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Collections technician vs certified phlebotomist

The differences between collections technicians and certified phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a collections technician and a certified phlebotomist. Additionally, a certified phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,509, which is higher than the $32,521 average annual salary of a collections technician.

The top three skills for a collections technician include physical exams, phlebotomy procedures and customer service. The most important skills for a certified phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and phlebotomy procedures.

Collections technician vs certified phlebotomist overview

Collections TechnicianCertified Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$32,521$34,509
Hourly rate$15.64$16.59
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs29,39044,574
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 24%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

What does a collections technician do?

Generally, collections technicians take responsibility for collecting and managing outstanding accounts receivables from customers and clients. The technicians may work as health his/her torians for blood donations. They train other collection technicians on the procedures and protocols of the company. Part of their job is to demonstrate excellent customer service skills associated with external and internal customers. They take part in team-building or programs in different work environments and also data entry.

What does a certified phlebotomist do?

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.

Collections technician vs certified phlebotomist salary

Collections technicians and certified phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Collections TechnicianCertified Phlebotomist
Average salary$32,521$34,509
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySanta Monica, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyClean Harbors-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between collections technician and certified phlebotomist education

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

Collections TechnicianCertified Phlebotomist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 24%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Collections technician vs certified phlebotomist demographics

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

Collections TechnicianCertified Phlebotomist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 28.2% Female, 71.8%Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 10.1% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between collections technician and certified phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Collections technician example responsibilities.

  • Identify 2RBC products target for monthly QC or validation activities.
  • Set up mobile blood drives, maintain and perform daily QC on equipment.
  • Process, prepare, label, and store the units of blood to the FDA regulations.
  • Perform venipuncture and collect specimens in appropriate vials.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a proficiency in venipuncture and capillary techniques.
  • Follow federal and state regulations including HIPPA to maintain patient confidentiality.
  • Show more

Certified phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Manage work lists and stats.
  • Review and process requisitions and orders for laboratory procedures; enter patients data into computer system.
  • Perform EKG's in the outpatient lab.
  • Calibrate, clean and maintain machines, such as centrifuges and slide stains.
  • Respond to trauma calls, stat calls, emergency room calls, labor, delivery, and neo-natal units.
  • Load specimens in centrifuges and process them and get them ready for the courier to pick up to take to hospital.
  • Show more

Collections technician vs certified phlebotomist skills

Common collections technician skills
  • Physical Exams, 45%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
  • Venipuncture, 4%
  • Data Entry, 4%
Common certified phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • Blood Specimens, 10%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 6%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 5%
  • Laboratory Specimens, 4%

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