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Laboratory clerk vs front office clerk

The differences between laboratory clerks and front office clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a laboratory clerk and a front office clerk. Additionally, a laboratory clerk has an average salary of $32,182, which is higher than the $31,051 average annual salary of a front office clerk.

The top three skills for a laboratory clerk include patients, phlebotomy and lab specimens. The most important skills for a front office clerk are patients, check-in, and data entry.

Laboratory clerk vs front office clerk overview

Laboratory ClerkFront Office Clerk
Yearly salary$32,182$31,051
Hourly rate$15.47$14.93
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs105,165163,789
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 28%
Average age4747
Years of experience22

What does a laboratory clerk do?

A laboratory clerk is responsible for a variety of tasks needed to process, report, and deliver laboratory tests and results. These include coordinating patient specimen collection, managing requests for laboratory tests, and adhering to laboratory safety rules and standards. As a laboratory clerk, you will be responsible for storing and retrieving copies of lab test reports. You must inform the lab supervisor about malfunctioning office equipment. In addition, you are also responsible for preparing and sending laboratory reports to physicians.

What does a front office clerk do?

A front office clerk performs various administrative and secretarial duties, including welcoming and greeting clients and visitors, answering telephone calls, and managing the office budget. You will be responsible for monitoring, organizing, and forwarding emails and maintaining files and records. Other duties include following company policies and procedures, organizing transportation for guests, and handling and resolving guest complaints. In addition, you will also be responsible for invoicing and billing guests for their stay and used services.

Laboratory clerk vs front office clerk salary

Laboratory clerks and front office clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory ClerkFront Office Clerk
Average salary$32,182$31,051
Salary rangeBetween $15,000 And $65,000Between $25,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Limbach
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between laboratory clerk and front office clerk education

There are a few differences between a laboratory clerk and a front office clerk in terms of educational background:

Laboratory ClerkFront Office Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 28%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Laboratory clerk vs front office clerk demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory clerks' and front office clerks' demographics:

Laboratory ClerkFront Office Clerk
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 18.6% Female, 81.4%Male, 13.9% Female, 86.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.2% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 24.3% Asian, 7.0% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between laboratory clerk and front office clerk duties and responsibilities

Laboratory clerk example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate strong math skills in managing inmate s accounts and calmly and effectively deescalating outbursts of belligerent inmates.
  • Train and follow strict HIPAA laws for protection of patient privacy.
  • Ensure patient safeguard, protection and comply to all company policies, procedures and HIPAA regulations
  • Process and organize patients' medical lab records and maintain records accuracy.
  • Confer with patients to obtain information for laboratory records, explain testing and addressed patient concerns.
  • Perform immunological, chemical, microbiological, and hematological tests, critically examine results for accuracy, troubleshoot discrepancies.
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Front office clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage front office check-in, insurance verification and certifications from doctors.
  • Maintain a high knowledge level of regulations on the confidentiality of medical records (HIPAA).
  • Verify releases of information according to HIPPA regulations.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information; abiding by HIPPA guidelines.
  • Register all patients per registration protocols, schedule appointments, and provide appointment reminder calls.
  • Respond to routine technical questions regarding patients' right and responsibilities and medical eligibility for care.
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Laboratory clerk vs front office clerk skills

Common laboratory clerk skills
  • Patients, 32%
  • Phlebotomy, 10%
  • Lab Specimens, 6%
  • Computer System, 4%
  • Computer Data Entry, 4%
  • Medical Terminology, 4%
Common front office clerk skills
  • Patients, 34%
  • Check-In, 8%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Front Desk, 4%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 4%

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