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Accessioner vs assistant laboratory technician

The differences between accessioners and assistant laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an accessioner and an assistant laboratory technician. Additionally, an assistant laboratory technician has an average salary of $35,556, which is higher than the $32,627 average annual salary of an accessioner.

The top three skills for an accessioner include laboratory specimens, laboratory analysis and lab tests. The most important skills for an assistant laboratory technician are patients, ladders, and computer lab.

Accessioner vs assistant laboratory technician overview

AccessionerAssistant Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary$32,627$35,556
Hourly rate$15.69$17.09
Growth rate-1%
Number of jobs59,541116,488
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

What does an accessioner do?

An accessioner works at laboratories where they are primarily in charge of managing and organizing specimens, assisting scientists as needed. Their responsibilities include receiving and verifying samples, labeling and preparing specimens according to its purpose, updating databases, disposing of waste properly, and examining samples for any contamination. They may also answer client and staff inquiries, providing them with accurate information such as timelines and results. Furthermore, as an accessioner, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff and adhere to the laboratory's rules and regulations to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

What does an assistant laboratory technician do?

The primary responsibility of a lab assistant is to help scientists and technologists. Lab assistants are assigned to prepare and monitor tests and experiments in research or medical laboratory. They analyze data and establish reports based on test results. Also, they set up the tools and equipment used in the lab. It is also part of their job to clean the lab rooms--knowledge in lab management, communication skills, attention to detail, and medical-related management.

Accessioner vs assistant laboratory technician salary

Accessioners and assistant laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

AccessionerAssistant Laboratory Technician
Average salary$32,627$35,556
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $45,000Between $21,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKManchester, NH
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyZoetisPatterson-UTI Energy
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between accessioner and assistant laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between an accessioner and an assistant laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

AccessionerAssistant Laboratory Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Accessioner vs assistant laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between accessioners' and assistant laboratory technicians' demographics:

AccessionerAssistant Laboratory Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 25.6% Female, 74.4%Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 11.8% White, 53.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between accessioner and assistant laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Accessioner example responsibilities.

  • Achieve PHLEBOTOMY duties utilizing proper infection control techniques and perform a variety of laboratory tests.
  • Manage microbiology processing, customer care accounts, frozen splits, send outs and cytology processing.
  • Detail data entry base on patients requisitions and assist with various administrative functions.
  • Prepare specimens for FedEx shipments.
  • Follow company policies and procedures, including OSHA guidelines.
  • Create doctors schedules daily through EMR and Microsoft applications.
  • Show more

Assistant laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Work with non-gynecological specimens including thin prep, cytospins or formalin and cellient cell blocks.
  • Work in cytology lab performing prep duties of surgical fluids, FNA aspirates and pap smears.
  • Verify test requirements utilizing LIS.
  • Obtain insurance authorization and provide patients resources regarding insurance coverage and financial responsibilities.
  • Collect, identify, categorize, and analyze bodily fluids relate to non-gynecological cytology.
  • Show more

Accessioner vs assistant laboratory technician skills

Common accessioner skills
  • Laboratory Specimens, 26%
  • Laboratory Analysis, 10%
  • Lab Tests, 7%
  • Specimen Handling, 7%
  • Patients, 7%
  • Data Entry, 5%
Common assistant laboratory technician skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Ladders, 11%
  • Computer Lab, 8%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • EKG, 6%
  • CPR, 5%

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