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Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist vs clinical laboratory assistant

The differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomists and clinical laboratory assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist and a clinical laboratory assistant. Additionally, a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,553, which is higher than the $32,679 average annual salary of a clinical laboratory assistant.

The top three skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist include patients, blood specimens and customer service. The most important skills for a clinical laboratory assistant are patients, phlebotomy, and clinical lab.

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist vs clinical laboratory assistant overview

Laboratory Assistant/PhlebotomistClinical Laboratory Assistant
Yearly salary$34,553$32,679
Hourly rate$16.61$15.71
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs74,428108,124
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

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.

What does a clinical laboratory assistant do?

A clinical laboratory assistant specializes in performing support tasks in a laboratory or similar setting using their in-depth knowledge. They are primarily responsible for assisting researchers, preparing samples and apparatus, conducting experiments and analysis, maintaining extensive documentation of all processes and results, and reporting to management. Moreover, a clinical laboratory assistant is also responsible for gathering necessary information before beginning studies and maintaining the laboratory's cleanliness and sanitation. It is vital to implement all the safety rules and regulations to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist vs clinical laboratory assistant salary

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomists and clinical laboratory assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory Assistant/PhlebotomistClinical Laboratory Assistant
Average salary$34,553$32,679
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $43,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Roswell Park
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomist and clinical laboratory assistant education

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

Laboratory Assistant/PhlebotomistClinical Laboratory Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutNew York University

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist vs clinical laboratory assistant demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomists' and clinical laboratory assistants' demographics:

Laboratory Assistant/PhlebotomistClinical Laboratory Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 17.1% Female, 82.9%Male, 25.4% Female, 74.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.1% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between laboratory assistant/phlebotomist and clinical laboratory assistant duties and responsibilities

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

Clinical laboratory assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve PHLEBOTOMY duties utilizing proper infection control techniques and perform a variety of laboratory tests.
  • Process specimen, recollect and deliver to chemistry, microbiology, molecular or hematology departments for testing.
  • Receive specimens for microbiology, histology, cytology, anatomic pathology and hematology tests/procedures, checks for proper identification and requisition.
  • Operate EKG and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Transfer of samples from racks to centrifuges and decant station.
  • Administer EKG's, clean wounds, draw labs, and apply dressings.
  • Show more

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist vs clinical laboratory assistant skills

Common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Blood Specimens, 13%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 5%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 3%
Common clinical laboratory assistant skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Phlebotomy, 14%
  • Clinical Lab, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 4%

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