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The differences between phlebotomists and certified phlebotomists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist. Additionally, a certified phlebotomist has an average salary of $34,509, which is higher than the $33,713 average annual salary of a phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a phlebotomist include patients, customer service and blood samples. The most important skills for a certified phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and phlebotomy procedures.
| Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $33,713 | $34,509 |
| Hourly rate | $16.21 | $16.59 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 11,707 | 44,574 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.4 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 22% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Phlebotomists are workers in the medical field who specialize in drawing blood from patients. They ensure that patients are prepared by explaining the procedure to them, showing them tools they will use and where their blood will be stored, and answering any questions the patients may have. Phlebotomists then draw blood from the patient, patch up the area where the blood was drawn, and store the blood samples in properly labeled vials or blood bags. After the procedure, they send the blood samples to the laboratory for testing, transfusion, or any other use that there may be.
A certified phlebotomist is a medical professional who specializes in drawing blood through venipuncture or finger and heel pricks, preparing the samples for laboratory procedures. Besides collecting blood, a phlebotomist is also responsible for gathering patient information, verifying identification, reviewing medical histories, labeling vials, and maintaining records, including diagnostic findings. They are also in charge of keeping laboratory equipment clean, discarding trash appropriately, and organizing supplies according to policies, ordering new supplies when necessary. Above all, a certified phlebotomist maintains an open and transparent communication line with nurses and physicians for an efficient workflow.
Phlebotomists and certified phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $33,713 | $34,509 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 22% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between phlebotomists' and certified phlebotomists' demographics:
| Phlebotomist | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.7% Female, 83.3% | Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 9.8% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |