Overview

While the names themselves often bring to mind completely different pictures, most people are not clear what is the true difference between a medical technician and a nurse. Depending on setting, their job duties and responsibilities may be somewhat comparable. In other places of employment, or depending on the laws of the state, they may have very different duties.

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties of a medical technician vary greatly depending on specialization, while duties of nurses are mostly based on their level of education. For example, EMTs (emergency medical technicians) mostly work with emergency care and particularly competent in treating accidents or heart attack victims, while Cardiovascular Technicians assist doctors in treating and diagnosing heart conditions and vascular ailments. Nurses, on the other hand, have usually more prolonged contact with patients, treating them or administering help over longer periods of time.

Career Path

Nurses can always keep expanding their education, as opportunities for growth abound. From short vocational training to PhD's in nursing, followed by a chance to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, nurses can choose different paths depending on their goals and how much time and money they want to commit. Also, nurses have the opportunity to move to management, educational or research positions, as well as a chance to specialize in almost any medical field of their choosing, from neonatology to mental health to surgery. Medical technicians, on the other hand, have little chance for advancement, as their scope of practice is quite limited. Medical technicians can choose to become certified in their field if they want to have more involved duties or a chance for a higher salary, but this won't open up doors for management or directing positions, as there aren't any available.

Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 the median annual salary for registered nurses was $57,280. While numbers will be higher or lower depending on the educational background, experience and place of employment, even new graduates can expect to earn at least $40,000. As educational opportunities abound in the field, nurses can work towards higher salaries by going back to school or attending workshops and seminars. In contrast, medical technicians earn a lot less. Numbers do vary considerably, but the median salary for EMTs was $27,070 in 2006.

Educational Requirements

A medical technician only needs a certification to work alongside a doctor. In most cases, certification can be obtained through vocational schools or by passing a state exam after graduating from high school and receiving on-the-job training. Also known as allied health professionals, medical technicians play the role of assistants, although specializations exist within the field, including cardiovascular technicians, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and surgical technicians. Specializations may require additional training or a degree in Allied Health. Nurses, on the other hand, spend a considerably longer time in school. A shorter educational path for a nurse is to become certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The training for this can take anywhere from nine months to three years, depending on state and school requirements. However, a college degree and a master's or continuing education after a bachelor's are necessary to specialize or move into advanced practice positions.

Work Environment

The main variations in work environment for both nurses and medical assistants is actually related to their specialization rather than to the career path they've chosen. For example, nurses with an advanced degree often work in comfortable, clean environments, sometimes performing office work or dealing with other medical professionals, rather than with patients. However, nurses with a lower degree, such as those graduated from a work-study program or a vocational school, will work more crowded, inconvenient shifts. Nurses in general take on a lot of overtime, as the shortage is considerable nationwide. Medical technicians have a more structured work schedule, often with seven to nine hour shifts. Their work environment tends to be better organized and their duties clearly identified, with little to no room for surprises or improvisation.

Salaries, duties and overall career review of medical technicians
Nursing career overview