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Electrocardiograph technician vs certified medical technician

The differences between electrocardiograph technicians 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 an electrocardiograph 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 $33,888 average annual salary of an electrocardiograph technician.

The top three skills for an electrocardiograph technician include EKG, ECG and patients. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Electrocardiograph technician vs certified medical technician overview

Electrocardiograph TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$33,888$38,859
Hourly rate$16.29$18.68
Growth rate10%5%
Number of jobs12,598164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4544
Years of experience212

Electrocardiograph technician vs certified medical technician salary

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

Electrocardiograph TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$33,888$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $53,000Between $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 electrocardiograph technician and certified medical technician education

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

Electrocardiograph TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorBusinessNursing
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Connecticut

Electrocardiograph technician vs certified medical technician demographics

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

Electrocardiograph TechnicianCertified Medical Technician
Average age4544
Gender ratioMale, 30.4% Female, 69.6%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between electrocardiograph technician and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Electrocardiograph technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Assist the radiologists with interventional procedures to include thyroid biopsies, renal biopsies, prostate biopsies, thoracentesis, and paracentesis.
  • Perform electrocardiogram recordings on patients as ordered by a physician.
  • Interpret and document the EKG reading, and give it to the doctor for review.
  • Respond to EKG requests via use of pager, phone system and overhead paging system.
  • Review patient's clinical record to obtain and record identifying information require for ECG records.
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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.
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Electrocardiograph technician vs certified medical technician skills

Common electrocardiograph technician skills
  • EKG, 42%
  • ECG, 23%
  • Patients, 13%
  • Electrocardiogram, 9%
  • Stress Tests, 5%
  • Medical Equipment, 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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