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The differences between phlebotomists and medical 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 phlebotomist, becoming a medical assistant/phlebotomist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a phlebotomist has an average salary of $33,713, which is higher than the $33,674 average annual salary of a medical assistant/phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a phlebotomist include patients, customer service and blood samples. The most important skills for a medical assistant/phlebotomist are patients, vital signs, and customer service.
| Phlebotomist | Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $33,713 | $33,674 |
| Hourly rate | $16.21 | $16.19 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 11,707 | 189,206 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.4 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 22% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
Medical assistants/phlebotomists are medical personnel who execute administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare facilities or units. They are responsible for providing healthcare to patients such as immunization administration, orthopedic supplies, and wound care. It is part of their job to take the blood of patients for blood testing. They also take charge of handling other medical tests for the upkeep of patients' health. These professionals should exhibit compatibility, initiative, and cohesiveness within the team.
Phlebotomists and medical assistant/phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomist | Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $33,713 | $33,674 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $42,000 | Between $27,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | University of California, Berkeley | Conviva |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomist and a medical assistant/phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomist | Medical Assistant/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 medical assistant/phlebotomists' demographics:
| Phlebotomist | Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 41 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.7% Female, 83.3% | Male, 11.4% Female, 88.6% |
| 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, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 8.6% White, 51.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |