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The differences between certified phlebotomy technicians and 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 a certified phlebotomy technician and a laboratory technician. Additionally, a laboratory technician has an average salary of $40,038, which is higher than the $39,656 average annual salary of a certified phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for a certified phlebotomy technician include patients, CPT and laboratory specimens. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,656 | $40,038 |
| Hourly rate | $19.07 | $19.25 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 100,272 | 84,357 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| 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.
Laboratory technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.
Certified phlebotomy technicians and laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,656 | $40,038 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $56,000 | Between $27,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | Tenaska |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a certified phlebotomy technician and a laboratory technician in terms of educational background:
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | New York University |
Here are the differences between certified phlebotomy technicians' and laboratory technicians' demographics:
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician | Laboratory Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.6% Female, 82.4% | Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7% |
| 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, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |