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Paraoptometric vs certified medical technician

The differences between paraoptometrics 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 paraoptometric, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a certified medical technician has an average salary of $38,859, which is higher than the $34,505 average annual salary of a paraoptometric.

The top three skills for a paraoptometric include patients, scheduling appointments and patient history. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Paraoptometric vs certified medical technician overview

ParaoptometricCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$34,505$38,859
Hourly rate$16.59$18.68
Growth rate16%5%
Number of jobs828164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4144
Years of experience212

Paraoptometric vs certified medical technician salary

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

ParaoptometricCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$34,505$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $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 paraoptometric and certified medical technician education

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

ParaoptometricCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorHealth Care AdministrationNursing
Most common college-University of Connecticut

Paraoptometric vs certified medical technician demographics

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

ParaoptometricCertified Medical Technician
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 8.8% Female, 91.2%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 Percentage6%8%

Differences between paraoptometric and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Paraoptometric example responsibilities.

  • Utilize organization skills in managing business operation keeping Dr. Rivera on schedule.
  • Follow strict HIPAA privacy protocols inpatient record management and use.
  • Aid the doctor during the exam and document the findings in the EHR.
  • Communicate relevant information on care and handling of contact lenses and educate patients on proper insertion and removal of contact lenses.
  • Preform detailed pretesting of all incoming patients.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
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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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Paraoptometric vs certified medical technician skills

Common paraoptometric skills
  • Patients, 38%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 6%
  • Patient History, 5%
  • Visual Acuity, 4%
  • Blood Pressure, 4%
  • Medical History, 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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