Molecular technologist vs certified medical technician

The differences between molecular technologists 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 a molecular technologist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a molecular technologist has an average salary of $54,483, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

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

Molecular technologist vs certified medical technician overview

	Molecular Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$54,483	$38,859
Hourly rate	$26.19	$18.68
Growth rate	8%	5%
Number of jobs	76,319	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	12

What does a molecular technologist do?

A molecular technologist is responsible for conducting laboratory examinations for clinical trials and medical research. Molecular technologists collect laboratory samples and document scientific findings to support claims and initial theories. They also utilize various advanced laboratory equipment and machinery, requiring them to have excellent knowledge of organizational skills to prevent potential hazards and inconsistencies in results. A molecular technologist works with chemical solutions and sensitive samples, resulting in strict compliance and adherence to safety protocols and regulations.

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.

Molecular technologist vs certified medical technician salary

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

	Molecular Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$54,483	$38,859
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Columbia University in the City of New York	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Education	Health Care

Differences between molecular technologist and certified medical technician education

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

	Molecular Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 72%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Biology	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	University of Connecticut

Molecular technologist vs certified medical technician demographics

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

	Molecular Technologist	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 15.0% White, 52.5% 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 Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between molecular technologist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Molecular technologist example responsibilities.

Manage and maintain Tecan for automate pipetting.
Perform DNA and RNA isolation from blood, bone marrow, and tissue.
Perform PCR on patient samples for various genes and check for proper amplification using gel electrophoresis.
Follow the standard and newly add laboratory procedures and maintain compliance with OSHA, CLIA and safety risk management guidelines.
Participate in technical laboratory tasks including bone marrow culture initiation, harvest, slide preparation and banding.
Report preparation including individual cell analysis and any further testing results along with a composite karyotype according to ISCN naming protocol.

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.

Molecular technologist vs certified medical technician skills

Common molecular technologist skills

Clinical Laboratory, 11%
Next-Generation Sequencing, 10%
Molecular Biology, 7%
CLIA, 6%
Extraction, 6%
Specimen Handling, 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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Molecular Technologist vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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