Optical scientist vs certified medical technician

The differences between optical scientists and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an optical scientist, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an optical scientist has an average salary of $83,856, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for an optical scientist include system design, zemax and optical design. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Optical scientist vs certified medical technician overview

	Optical Scientist	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$83,856	$38,859
Hourly rate	$40.32	$18.68
Growth rate	8%	5%
Number of jobs	43,029	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	48	44
Years of experience	6	12

Optical scientist vs certified medical technician salary

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

	Optical Scientist	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$83,856	$38,859
Salary range	Between $52,000 And $132,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Alaska
Best paying company	Meta	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Technology	Health Care

Differences between optical scientist and certified medical technician education

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

	Optical Scientist	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Physics	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	University of Connecticut

Optical scientist vs certified medical technician demographics

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

	Optical Scientist	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	48	44
Gender ratio	Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% Asian, 12.8% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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	24%	8%

Differences between optical scientist and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Optical scientist example responsibilities.

Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
Perform engineering research and development for numerous government fund projects, with problems focuse on adaptive optics and direct energy systems.

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.

Optical scientist vs certified medical technician skills

Common optical scientist skills

System Design, 21%
Zemax, 17%
Optical Design, 15%
Prototyping, 11%
Asap, 11%
Optical Components, 10%

Common certified medical technician skills

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

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Optical Scientist vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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