain boats cages and feed barge.
  • Follow FDA guideline to report results and document maintenance.
  • Operate boats safely to and from work sites on ocean.
  • Organize data and records on all fin clipping traceability back to the hatchery.
  • Assist in the training of genetics technology students, genetics fellows and postdoctorate students.
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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

Cytogenetic technologist vs certified medical technician skills

Common cytogenetic technologist skills
  • Harvest, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • ASCP, 9%
  • Test Results, 7%
  • Laboratory Equipment, 5%
  • Microscopic Analysis, 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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