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Medical examiner vs medical assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between medical examiners and medical 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 examiner and a medical assistant/phlebotomist. Additionally, a medical examiner has an average salary of $156,092, which is higher than the $33,674 average annual salary of a medical assistant/phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a medical examiner include EKG, medical history and vital signs. The most important skills for a medical assistant/phlebotomist are patients, vital signs, and customer service.

Medical examiner vs medical assistant/phlebotomist overview

Medical ExaminerMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$156,092$33,674
Hourly rate$75.04$16.19
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs47,428189,206
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a medical examiner do?

A medical examiner works with deceased bodies to determine the cause and time of death. They analyze available information, testify in court, act as an expert witness in various criminal and civil cases, and provide forensic evidence. They are generally only expected to investigate deaths that occur under suspicious circumstances, as not all deaths will require an autopsy.

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.

Medical examiner vs medical assistant/phlebotomist salary

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

Medical ExaminerMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$156,092$33,674
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $308,000Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsMassachusetts
Best paying companyBexar CountyConviva
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between medical examiner and medical assistant/phlebotomist education

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

Medical ExaminerMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorNursingMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Medical examiner vs medical assistant/phlebotomist demographics

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

Medical ExaminerMedical Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 33.0% Female, 67.0%Male, 11.4% Female, 88.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 Percentage6%6%

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

Medical examiner example responsibilities.

  • Adhere to OSHA guidelines while performing instrument sterilization in addition to managing medical inventory.
  • Perform medical exams such as EKG's, blood work, vitals and review medical history and paperwork with patients.
  • Assist in DNA case file management.
  • Train in phlebotomy and OSHA/HIPPA regulatory compliance procedures.
  • Perform independent thesis research to compare paraffin embed healthy and malignant tissue using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA testing.
  • Audit income and financial resources of elderly adults and disable applicants to determine financial eligibility for various levels of Medicaid coverage.
  • 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

Medical examiner vs medical assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common medical examiner skills
  • EKG, 16%
  • Medical History, 10%
  • Vital Signs, 8%
  • Blood Pressure, 7%
  • Medical Exams, 7%
  • Death Certificates, 6%
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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