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Telemetry technician vs med technician

The differences between telemetry technicians and med technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a med technician has an average salary of $44,523, which is higher than the $35,758 average annual salary of a telemetry technician.

The top three skills for a telemetry technician include patients, EKG and patient care. The most important skills for a med technician are patients, med-tech, and cleanliness.

Telemetry technician vs med technician overview

Telemetry TechnicianMed Technician
Yearly salary$35,758$44,523
Hourly rate$17.19$21.41
Growth rate10%5%
Number of jobs63,712141,154
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 32%
Average age4538
Years of experience2-

What does a telemetry technician do?

A telemetry technician is responsible for operating the telemetry machine to identify patients' heart rates and rhythms. Telemetry technicians monitor the patients' heart condition by attaching medical equipment to the patients' chest and record findings for the doctor's reference. They also assist with related medical operations and treatment procedures and discuss the processes with the patient. A telemetry technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in sorting clients' records and medical treatment plans.

What does a med technician do?

Typically working in hospitals or private clinics, a med technician specializes in collecting blood or bodily fluids and analyzing them through laboratory tests. The results of these tests will be a vital factor in diagnosing a patient's condition and what treatment a physician should give. Moreover, a med technician is also responsible for producing accurate reports, reviewing data, coordinating with physicians and other health care workers, maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment, and adhering to the company's safety policies and standards.

Telemetry technician vs med technician salary

Telemetry technicians and med technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Telemetry TechnicianMed Technician
Average salary$35,758$44,523
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $44,000Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyChildren's Hospital of Michigan
Best paying industryHealth CareGovernment

Differences between telemetry technician and med technician education

There are a few differences between a telemetry technician and a med technician in terms of educational background:

Telemetry TechnicianMed Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%High School Diploma, 32%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeEmory University-

Telemetry technician vs med technician demographics

Here are the differences between telemetry technicians' and med technicians' demographics:

Telemetry TechnicianMed Technician
Average age4538
Gender ratioMale, 37.4% Female, 62.6%Male, 15.2% Female, 84.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 10.1% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between telemetry technician and med technician duties and responsibilities

Telemetry technician example responsibilities.

  • Observe patients being monitor while in the ICU and the Med/Surge unit and reporting any abnormal findings to the RN.
  • Monitor patients and administer EKG.
  • Utilize varied medical equipment including telemetry monitors, vital sign monitors and lifting equipment to care for patients.
  • Provide continuous observation of monitor ECG rhythms for patients on telemetry and report pertinent information to appropriate nursing personnel.
  • Pass instruments, sponges, and suture to surgical team.
  • Assist in code situations by providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Med technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage memory unity within facility.
  • Measure heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, blood-oxygen level and electrocardiogram information using sophisticate equipment.
  • Work hematology, urinalysis and some serology on day shift.
  • Work in all aspects of the lab including: chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, blood bank, et.
  • Perform routine hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis testing.
  • Supervise caregivers, administer medications, assist elderly with daily rituals, care for memory care patients.
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Telemetry technician vs med technician skills

Common telemetry technician skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • EKG, 15%
  • Patient Care, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Rhythm Interpretation, 4%
  • ICU, 4%
Common med technician skills
  • Patients, 10%
  • Med-Tech, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • CPR, 9%
  • Quality Care, 8%
  • Resident Care, 6%

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