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Phlebotomist vs licensed practical nurse

The differences between phlebotomists and licensed practical nurses 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 licensed practical nurse. Additionally, a licensed practical nurse has an average salary of $52,912, 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 licensed practical nurse are patients, CPR, and home health.

Phlebotomist vs licensed practical nurse overview

PhlebotomistLicensed Practical Nurse
Yearly salary$33,713$52,912
Hourly rate$16.21$25.44
Growth rate10%6%
Number of jobs11,707614,369
Job satisfaction4.43.33
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Associate Degree, 33%
Average age4146
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 a licensed practical nurse do?

Licensed practical nurses are considered leading front liners in the clinic or hospital setting. They assist nurses and doctors in conducting various activities related to sick or injured patients. Licensed practical nurses are primarily expected to provide routine care for patients and assist registered nurses in creating care plans. They maintain and update medical records, prepare patients for medical examinations, help patients dress, bath, or eat, take vital signs, administer and monitor medicine intake, monitor patients and update nurses and doctors on patient status, and assist during medical examinations.

Phlebotomist vs licensed practical nurse salary

Phlebotomists and licensed practical nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

PhlebotomistLicensed Practical Nurse
Average salary$33,713$52,912
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $37,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyThe Citadel
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between phlebotomist and licensed practical nurse education

There are a few differences between a phlebotomist and a licensed practical nurse in terms of educational background:

PhlebotomistLicensed Practical Nurse
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Associate Degree, 33%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesNursing
Most common college-Emory University

Phlebotomist vs licensed practical nurse demographics

Here are the differences between phlebotomists' and licensed practical nurses' demographics:

PhlebotomistLicensed Practical Nurse
Average age4146
Gender ratioMale, 16.7% Female, 83.3%Male, 11.3% Female, 88.7%
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, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 6.5% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%7%

Differences between phlebotomist and licensed practical nurse 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

Licensed practical nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage all operational aspects of the organizations open heart program while also serving in the role of APN.
  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Provide nursing care for med/surg patients in the transitional phase of recovery.
  • Work up patients for the Dr, administer allergy testing, mix allergens.
  • Perform emergency medical procedures, such as BLS, ACLS, and other condition stabilizing interventions.
  • Drug screens, phlebotomy wind care education of safety practices communications with treatment facilities as indicated/.
  • Show more

Phlebotomist vs licensed practical nurse skills

Common phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Blood Samples, 5%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Data Entry, 5%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common licensed practical nurse skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • CPR, 11%
  • Home Health, 10%
  • Medication Administration, 4%
  • Quality Care, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%

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