Post job

Genetic scientist vs certified medical technician

The differences between genetic scientists and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a genetic scientist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a genetic scientist has an average salary of $86,662, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a genetic scientist include next-generation sequencing, molecular biology and RNA. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Genetic scientist vs certified medical technician overview

Genetic ScientistCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$86,662$38,859
Hourly rate$41.66$18.68
Growth rate17%5%
Number of jobs44,179164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4144
Years of experience412

Genetic scientist vs certified medical technician salary

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

Genetic ScientistCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$86,662$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $125,000Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CADenton, TX
Highest paying stateCaliforniaAlaska
Best paying company23andMeFavorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between genetic scientist and certified medical technician education

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

Genetic ScientistCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorBiologyNursing
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Connecticut

Genetic scientist vs certified medical technician demographics

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

Genetic ScientistCertified Medical Technician
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 51.6% Female, 48.4%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 27.9% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%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 genetic scientist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Genetic scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Create PCR assays by selecting primers, enzymes, establishing thermo-cycler protocols, and verifying results through electrophoresis and DNA ladders.
  • Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
  • Evaluate patient samples to identify biomarkers providing the development of asthma patient stratification methods.

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

Genetic scientist vs certified medical technician skills

Common genetic scientist skills
  • Next-Generation Sequencing, 25%
  • Molecular Biology, 19%
  • RNA, 12%
  • QC, 9%
  • Biological Sciences, 8%
  • Cell Culture, 7%
Common certified medical technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 12%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Administer Medications, 7%
  • Resident Care, 6%
  • HIPAA, 6%

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs