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Tissue technician vs clinical laboratory assistant

The differences between tissue technicians and clinical laboratory assistants 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 a clinical laboratory assistant. Additionally, a tissue technician has an average salary of $37,948, which is higher than the $32,679 average annual salary of a clinical laboratory assistant.

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

Tissue technician vs clinical laboratory assistant overview

Tissue TechnicianClinical Laboratory Assistant
Yearly salary$37,948$32,679
Hourly rate$18.24$15.71
Growth rate-10%
Number of jobs39,135108,124
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
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 a clinical laboratory assistant do?

A clinical laboratory assistant specializes in performing support tasks in a laboratory or similar setting using their in-depth knowledge. They are primarily responsible for assisting researchers, preparing samples and apparatus, conducting experiments and analysis, maintaining extensive documentation of all processes and results, and reporting to management. Moreover, a clinical laboratory assistant is also responsible for gathering necessary information before beginning studies and maintaining the laboratory's cleanliness and sanitation. It is vital to implement all the safety rules and regulations to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

Tissue technician vs clinical laboratory assistant salary

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

Tissue TechnicianClinical Laboratory Assistant
Average salary$37,948$32,679
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $50,000Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Roswell Park
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between tissue technician and clinical laboratory assistant education

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

Tissue TechnicianClinical Laboratory Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Tissue technician vs clinical laboratory assistant demographics

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

Tissue TechnicianClinical Laboratory Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 44.8% Female, 55.2%Male, 25.4% Female, 74.6%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.1% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between tissue technician and clinical laboratory assistant 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

Clinical laboratory assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve PHLEBOTOMY duties utilizing proper infection control techniques and perform a variety of laboratory tests.
  • Process specimen, recollect and deliver to chemistry, microbiology, molecular or hematology departments for testing.
  • Receive specimens for microbiology, histology, cytology, anatomic pathology and hematology tests/procedures, checks for proper identification and requisition.
  • Operate EKG and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Transfer of samples from racks to centrifuges and decant station.
  • Administer EKG's, clean wounds, draw labs, and apply dressings.
  • Show more

Tissue technician vs clinical laboratory assistant skills

Common tissue technician skills
  • Sterile Technique, 16%
  • American Association, 9%
  • Tissue Recovery, 8%
  • Human Tissue, 8%
  • Surgical Instruments, 7%
  • Data Entry, 6%
Common clinical laboratory assistant skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Phlebotomy, 14%
  • Clinical Lab, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Specimen Collection, 4%
  • Patient Care, 4%

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