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The differences between phlebotomy technicians and certified nursing assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a phlebotomy technician, becoming a certified nursing assistant takes usually requires 1-3 months. Additionally, a phlebotomy technician has an average salary of $34,725, which is higher than the $32,597 average annual salary of a certified nursing assistant.
The top three skills for a phlebotomy technician include patients, infection control and blood specimens. The most important skills for a certified nursing assistant are patients, vital signs, and home health.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Nursing Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $34,725 | $32,597 |
| Hourly rate | $16.69 | $15.67 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 107,110 | 225,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.12 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | High School Diploma, 29% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 3 |
A phlebotomy technician is responsible for conducting the medical procedure of drawing blood samples using extraction tools and other equipment. Phlebotomy technicians label the samples for laboratory examinations, donation testing, and other related purposes. They also inspect and maintain the cleanliness of medical equipment, including sterilization of needles and other tools, to avoid contamination that would affect the accuracy of the results. A phlebotomy technician records fluid tests and procedures for reference and patient examination history.
A certified nursing assistant generally assists patients in their healthcare needs and medical procedures. They support patients in their daily activities by monitoring patients' temperature and food intake, ensuring the cleanliness of the patient's room, and keeping documentation of patients' conditions for reference of nurses and doctors. A certified nursing assistant should also communicate with patients' families and provide updates as often as needed. It is also important that a nursing assistant is patient and compassionate enough to attend to direct patient needs, which could get demanding or challenging at times.
Phlebotomy technicians and certified nursing assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Nursing Assistant | |
| Average salary | $34,725 | $32,597 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $45,000 | Between $24,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Portland, ME |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Valley Presbyterian Hospital |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and a certified nursing assistant in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Nursing Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | High School Diploma, 29% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | - |
Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and certified nursing assistants' demographics:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Nursing Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% | Male, 12.3% Female, 87.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 7.8% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 7% |