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The differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomists and certified 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 laboratory assistant/phlebotomist, becoming a certified phlebotomist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,553, which is higher than the $34,509 average annual salary of a certified phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist include patients, blood specimens and customer service. The most important skills for a certified phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and phlebotomy procedures.
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $34,553 | $34,509 |
| Hourly rate | $16.61 | $16.59 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 74,428 | 44,574 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
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.
Laboratory assistant/phlebotomists and certified phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $34,553 | $34,509 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $43,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 23% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | - |
Here are the differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' and certified phlebotomists' demographics:
| Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9% | Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 8% | 8% |