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The differences between certified phlebotomy technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a certified phlebotomy technician and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a certified phlebotomy technician has an average salary of $39,656, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a certified phlebotomy technician include patients, CPT and laboratory specimens. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $39,656 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $19.07 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 100,272 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A certified phlebotomy technician draws blood from patients of all ages through venipuncture and finger or heel pricks. They label vials with patient information and date of collection, store blood according to protocols, and prepare the samples for transport or laboratory examinations. Their duties also include gathering and verifying client information, answering inquiries, conducting initial interviews to identify any existing illnesses, checking the patients' blood pressure, and maintaining records. Moreover, as a certified phlebotomy technician, it is essential to coordinate with fellow phlebotomists and keep an open communication line with physicians and nurses.
A laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.
Certified phlebotomy technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $39,656 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $56,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a certified phlebotomy technician and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between certified phlebotomy technicians' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.6% Female, 82.4% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |