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Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between laboratory phlebotomists and medical 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 laboratory phlebotomist, becoming a medical assistant/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a laboratory phlebotomist has an average salary of $33,951, which is higher than the $33,674 average annual salary of a medical assistant/phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a laboratory phlebotomist include patients, customer service and specimen collection. The most important skills for a medical assistant/phlebotomist are patients, vital signs, and customer service.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical assistant/phlebotomist overview

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$33,951$33,674
Hourly rate$16.32$16.19
Growth rate10%16%
Number of jobs48,645189,206
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4137
Years of experience212

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 medical assistant/phlebotomist do?

Medical assistants/phlebotomists are medical personnel who execute administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities or units. They are responsible for providing healthcare to patients such as immunization administration, orthopedic supplies, and wound care. It is part of their job to take the blood of patients for blood testing. They also take charge of handling other medical tests for the upkeep of patients' health. These professionals should exhibit compatibility, initiative, and cohesiveness within the team.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical assistant/phlebotomist salary

Laboratory phlebotomists and medical assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$33,951$33,674
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyConviva
Best paying industryHealth CareFinance

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and medical assistant/phlebotomist education

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

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

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical assistant/phlebotomist demographics

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

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age4137
Gender ratioMale, 20.2% Female, 79.8%Male, 11.4% Female, 88.6%
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, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 8.6% White, 51.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and medical assistant/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

Medical assistant/phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Demonstrate clinical competency and compassion in providing care, using technology, performing procedures and managing emergencies.
  • Provide back-office support, inventory control, training and supervision to ensure compliance with HIPAA and OSHA regulations.
  • Used CPR training on several occasions.
  • Assist physician in the operating room during surgery and delivery.
  • Validate and ensure that forms for the releases of information are current, accurate and complete as defined by HIPAA.
  • Sanitize equipment and follow OSHA guidelines.
  • Show more

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common laboratory phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 4%
Common medical assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Blood Pressure, 6%
  • Office Procedures, 4%
  • Venipuncture, 4%

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