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Histologic technician vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between histologic technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a histologic technician, becoming a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a histologic technician has an average salary of $49,962, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a histologic technician include ASCP, patients and tissue specimens. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.

Histologic technician vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

Histologic TechnicianLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$49,962$34,553
Hourly rate$24.02$16.61
Growth rate-10%
Number of jobs6,78574,428
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4444
Years of experience212

What does a histologic technician do?

A Histologic Technician prepares tissue specimens for routine and special procedures to confirm a patient diagnosis. They work in hospital laboratories, government agencies, public health departments, and other institutions.

What does a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist do?

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.

Histologic technician vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

Histologic technicians and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Histologic TechnicianLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$49,962$34,553
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $75,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyBattelle-
Best paying industry--

Differences between histologic technician and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

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

Histologic TechnicianLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorBiologyMedical Assisting Services
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Connecticut

Histologic technician vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

Here are the differences between histologic technicians' and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:

Histologic TechnicianLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 30.4% Female, 69.6%Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between histologic technician and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Histologic technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform routine histology/cytology procedures and IHC and manage 7-20 staff members.
  • Develop and implement health and safety protocols and procedures in accordance with CLIA and OSHA regulations
  • Develop a higher grade eosin for stainline.
  • Enter patient specimens into the EMR system/file patient records.
  • Cut all control slides for research and run all immunofluorescence slides.
  • Perform processing, embedding, microtomy, cryostating, routine and special stains.
  • Show more

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Order doctor prescribe lab tests, perform EKG's, answer phone calls, and order inventory.
  • Respond to stat collection assignments within fifteen minutes and in accordance with protocol.
  • Work effectively in a fast pace setting and prioritize duties for routine and stat testing.
  • Receive and acquire patient's body fluids, prepare and process EKG's on adult and children.
  • Collect specimens and set-up blood cultures and other microbiology cultures.
  • Deliver critical patient results as needed and maintain positive relationships with participating physicians and their patients.
  • Show more

Histologic technician vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common histologic technician skills
  • ASCP, 15%
  • Patients, 12%
  • Tissue Specimens, 5%
  • CLIA, 4%
  • IHC, 4%
  • Sectioning, 4%
Common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Blood Specimens, 13%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 5%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 3%

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