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The differences between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cytogenetic technologist has an average salary of $54,242, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a cytogenetic technologist include harvest, patients and ASCP. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,242 | $34,553 |
| Hourly rate | $26.08 | $16.61 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 76,373 | 74,428 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | 12 |
A cytogenetic technologist is a lab specialist who is responsible for preparing and examining chromosomes in the DNA of patients to learn about the relationship between genetics and health. To aid in diagnosis and treatment plans, cytogenetic technologists must use microscopes to examine and analyze normal and abnormal chromosomes. They work closely with doctors to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases such as congenital disorders, blood disorders, and birth defects. Cytogenetic technologists can also work in different establishments such as hospitals, government facilities, and private labs.
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.
Cytogenetic technologists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $54,242 | $34,553 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $75,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a cytogenetic technologist and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between cytogenetic technologists' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Cytogenetic Technologist | Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8% | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 12.1% White, 53.6% 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% |