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Medical technologist, generalist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

The differences between medical technologists, generalist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a medical technologist, generalist, becoming a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a medical technologist, generalist has an average salary of $58,246, which is higher than the $34,553 average annual salary of a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist.

The top three skills for a medical technologist, generalist include patients, clinical laboratory and hematology. The most important skills for a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and customer service.

Medical technologist, generalist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist overview

Medical Technologist, GeneralistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Yearly salary$58,246$34,553
Hourly rate$28.00$16.61
Growth rate7%10%
Number of jobs121,72174,428
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Associate Degree, 23%
Average age4444
Years of experience212

What does a medical technologist, generalist do?

A Medical Technologist Generalist performs day-to-day operations in the laboratory such as routine testing, quality control, and maintenance of instruments. They also develop, perform, and evaluate the accuracy of laboratory procedures.

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 technologist, generalist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist salary

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

Medical Technologist, GeneralistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average salary$58,246$34,553
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $79,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companySoliant-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between medical technologist, generalist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist education

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

Medical Technologist, GeneralistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Associate Degree, 23%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Assisting Services
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Connecticut

Medical technologist, generalist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist demographics

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

Medical Technologist, GeneralistLaboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 29.3% Female, 70.7%Male, 17.1% Female, 82.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.0% 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between medical technologist, generalist and laboratory assistant/phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Medical technologist, generalist example responsibilities.

  • Manage data process flow to ensure employee timekeeping, attendance and payroll objectives are effectively and efficiently maintain.
  • Perform specimen processing and testing, phlebotomy, analyzer maintenance, proficiency testing etc.
  • Perform, instruct and delegate medical technologist generalist testing in chemistry, hematology, blood bank and microbiology.
  • Process and analyze specimens in all areas of the lab including chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis and microbiology.
  • Work with a team of Maya artists and composers to produce various commercials from different companies.
  • Input salary changes, update direct deposit information and withholding allowance certificates into the HRIS system.
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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.
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Medical technologist, generalist vs laboratory assistant/phlebotomist skills

Common medical technologist, generalist skills
  • Patients, 13%
  • Clinical Laboratory, 13%
  • Hematology, 9%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Microbiology, 6%
  • Blood Bank, 6%
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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