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Tissue technician vs assistant laboratory technician

The differences between tissue technicians and assistant laboratory 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 tissue technician and an assistant laboratory technician. Additionally, a tissue technician has an average salary of $37,948, which is higher than the $35,556 average annual salary of an assistant laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a tissue technician include sterile technique, american association and tissue recovery. The most important skills for an assistant laboratory technician are patients, ladders, and computer lab.

Tissue technician vs assistant laboratory technician overview

Tissue TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary$37,948$35,556
Hourly rate$18.24$17.09
Growth rate-1%
Number of jobs39,135116,488
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

What does a tissue technician do?

A tissue technician retrieves tissues from donors and deceased individuals whose organs are signed up for donations. Tissue technicians work with surgeons on their transplant requests for organ donation. The tissue technician's job is to visit hospitals, funeral parlors, and such to harvest tissue, store it properly, and transport it safely to its destination. A tissue technician is a vital person for a surgeon and patients scheduled for operation or transplant.

What does an assistant laboratory technician do?

The primary responsibility of a lab assistant is to help scientists and technologists. Lab assistants are assigned to prepare and monitor tests and experiments in research or medical laboratory. They analyze data and establish reports based on test results. Also, they set up the tools and equipment used in the lab. It is also part of their job to clean the lab rooms--knowledge in lab management, communication skills, attention to detail, and medical-related management.

Tissue technician vs assistant laboratory technician salary

Tissue technicians and assistant laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Tissue TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Average salary$37,948$35,556
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $50,000Between $21,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City-Manchester, NH
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Patterson-UTI Energy
Best paying industry--

Differences between tissue technician and assistant laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a tissue technician and an assistant laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

Tissue TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Tissue technician vs assistant laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between tissue technicians' and assistant laboratory technicians' demographics:

Tissue TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 44.8% Female, 55.2%Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 12.1% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between tissue technician and assistant laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Tissue technician example responsibilities.

  • Recognize & investigate instrument malfunctions, perform calibrations, manage QC, and maintain comprehensive written records of tests & procedures.
  • Create and monitor metrics for program success with AATB and FDA compliance.
  • Inspect and fulfill orders in compliance with CFR and FDA guidelines.
  • Perform QC and instrument maintenance, taking appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision.
  • Process, package and distribute according to policy protocols and procedures adhering to AATB standards.
  • Perform data analysis of results, maintain records, files and logs of work perform for FDA review.
  • Show more

Assistant laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Work with non-gynecological specimens including thin prep, cytospins or formalin and cellient cell blocks.
  • Work in cytology lab performing prep duties of surgical fluids, FNA aspirates and pap smears.
  • Verify test requirements utilizing LIS.
  • Obtain insurance authorization and provide patients resources regarding insurance coverage and financial responsibilities.
  • Collect, identify, categorize, and analyze bodily fluids relate to non-gynecological cytology.
  • Show more

Tissue technician vs assistant laboratory technician skills

Common tissue technician skills
  • Sterile Technique, 16%
  • American Association, 9%
  • Tissue Recovery, 8%
  • Human Tissue, 8%
  • Surgical Instruments, 7%
  • Data Entry, 6%
Common assistant laboratory technician skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Ladders, 11%
  • Computer Lab, 8%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • EKG, 6%
  • CPR, 5%

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