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Phlebotomist vs student medical assistant-externship

The differences between phlebotomists and student medical assistant-externships 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 student medical assistant-externship takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a student medical assistant-externship has an average salary of $35,588, 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 student medical assistant-externship are patients, vital signs, and EKG.

Phlebotomist vs student medical assistant-externship overview

PhlebotomistStudent Medical Assistant-Externship
Yearly salary$33,713$35,588
Hourly rate$16.21$17.11
Growth rate10%16%
Number of jobs11,707178,362
Job satisfaction4.4-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age4137
Years of experience212

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 student medical assistant-externship do?

Student Medical Assistant Externship is a broad term for catering students for short, reliable, and practical work experience. Once you graduate, you can get a chance to meet contacts that may be useful for your career. You can have a better chance to work in a clinic, hospital, and any medical platform after going through this kind of externship.

Phlebotomist vs student medical assistant-externship salary

Phlebotomists and student medical assistant-externships have different pay scales, as shown below.

PhlebotomistStudent Medical Assistant-Externship
Average salary$33,713$35,588
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyUniversity of California, Berkeley-
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between phlebotomist and student medical assistant-externship education

There are a few differences between a phlebotomist and a student medical assistant-externship in terms of educational background:

PhlebotomistStudent Medical Assistant-Externship
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 22%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Phlebotomist vs student medical assistant-externship demographics

Here are the differences between phlebotomists' and student medical assistant-externships' demographics:

PhlebotomistStudent Medical Assistant-Externship
Average age4137
Gender ratioMale, 16.7% Female, 83.3%Male, 23.8% Female, 76.2%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 9.4% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%6%

Differences between phlebotomist and student medical assistant-externship 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

Student medical assistant-externship example responsibilities.

  • Perform EKG's, ear cleanings, injections, nail cultures and assist with women's yearly physicals.
  • Gain experience in performing routine patient care interventions while developing strong organizational skills while caring for patients.
  • Shadowed/Assist official personnel on performance of special procedures, patient evaluation, transporting patients, therapeutic exercises and body mechanics/functional mobility.
  • Observe various departments and operations within the hospital and clinical setting environment including surgery, radiology, urology, and emergency.
  • Review and administration of medications, allergies and other pharmacology relate items.
  • Perform CLIA wave laboratory testing.
  • Show more

Phlebotomist vs student medical assistant-externship skills

Common phlebotomist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Blood Samples, 5%
  • Blood Specimens, 5%
  • Data Entry, 5%
  • OSHA, 4%
Common student medical assistant-externship skills
  • Patients, 35%
  • Vital Signs, 11%
  • EKG, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Data Entry, 3%
  • Surgery, 3%

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