Medical interpreter vs certified medical technician

The differences between medical interpreters 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 medical interpreter, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a medical interpreter has an average salary of $43,593, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a medical interpreter include patients, customer service and patient care. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Medical interpreter vs certified medical technician overview

	Medical Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$43,593	$38,859
Hourly rate	$20.96	$18.68
Growth rate	20%	5%
Number of jobs	47,796	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	42	44
Years of experience	4	12

What does a medical interpreter do?

Medical Interpreters are healthcare professionals who bridge the communication gap between patients and doctors. They interpret and translate medical findings and results in a language that the patient understands. Medical Interpreters are expected to have a deep understanding of medical terms and procedures to translate the doctor's message to the patient. They should have a deep understanding of the patient's cultural context and background. This would help medical interpreters relate to the patient and gain credibility. They should keep all information they come across confidential.

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.

Medical interpreter vs certified medical technician salary

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

	Medical Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$43,593	$38,859
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $68,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between medical interpreter and certified medical technician education

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

	Medical Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	University of Connecticut

Medical interpreter vs certified medical technician demographics

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

	Medical Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	42	44
Gender ratio	Male, 32.4% Female, 67.6%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 35.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 39.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	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	15%	8%

Differences between medical interpreter and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Medical interpreter example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Inform providers and patients of relevant cultural issues to assist providers in delivering culturally competent patient care.
Assist another medical interpreter in interpreting for patients who have trouble understanding English spoken by health professionals and receptionists.
Create education and promotional materials relate to Latino health and wellness.

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.

Medical interpreter vs certified medical technician skills

Common medical interpreter skills

Patients, 35%
Customer Service, 11%
Patient Care, 8%
LEP, 7%
Informed Consent, 4%
Target Language, 4%

Common certified medical technician skills

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

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Medical Interpreter vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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