Per diem interpreter vs certified medical technician

The differences between per diem 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 per diem interpreter, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a per diem interpreter has an average salary of $42,675, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

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

Per diem interpreter vs certified medical technician overview

	Per Diem Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$42,675	$38,859
Hourly rate	$20.52	$18.68
Growth rate	20%	5%
Number of jobs	38,934	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	42	44
Years of experience	4	12

What does a per diem interpreter do?

A per diem interpreter is responsible for interpreting sign or oral language and translating text from one specific language into another. You will perform several tasks that include adapting translations to students' grade and cognitive levels, working closely with other educational team members when necessary, and proofreading, revising, and editing translated materials. Additionally, you are responsible for translating messages into one language orally using hand signs and explaining translation requirements to clients. As a pier diem interpreter, you are also responsible for checking translated texts for technical terminology.

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.

Per diem interpreter vs certified medical technician salary

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

	Per Diem Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$42,675	$38,859
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $68,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	Davis, CA	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	Cottage Health	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between per diem interpreter and certified medical technician education

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

	Per Diem Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Nursing	Nursing
Most common college	Harvard University	University of Connecticut

Per diem interpreter vs certified medical technician demographics

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

	Per Diem Interpreter	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	42	44
Gender ratio	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	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 per diem interpreter and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Per diem interpreter example responsibilities.

Use EMR software to manage patient records and files; reinforce and uphold patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA and clinic.
Facilitate communication between LEP patients/families and medical staff by providing accurate and comprehensive interpreter services (person/phone).
Monitor patient EKG patterns while patient is admitted.
Provide education and training while administering a base wide CPR training program.
Assist with documentation, groups, and ADL's for idd/m psych patients.
Serve as a liaison between patients and physicians to assist Somali speaking patients in understanding physician's questions.

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.

Per diem interpreter vs certified medical technician skills

Common per diem interpreter skills

Patients, 37%
Per Diem, 16%
Customer Service, 11%
Acute Care, 4%
CPR, 4%
Rehabilitation, 3%

Common certified medical technician skills

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

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Per Diem Interpreter vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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