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Laboratory phlebotomist vs certified phlebotomist

The differences between laboratory phlebotomists and certified phlebotomists 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 phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist. Additionally, a certified phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,509, which is higher than the $33,951 average annual salary of a laboratory phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a laboratory phlebotomist include patients, customer service and specimen collection. The most important skills for a certified phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and phlebotomy procedures.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs certified phlebotomist overview

Laboratory PhlebotomistCertified Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$33,951$34,509
Hourly rate$16.32$16.59
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs48,64544,574
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

What does a laboratory phlebotomist do?

A laboratory phlebotomist is primarily in charge of drawing and processing blood samples from patients and clients for laboratory analysis. They must also perform clerical tasks such as maintaining records of all procedures and results, producing laboratory reports, responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, and liaising with external parties such as vendors and suppliers. Furthermore, as a laboratory phlebotomist, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with laboratory and hospital staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a certified phlebotomist do?

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 phlebotomist vs certified phlebotomist salary

Laboratory phlebotomists and certified phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory PhlebotomistCertified Phlebotomist
Average salary$33,951$34,509
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyUniversity of California, Berkeley-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and certified phlebotomist education

There are a few differences between a laboratory phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist in terms of educational background:

Laboratory PhlebotomistCertified Phlebotomist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Laboratory phlebotomist vs certified phlebotomist demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory phlebotomists' and certified phlebotomists' demographics:

Laboratory PhlebotomistCertified Phlebotomist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 20.2% Female, 79.8%Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 9.6% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and certified phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Laboratory phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Follow written guidelines for identifying patients and labeling specimens, using computer to efficiently organize specimen collection by priority.
  • Record and perform EKG's.
  • Help set up centrifuges for blood testing.
  • Repair and recalibrate centrifuges for correct speed and weight.
  • Provide venipuncture and or EKG services for inpatient and emergency room as requested by physicians.
  • Process specimens in the emergency room stat laboratory.
  • Show more

Certified phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Manage work lists and stats.
  • Review and process requisitions and orders for laboratory procedures; enter patients data into computer system.
  • Perform EKG's in the outpatient lab.
  • Calibrate, clean and maintain machines, such as centrifuges and slide stains.
  • Respond to trauma calls, stat calls, emergency room calls, labor, delivery, and neo-natal units.
  • Load specimens in centrifuges and process them and get them ready for the courier to pick up to take to hospital.
  • Show more

Laboratory phlebotomist vs certified phlebotomist skills

Common laboratory phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 4%
Common certified phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • Blood Specimens, 10%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 6%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 5%
  • Laboratory Specimens, 4%

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