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The differences between certified phlebotomists and registered medical assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a certified phlebotomist, becoming a registered medical assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a registered medical assistant has an average salary of $36,580, which is higher than the $34,509 average annual salary of a certified phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a certified phlebotomist include patients, blood specimens and phlebotomy procedures. The most important skills for a registered medical assistant are patients, vital signs, and office procedures.
| Certified Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $34,509 | $36,580 |
| Hourly rate | $16.59 | $17.59 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 44,574 | 183,988 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A certified phlebotomist is a medical professional who specializes in drawing blood through venipuncture or finger and heel pricks, preparing the samples for laboratory procedures. Besides collecting blood, a phlebotomist is also responsible for gathering patient information, verifying identification, reviewing medical histories, labeling vials, and maintaining records, including diagnostic findings. They are also in charge of keeping laboratory equipment clean, discarding trash appropriately, and organizing supplies according to policies, ordering new supplies when necessary. Above all, a certified phlebotomist maintains an open and transparent communication line with nurses and physicians for an efficient workflow.
The primary job of registered medical assistants is to perform clinical and administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. They offer support services to physicians, so the latter have plenty of time to care for patients. They carry out varied administrative, clerical, and clinical tasks that include taking vital signs, filing records, and scheduling patient appointments. Other responsibilities include discussing treatment procedures to patients, interacting with patients, and collecting laboratory specimens such as tissue and blood. Ideal characteristics to become a registered medical assistant include being compassionate, can work well with people, and adaptable.
Certified phlebotomists and registered medical assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certified Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Average salary | $34,509 | $36,580 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $43,000 | Between $26,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | Griffin Hospital |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a certified phlebotomist and a registered medical assistant in terms of educational background:
| Certified Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between certified phlebotomists' and registered medical assistants' demographics:
| Certified Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7% | Male, 8.2% Female, 91.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 9.8% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 8.7% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |