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Health technician vs health specialist

The differences between health technicians and health specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a health specialist has an average salary of $47,740, which is higher than the $37,873 average annual salary of a health technician.

The top three skills for a health technician include patients, excellent interpersonal and customer service. The most important skills for a health specialist are patients, health education, and public health.

Health technician vs health specialist overview

Health TechnicianHealth Specialist
Yearly salary$37,873$47,740
Hourly rate$18.21$22.95
Growth rate9%6%
Number of jobs110,27772,463
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3445
Years of experience-6

What does a health technician do?

A health technician is responsible for supporting medical operations in a health care facility by performing administrative and clerical duties, ensuring that the organization provides the highest quality care service to the patients. Health technicians process patients' information, manage their medical payments, monitor their conditions as instructed by physicians, maintain an organized medical chart, administer medication, and assist in conducting medical procedures. They also check the adequacy of stock inventories and write request reports, as well as inspecting the cleanliness of all the medical tools and equipment during operations.

What does a health specialist do?

A health specialist is primarily responsible for the health and welfare care of patients in a community or medical facility. They are also responsible for providing consultations, conducting assessments and examinations, providing prescriptions, and recommending care methods. A health specialist may also diagnose and treat ailments and injuries, coordinate with other health experts, and discuss conditions with patients and their families. Furthermore, a health specialist may participate in public discussions to raise awareness of health issues and lifestyles.

Health technician vs health specialist salary

Health technicians and health specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Health TechnicianHealth Specialist
Average salary$37,873$47,740
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $51,000Between $31,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyMetaCity of Seattle
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between health technician and health specialist education

There are a few differences between a health technician and a health specialist in terms of educational background:

Health TechnicianHealth Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorNursingPsychology
Most common collegeEmory UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Health technician vs health specialist demographics

Here are the differences between health technicians' and health specialists' demographics:

Health TechnicianHealth Specialist
Average age3445
Gender ratioMale, 30.9% Female, 69.1%Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage15%7%

Differences between health technician and health specialist duties and responsibilities

Health technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage medical and administrative records for all patients assign to clinic area to assure accurate care and patient confidentiality.
  • Supervise labs, diets, schedule radiology procedures, EKG's, respiratory, and medical tasks for patients.
  • Can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and/or initiate appropriate emergency alert notifications.
  • Administer ABA therapy for children with autism and provide support for other technicians when not with own clients.
  • Assist providers in direct physical examinations, minor procedures, emergency care to include CPR, and other clinical duties.
  • Assist children with autism spectrum disorders in learning life still and helping them transition successfully in all aspects of their lives.
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Health specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain medical and legal case files in compliance with HIPAA.
  • Hire, manage payroll and provide oversight for research and administrative assistants.
  • Provide and coordinate a wide range of rehabilitation counseling and case management services to disable veterans and other eligible individuals.
  • Coordinate and facilitate workgroup and committee meetings.
  • Assist in running a life skills group for young adults with autism.
  • Work one-on-one with an individual who have autism and are visually impair.
  • Show more

Health technician vs health specialist skills

Common health technician skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Blood Pressure, 6%
  • Veterans, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 5%
Common health specialist skills
  • Patients, 12%
  • Health Education, 8%
  • Public Health, 8%
  • Data Collection, 6%
  • Veterans, 5%
  • Technical Assistance, 5%

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