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Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical research assistant

The differences between laboratory phlebotomists and medical research assistants 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 research assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a medical research assistant has an average salary of $40,303, 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 medical research assistant are patients, patient care, and DR.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical research assistant overview

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Yearly salary$33,951$40,303
Hourly rate$16.32$19.38
Growth rate10%16%
Number of jobs48,645125,533
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
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 research assistant do?

A medical research assistant is primarily in charge of performing support tasks in a laboratory or similar environment. Their responsibilities include gathering and organizing samples, preparing the laboratories and other facilities, compiling and managing data, updating databases, and conducting examinations and analysis, all while adhering to the laboratory's policies and regulations. They may also liaise with clients, answering inquiries as necessary. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an active line with researchers, coordinating with them every step of the way to ensure an efficient workflow.

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical research assistant salary

Laboratory phlebotomists and medical research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Average salary$33,951$40,303
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $45,000Between $25,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CityFremont, CAWorcester, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyNorton Rose Fulbright
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and medical research assistant education

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

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical research assistant demographics

Here are the differences between laboratory phlebotomists' and medical research assistants' demographics:

Laboratory PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Average age4137
Gender ratioMale, 20.2% Female, 79.8%Male, 19.0% Female, 81.0%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 24.3% Asian, 9.7% White, 50.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between laboratory phlebotomist and medical research assistant 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 research assistant example responsibilities.

  • Create and maintain confidential patient files; implement EHR systems to automate patient records management for the purposes of meaningful use.
  • Conduct intake and triage of medical histories for new and returning patients.
  • Record patient's medical history, vital statistics and information into charts and EMR.
  • Perform appointment scheduling and registration for patients as well as updating patient demographic and insurance information.
  • Perform tests (EKG's), as per protocol.
  • Sustain compliance with OSHA and HIPPA standards.
  • Show more

Laboratory phlebotomist vs medical research assistant skills

Common laboratory phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 4%
Common medical research assistant skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • DR, 9%
  • Vital Signs, 6%
  • Medical Terminology, 6%
  • Phlebotomy, 5%

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