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The differences between phlebotomy technicians and clinical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a phlebotomy technician and a clinical technician. Additionally, a clinical technician has an average salary of $35,760, which is higher than the $34,725 average annual salary of a phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for a phlebotomy technician include patients, infection control and blood specimens. The most important skills for a clinical technician are patients, vital signs, and phlebotomy.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $34,725 | $35,760 |
| Hourly rate | $16.69 | $17.19 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 107,110 | 161,812 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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 clinical technician is responsible for operating and maintaining clinical equipment, ensuring the proper sterilization of all laboratory tools and kits to avoid contamination during medical procedures. Clinical technicians assist the patients with their medical inquiries and needs, collecting samples for laboratory, and helping medical professionals on surgeries and other medical operations. They also maintain medical charts, update patients' information on the database, and administer patients' medication. A clinical technician must have excellent knowledge of the medical industry, as well as strictly following internal guidelines and safety procedures during operations.
Phlebotomy technicians and clinical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Average salary | $34,725 | $35,760 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and a clinical technician in terms of educational background:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 18% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Medical Assisting Services | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and clinical technicians' demographics:
| Phlebotomy Technician | Clinical Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% | Male, 26.6% Female, 73.4% |
| 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, 12.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 11.2% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |