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Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between medical assistant/phlebotomists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a medical assistant/phlebotomist and a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,553, which is higher than the $33,674 average annual salary of a medical assistant/phlebotomist.

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

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$33,674$34,553
Hourly rate$16.19$16.61
Growth rate16%10%
Number of jobs189,20674,428
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age3744
Years of experience1212

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.

What does a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist do?

A laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

Medical assistant/phlebotomists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$33,674$34,553
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MA-
Highest paying stateMassachusetts-
Best paying companyConviva-
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between medical assistant/phlebotomist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

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

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college-University of Connecticut

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

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

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age3744
Gender ratioMale, 11.4% Female, 88.6%Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between medical assistant/phlebotomist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

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 assistant/phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Order doctor prescribe lab tests, perform EKG's, answer phone calls, and order inventory.
  • Respond to stat collection assignments within fifteen minutes and in accordance with protocol.
  • Work effectively in a fast pace setting and prioritize duties for routine and stat testing.
  • Receive and acquire patient's body fluids, prepare and process EKG's on adult and children.
  • Collect specimens and set-up blood cultures and other microbiology cultures.
  • Deliver critical patient results as needed and maintain positive relationships with participating physicians and their patients.
  • Show more

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common medical assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Blood Pressure, 6%
  • Office Procedures, 4%
  • Venipuncture, 4%
Common laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Blood Specimens, 13%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Phlebotomy Procedures, 5%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 3%

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