Certified phlebotomy technician vs phlebotomist

The differences between certified phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a certified phlebotomy technician, becoming a phlebotomist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a certified phlebotomy technician has an average salary of $39,656, which is higher than the $33,713 average annual salary of a phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a certified phlebotomy technician include patients, CPT and laboratory specimens. The most important skills for a phlebotomist are patients, customer service, and blood samples.

Certified phlebotomy technician vs phlebotomist overview

	Certified Phlebotomy Technician	Phlebotomist
Yearly salary	$39,656	$33,713
Hourly rate	$19.07	$16.21
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	100,272	11,707
Job satisfaction	-	4.4
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 23%	Associate Degree, 22%
Average age	44	41
Years of experience	12	2

What does a certified phlebotomy technician do?

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.

What does a phlebotomist do?

Phlebotomists are workers in the medical field who specialize in drawing blood from patients. They ensure that patients are prepared by explaining the procedure to them, showing them tools they will use and where their blood will be stored, and answering any questions the patients may have. Phlebotomists then draw blood from the patient, patch up the area where the blood was drawn, and store the blood samples in properly labeled vials or blood bags. After the procedure, they send the blood samples to the laboratory for testing, transfusion, or any other use that there may be.

Certified phlebotomy technician vs phlebotomist salary

Certified phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Certified Phlebotomy Technician	Phlebotomist
Average salary	$39,656	$33,713
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $56,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between certified phlebotomy technician and phlebotomist education

There are a few differences between a certified phlebotomy technician and a phlebotomist in terms of educational background:

	Certified Phlebotomy Technician	Phlebotomist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 23%	Associate Degree, 22%
Most common major	Medical Assisting Services	Medical Assisting Services
Most common college	University of Connecticut	-

Certified phlebotomy technician vs phlebotomist demographics

Here are the differences between certified phlebotomy technicians' and phlebotomists' demographics:

	Certified Phlebotomy Technician	Phlebotomist
Average age	44	41
Gender ratio	Male, 17.6% Female, 82.4%	Male, 16.7% Female, 83.3%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between certified phlebotomy technician and phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Certified phlebotomy technician example responsibilities.

Operate and maintain EKG machines ECG connection and recording.
Perform injections, drug screenings, pulmonary function test, audiograms, Titmus eye screening, EKG.
Confer with patients to obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures to allay fears and elicit cooperation.
Maintain effective communication with patients and medical staff, and record all results proficiently; evaluate information and provide proper recommendations.
Perform phlebotomy techniques, sterilize equipment, efficiently handle medical lab instrument, and mark test reports after experimentation & results.
Experience in performing routine tests using reagent kits, hematology analyzer, microscope and centrifuge.

Phlebotomist example responsibilities.

Take patient histories and vital signs; record all information on patients EHR.
Measure vital signs including but not limit to blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, body measurements and EKG.
Perform triage for oncology and radiology patients that require sedation.
Verify patient information and carefully follow all safety procedures during phlebotomy work.
Exhibit compassion by answering patient questions thoroughly and educating patients on procedures being perform.
Assist inTrauma situations, CPR, wind care.

Certified phlebotomy technician vs phlebotomist skills

Common certified phlebotomy technician skills

Patients, 21%
CPT, 8%
Laboratory Specimens, 7%
Blood Pressure, 7%
Data Entry, 5%
Patient Care, 4%

Common phlebotomist skills

Patients, 21%
Customer Service, 9%
Blood Samples, 5%
Blood Specimens, 5%
Data Entry, 5%
OSHA, 4%

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Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Certified Phlebotomy Technician vs Phlebotomist

Updated January 8, 2025

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