Phlebotomist or Lab Technician: Which Path is Right for You?
May 15, 2023
Within the healthcare industry, there's a need for more healthcare professional roles required to help diagnose patients successfully. Medical lab technicians and phlebotomy technicians play a crucial role in assisting their peers, as well as providing excellent patient care for those who need it.
The roles of a phlebotomy technician and a medical lab assistant are relatively similar and as such, the terms are used interchangeably in some cases. However, both roles exist solely and it's worth exploring both options for those looking to venture into one of these medical fields.
This guide will share the relevant job responsibilities and education requirements needed for each role, as well as the similarities and differences between the two.
What is a phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is responsible for the collection of blood samples and other bodily fluids. The job itself centers around collecting blood by drawing it directly from the patient. As a healthcare professional, they play a crucial role to help obtain laboratory diagnostics that provide patients with accurate diagnoses.
Phlebotomy technicians need to be compassionate, patient, and, most importantly, professional at collecting samples without causing the patient too much stress or pain.
Phlebotomist's job responsibilities
A phlebotomy technician has a number of job responsibilities that they must be confident in doing. These include:
This role requires you to be comfortable around blood, needles, and other bodily fluids. So if you're squeamish, then this might not be the best job or industry to enter into.
Phlebotomist's educational requirements
To become a phlebotomy technician, you need to meet the phlebotomists' educational and training requirements, including the basics of a high school diploma or GED. Once you have obtained these foundational educational qualifications, you must enroll in a phlebotomy program and successfully complete it. Additionally, obtaining a phlebotomy certification is necessary, which involves passing a certification exam.
What is a lab technician?
Lab technicians are similar to phlebotomy technicians as they take samples from patients. They vary when it comes to the types of bodily fluids they collect such as urine, tissue, or blood.
They also deliver it to a laboratory but they assist laboratory technologists in analyzing the sample. On their feet for most of the day, this is a fairly laborious job for most.
Lab technician job responsibilities
Lab technician educational requirements
Just like a phlebotomist, lab technicians will need a basic high school diploma or GED. From there, they'll also require an associate or advanced degree under their belt too. Depending on the employer, some may have a preference of one, over the other.
As well as that, lab technicians will need to acquire certification. This does depend on the state and organization you choose to work in and with.
Main differences between a phlebotomist and a lab technician
What are some of the main differences when it comes to the medical professional role of phlebotomist vs lab tech? While there are many similarities, they are some parts of each role that differ from the other.
> Phlebotomists
Job responsibilities
- Collect blood samples and other bodily fluids
- Prepare blood samples for transport
- Maintaining inventory and equipment
- Update patients on the lab process
- Label and storage of samples
Required skills
- Compassionate and kind
- Willingness to be hands-on with patients
- Easing patients who may be anxious about giving bodily samples
- Following instructions and procedures to the letter
- Working in a team but also on your own
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of a phlebotomy program
- Pass a certification exam
Certification requirements
A state-approved training program is required with a certification exam required to become a certified phlebotomist. The state exam will typically require performing 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures under the supervision of a clinical professional.
Workplace environment
- Hospitals
- Blood donation centers
- Clinical laboratories
- Healthcare centers
Average salary
$49,863
Work hours
40 hours per week but may be required to work overtime too.
> Lab technician
Job responsibilities
- Collection of blood sample and other bodily fluids
- Working with laboratory technologists to analyze samples
- Use of automated equipment to get multiple tasks done at once
- Keeping a record of any abnormal findings
- Recording any clinical results or data onto patient records
- Training with lab technologists and learning from them
Required skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Good when working in a team
- Great time management
- Analytical skills
- The ability to pick up and use complex laboratory equipment
Educational requirements
- High school diploma
- Associate or advanced degree
- Acquire certification
Certification requirements
Some states require lab technicians to acquire certification before starting work. This depends on the state but also the organization you end up working for.
Workplace environment
- Doctor's offices
- Hospitals
- Medical and diagnostic laboratory
Average salary
$61,938
Work hours
Full-time, but work hours may vary and might include shift work depending on the establishment.
What is the salary difference between a phlebotomist and a lab technician?
Is there a great jump in salaries when comparing a phlebotomist vs a lab tech? Can you earn more with a phlebotomist salary, or is a medical lab assistant better off? Let's take a look at what the average salary is depending on the job title.
Job Title Median Annual Salary
Phlebotomist $49,863
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Technician $75,065
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists $58,001
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician $61,938
If money matters to you, then heading into the role of a laboratory technician is going to put you in a better position than those who become phlebotomy technicians.
What are some recommended phlebotomist and lab technician programs?
Whether you like the idea of becoming a phlebotomist or you like the appeal and job prospects that come with a lab technician role, you'll want to get the best training possible. With lab technician roles requiring a lot of education beyond just the high school diploma, it's particularly important to find the most reputable of training programs.
FHCA has been providing opportunities for students to attain their lab technician or phlebotomy certification for over sixteen years now. They're a reputable institution for helping train many prospective healthcare professionals and future generations of medical staff.
If you're looking for a trusted and well-known institute for training programs, then the FCHA is a worthwhile choice.
