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The differences between medical laboratory assistants 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 laboratory assistant and a medical research assistant. Additionally, a medical research assistant has an average salary of $40,303, which is higher than the $34,673 average annual salary of a medical laboratory assistant.
The top three skills for a medical laboratory assistant include patients, customer service and data entry. The most important skills for a medical research assistant are patients, patient care, and DR.
| Medical Laboratory Assistant | Medical Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $34,673 | $40,303 |
| Hourly rate | $16.67 | $19.38 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 124,322 | 125,533 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 27% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A medical laboratory assistant is in charge of performing support tasks while under the supervision and directives of a more experienced medical technician or scientist. Their responsibilities typically revolve around collecting samples such as blood and tissues, preparing slides, running tests using machines and equipment, and maintaining records of all procedures and results. Furthermore, a medical laboratory assistant must also keep the cleanliness of the laboratory, organize and monitor inventories, procure supplies, and implement the laboratory's policies and regulations.
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 laboratory assistants and medical research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Medical Laboratory Assistant | Medical Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $34,673 | $40,303 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $25,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eugene, OR | Worcester, MA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | Norton Rose Fulbright |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a medical laboratory assistant and a medical research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Medical Laboratory Assistant | Medical Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 27% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between medical laboratory assistants' and medical research assistants' demographics:
| Medical Laboratory Assistant | Medical Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 18.9% Female, 81.1% | Male, 19.0% Female, 81.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 9.1% White, 51.8% 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 Percentage | 6% | 6% |