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Optical assistant vs certified medical technician

The differences between optical assistants and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an optical assistant has an average salary of $39,251, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for an optical assistant include patients, HIPAA and computer system. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Optical assistant vs certified medical technician overview

Optical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$39,251$38,859
Hourly rate$18.87$18.68
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs2,978164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4444
Years of experience-12

Optical assistant vs certified medical technician salary

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

Optical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$39,251$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $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 optical assistant and certified medical technician education

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

Optical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorBusinessNursing
Most common collegeEmory UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Optical assistant vs certified medical technician demographics

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

Optical AssistantCertified Medical Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 9.1% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage13%8%

Differences between optical assistant and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Optical assistant example responsibilities.

  • Maintain coating quality using adhesion testing and spectrophotometers, and manage coating hues and reflectance adjustments.
  • Book appointments when the Dr's office is closed.
  • Take measurements before turning frames and Rx over to the lab to have glasses make.
  • Acquire, comply with and obtain a thorough knowledge and understanding of HIPPA and OSHA practices.
  • Verify and confirm Rx's from the lab, work with computers and fax machines daily.
  • Order new frames from leading suppliers, reconcile statements from vendors and process VSP and eyem claims.
  • Show more

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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Optical assistant vs certified medical technician skills

Common optical assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • HIPAA, 15%
  • Computer System, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Telephone Inquiries, 11%
Common certified medical technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 12%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Administer Medications, 7%
  • Resident Care, 6%
  • HIPAA, 6%

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