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Phlebotomy technician vs monitor technician

The differences between phlebotomy technicians and monitor technicians 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 monitor technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a monitor technician has an average salary of $35,460, 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 monitor technician are patients, EKG, and BLS.

Phlebotomy technician vs monitor technician overview

Phlebotomy TechnicianMonitor Technician
Yearly salary$34,725$35,460
Hourly rate$16.69$17.05
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs107,11056,963
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 18%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age4445
Years of experience122

What does a phlebotomy technician do?

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.

What does a monitor technician do?

A monitor technician works in hospitals and other health care centers that provide treatment relating to heart health. They are also known as cardiac monitor technicians, who assist physicians and nurses with diagnosing and interpreting conditions related to the heart through several methods of monitoring and testing. Most of their work includes using machines and other medical technology in tracking patients' heart performance and check for any possible abnormalities. They monitor irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. They also use this technology to perform various tests on the heart but typically do not provide treatment.

Phlebotomy technician vs monitor technician salary

Phlebotomy technicians and monitor technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Phlebotomy TechnicianMonitor Technician
Average salary$34,725$35,460
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $45,000Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City-Medford, OR
Highest paying state-Utah
Best paying company-MLK Community Healthcare
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between phlebotomy technician and monitor technician education

There are a few differences between a phlebotomy technician and a monitor technician in terms of educational background:

Phlebotomy TechnicianMonitor Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 18%Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesNursing
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutDuke University

Phlebotomy technician vs monitor technician demographics

Here are the differences between phlebotomy technicians' and monitor technicians' demographics:

Phlebotomy TechnicianMonitor Technician
Average age4445
Gender ratioMale, 16.3% Female, 83.7%Male, 34.7% Female, 65.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between phlebotomy technician and monitor technician duties and responsibilities

Phlebotomy technician example responsibilities.

  • Communicate and collaborate with care team members to implement a plan of care for oncology and surgical patients.
  • Comply with CLIA regulations for CLIA Waivedtesting.
  • Transport patients/clients using wheelchair or stretchers and assist patients with walking and exercise.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Assist patients with ADL's, implementation of therapy according to plan of treatment.
  • Assist patients with tending to personal care and activities of daily living (ADL).
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Monitor technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with placement and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
  • Operate electrocardiogram (EKG), cardiac treadmill testing equipment and record data.
  • Administer care to patients in a LATC setting, support with ambulation and rehabilitation procedure.
  • Ensure telemetry boxes are returned from the floors when patients are discharge or transfer to ICU.
  • Work in a very large hospital system doing EEG's on premature infants to geriatric patients.
  • Monitor heart rhythm patterns, record and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns and ECG interval measurements utilizing telemetry equipment.
  • Show more

Phlebotomy technician vs monitor technician skills

Common phlebotomy technician skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Infection Control, 9%
  • Blood Specimens, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 6%
Common monitor technician skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • EKG, 12%
  • BLS, 8%
  • Medical Terminology, 6%
  • Cardiac Rhythms, 6%
  • Arrhythmia, 4%

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