Post job

Phlebotomist vs nurse technician

The differences between phlebotomists and nurse technicians 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 nurse technician takes usually requires 1-3 months. Additionally, a phlebotomist has an average salary of $33,713, which is higher than the $33,005 average annual salary of a nurse technician.

The top three skills for a phlebotomist include patients, customer service and blood samples. The most important skills for a nurse technician are patients, CPR, and vital signs.

Phlebotomist vs nurse technician overview

PhlebotomistNurse Technician
Yearly salary$33,713$33,005
Hourly rate$16.21$15.87
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs11,707195,553
Job satisfaction4.4-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age4142
Years of experience23

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 nurse technician do?

Nurse technicians, also known as nursing aides, assistants, or attendants, usually work in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Primarily, they help a registered nurse by providing essential mobility, care, and support to patients. Everyday routine duties include maintaining patients' hygiene and moving them using wheelchairs or stretchers around the facility for their meals, treatment, events, and other activities. They do tasks that help improve a patient's comfort level and become their caregivers in the long run. This job requires a high school diploma along with the completed certified nursing assistant (CNA) program.

Phlebotomist vs nurse technician salary

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

PhlebotomistNurse Technician
Average salary$33,713$33,005
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaOregon
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyCarondelet High School
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between phlebotomist and nurse technician education

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

PhlebotomistNurse Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesNursing
Most common college--

Phlebotomist vs nurse technician demographics

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

PhlebotomistNurse Technician
Average age4142
Gender ratioMale, 16.7% Female, 83.3%Male, 16.9% Female, 83.1%
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, 11.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%7%

Differences between phlebotomist and nurse 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

Nurse technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage memory unity within facility.
  • Deliver timely and quality patient care on rehabilitation unit under direct supervision of staff nurses.
  • Assist patients with ADL's: bathing, transferring, ambulating, changing bed linens, skin care, etc.
  • Assist and serve patients with activities of daily living (ADL) in a manner conductive to their safety and comfort.
  • Assist new surgical patients with appropriate equipment to meet rehabilitation needs, and offer mental encouragement for a more positive recovery.
  • Pick up patient for surgery.
  • Show more

Phlebotomist vs nurse technician skills

Common phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Blood Samples, 5%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Data Entry, 5%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common nurse technician skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • CPR, 9%
  • Vital Signs, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Home Health, 5%
  • Direct Patient Care, 5%

Browse healthcare support jobs