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Special duty nurse vs certified medical technician

The differences between special duty nurses 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 special duty nurse, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a special duty nurse has an average salary of $67,188, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a special duty nurse include patients, acls and MRI. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Special duty nurse vs certified medical technician overview

Special Duty NurseCertified Medical Technician
Yearly salary$67,188$38,859
Hourly rate$32.30$18.68
Growth rate6%5%
Number of jobs566,742164,424
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age4444
Years of experience212

Special duty nurse vs certified medical technician salary

Special duty nurses and certified medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Duty NurseCertified Medical Technician
Average salary$67,188$38,859
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $110,000Between $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 special duty nurse and certified medical technician education

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

Special Duty NurseCertified Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Special duty nurse vs certified medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between special duty nurses' and certified medical technicians' demographics:

Special Duty NurseCertified Medical Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 16.7% Female, 83.3%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.9% 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 Percentage9%8%

Differences between special duty nurse and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Special duty nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Educate patients on chemotherapy and relate treatments including growth factors and radiation.
  • Take vitals and history of patients and enter into EMR (NexGen).
  • Operate the EMR system with proficiency to assist in the proper care of patients.
  • Interact closely with family members and patients in evaluating treatment plans and administer prescribed medications/treatments.
  • Perform and participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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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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Special duty nurse vs certified medical technician skills

Common special duty nurse skills
  • Patients, 41%
  • Acls, 16%
  • MRI, 15%
  • Home Health, 4%
  • CPR, 4%
  • IV, 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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