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The differences between laboratory phlebotomists and registered medical 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 registered medical assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a registered medical assistant has an average salary of $36,580, 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 registered medical assistant are patients, vital signs, and office procedures.
| Laboratory Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $33,951 | $36,580 |
| Hourly rate | $16.32 | $17.59 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 48,645 | 183,988 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
The primary job of registered medical assistants is to perform clinical and administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. They offer support services to physicians, so the latter have plenty of time to care for patients. They carry out varied administrative, clerical, and clinical tasks that include taking vital signs, filing records, and scheduling patient appointments. Other responsibilities include discussing treatment procedures to patients, interacting with patients, and collecting laboratory specimens such as tissue and blood. Ideal characteristics to become a registered medical assistant include being compassionate, can work well with people, and adaptable.
Laboratory phlebotomists and registered medical assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Laboratory Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Average salary | $33,951 | $36,580 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | Griffin Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a laboratory phlebotomist and a registered medical assistant in terms of educational background:
| Laboratory Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between laboratory phlebotomists' and registered medical assistants' demographics:
| Laboratory Phlebotomist | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 20.2% Female, 79.8% | Male, 8.2% Female, 91.8% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 8.7% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |