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Collections technician vs laboratory phlebotomist

The differences between collections technicians and laboratory 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 laboratory phlebotomist. Additionally, a laboratory phlebotomist has an average salary of $33,951, 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 laboratory phlebotomist are patients, customer service, and specimen collection.

Collections technician vs laboratory phlebotomist overview

Collections TechnicianLaboratory Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$32,521$33,951
Hourly rate$15.64$16.32
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs29,39048,645
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 24%Associate Degree, 25%
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 laboratory phlebotomist do?

A laboratory phlebotomist is primarily in charge of drawing and processing blood samples from patients and clients for laboratory analysis. They must also perform clerical tasks such as maintaining records of all procedures and results, producing laboratory reports, responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, and liaising with external parties such as vendors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a laboratory phlebotomist, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with laboratory and hospital staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Collections technician vs laboratory phlebotomist salary

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

Collections TechnicianLaboratory Phlebotomist
Average salary$32,521$33,951
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $40,000Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CitySanta Monica, CAFremont, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyClean HarborsUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between collections technician and laboratory phlebotomist education

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

Collections TechnicianLaboratory Phlebotomist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 24%Associate Degree, 25%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Collections technician vs laboratory phlebotomist demographics

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

Collections TechnicianLaboratory Phlebotomist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 28.2% Female, 71.8%Male, 20.2% Female, 79.8%
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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 9.6% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between collections technician and laboratory 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

Laboratory phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Follow written guidelines for identifying patients and labeling specimens, using computer to efficiently organize specimen collection by priority.
  • Record and perform EKG's.
  • Help set up centrifuges for blood testing.
  • Repair and recalibrate centrifuges for correct speed and weight.
  • Provide venipuncture and or EKG services for inpatient and emergency room as requested by physicians.
  • Process specimens in the emergency room stat laboratory.
  • Show more

Collections technician vs laboratory phlebotomist skills

Common collections technician skills
  • Physical Exams, 45%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
  • Venipuncture, 4%
  • Data Entry, 4%
Common laboratory phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 4%

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