Post job

Phlebotomist vs ekg technician

The differences between phlebotomists and ekg technicians 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 an ekg technician. Additionally, an ekg technician has an average salary of $35,160, 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 an ekg technician are patients, BLS, and patient care.

Phlebotomist vs ekg technician overview

PhlebotomistEKG Technician
Yearly salary$33,713$35,160
Hourly rate$16.21$16.90
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs11,70752,679
Job satisfaction4.4-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Bachelor's Degree, 27%
Average age4145
Years of experience22

What does a phlebotomist do?

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.

What does an ekg technician do?

An EKG technician is responsible for conducting laboratory tests using advanced equipment and machines to diagnose and identify patients' conditions with cardiovascular problems. EKG technicians must have excellent knowledge of the process to discuss the procedures and respond to the patients' inquiries and concerns accurately. They help the doctors in diagnosing patients and developing treatment plans upon the interpretation of the results. An EKG technician inspects the stability and efficiency of the equipment regularly to prevent delays and inconsistencies with the results.

Phlebotomist vs ekg technician salary

Phlebotomists and ekg technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

PhlebotomistEKG Technician
Average salary$33,713$35,160
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASpringfield, OR
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNorth Dakota
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyUC Merced
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between phlebotomist and ekg technician education

There are a few differences between a phlebotomist and an ekg technician in terms of educational background:

PhlebotomistEKG Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Bachelor's Degree, 27%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college-Emory University

Phlebotomist vs ekg technician demographics

Here are the differences between phlebotomists' and ekg technicians' demographics:

PhlebotomistEKG Technician
Average age4145
Gender ratioMale, 16.7% Female, 83.3%Male, 23.5% Female, 76.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between phlebotomist and ekg technician duties and responsibilities

Phlebotomist example responsibilities.

  • Take patient histories and vital signs; record all information on patients EHR.
  • Measure vital signs including but not limit to blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, body measurements and EKG.
  • Perform triage for oncology and radiology patients that require sedation.
  • Verify patient information and carefully follow all safety procedures during phlebotomy work.
  • Exhibit compassion by answering patient questions thoroughly and educating patients on procedures being perform.
  • Assist inTrauma situations, CPR, wind care.
  • Show more

Ekg technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
  • Assist physicians during codes by performing the ECG's and assisting with CPR.
  • Perform EKG and EEG examinations of patients to obtain graphic indications of heart activity
  • Conduct electrocardiogram and other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity using specialize electronic test equipment and recording devices.
  • Obtain ECG records of events; assist emergency situations by initiating and/or assisting in emergency procedures prescribe by hospital policies.
  • Show more

Phlebotomist vs ekg technician skills

Common phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Blood Samples, 5%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Data Entry, 5%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common ekg technician skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • BLS, 9%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Electrocardiogram, 5%
  • CPR, 4%
  • ECG, 3%

Browse healthcare support jobs