Primary counselor vs certified medical technician

The differences between primary counselors 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 a primary counselor, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a primary counselor has an average salary of $44,580, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a primary counselor include group therapy sessions, mental health and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Primary counselor vs certified medical technician overview

	Primary Counselor	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$44,580	$38,859
Hourly rate	$21.43	$18.68
Growth rate	9%	5%
Number of jobs	65,753	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	39	44
Years of experience	6	12

Primary counselor vs certified medical technician salary

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

	Primary Counselor	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$44,580	$38,859
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $63,000	Between $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 primary counselor and certified medical technician education

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

	Primary Counselor	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Psychology	Nursing
Most common college	Hunter College of the City University of New York	University of Connecticut

Primary counselor vs certified medical technician demographics

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

	Primary Counselor	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	39	44
Gender ratio	Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	12%	8%

Differences between primary counselor and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Primary counselor example responsibilities.

Coordinate individual client treatment plans to achieve individual and department rehabilitation goals.
Conduct intake screenings and assessment for treatment entry and appropriateness per ASAM criteria.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans base on patient needs and ASAM criteria.
Maintain accurate and complete chart documentation regarding patient attitude and progress in the rehabilitation process following program protocols.
Facilitate group activities, arrange for outside recovery-orient NA/AA meetings, and provide a safe environment for recovering patients.
Facilitate substance abuse group counseling sessions to assist patients in recognizing causal factors of substance abuse and in developing coping behaviors.

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.

Primary counselor vs certified medical technician skills

Common primary counselor skills

Group Therapy Sessions, 10%
Mental Health, 10%
Crisis Intervention, 10%
Patients, 8%
Intake Assessments, 8%
Substance Abuse Treatment, 8%

Common certified medical technician skills

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

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Primary Counselor vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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