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The differences between phlebotomy technicians and certified phlebotomists 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 phlebotomist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a phlebotomy technician has an average salary of $34,725, which is higher than the $34,509 average annual salary of a certified phlebotomist.
The top three skills for a phlebotomy technician include patients, infection control and blood specimens. The most important skills for a certified phlebotomist are patients, blood specimens, and phlebotomy procedures.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Yearly salary | $34,725 | $34,509 |
| Hourly rate | $16.69 | $16.59 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 107,110 | 44,574 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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 phlebotomist is a medical professional who specializes in drawing blood through venipuncture or finger and heel pricks, preparing the samples for laboratory procedures. Besides collecting blood, a phlebotomist is also responsible for gathering patient information, verifying identification, reviewing medical histories, labeling vials, and maintaining records, including diagnostic findings. They are also in charge of keeping laboratory equipment clean, discarding trash appropriately, and organizing supplies according to policies, ordering new supplies when necessary. Above all, a certified phlebotomist maintains an open and transparent communication line with nurses and physicians for an efficient workflow.
Phlebotomy technicians and certified phlebotomists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Average salary | $34,725 | $34,509 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $45,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and a certified phlebotomist in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Associate Degree, 23% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | - |
Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and certified phlebotomists' demographics:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Certified Phlebotomist | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% | Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7% |
| 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, 10.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 9.8% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |