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Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs medical research assistant

The differences between medical assistant/phlebotomists and medical research assistants 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 medical research assistant. Additionally, a medical research assistant has an average salary of $40,303, 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 medical research assistant are patients, patient care, and DR.

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs medical research assistant overview

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Yearly salary$33,674$40,303
Hourly rate$16.19$19.38
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs189,206125,533
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age3737
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 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.

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs medical research assistant salary

Medical assistant/phlebotomists and medical research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Average salary$33,674$40,303
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $25,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAWorcester, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyConvivaNorton Rose Fulbright
Best paying industryFinanceEducation

Differences between medical assistant/phlebotomist and medical research assistant education

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

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 23%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs medical research assistant demographics

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

Medical Assistant/PhlebotomistMedical Research Assistant
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 11.4% Female, 88.6%Male, 19.0% Female, 81.0%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 24.3% Asian, 9.7% White, 50.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between medical assistant/phlebotomist and medical research assistant 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

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

Medical assistant/phlebotomist vs medical research assistant skills

Common medical assistant/phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Blood Pressure, 6%
  • Office Procedures, 4%
  • Venipuncture, 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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