Phlebotomist vs Medical Assistant: What Sets Them Apart?

With plenty of jobs to explore in the healthcare industry, how do you go about picking the right one for you? No two jobs are exactly the same and that is certainly the case when it comes to a phlebotomist vs medical assistant.

Both roles are integral to the medical profession and are equally important. However, which one is best suited for someone exploring the medical field as a career path?

In this guide, we'll share the roles of both phlebotomists and medical assistants. We'll cover their job responsibilities as well as any differences or similarities between the two.

Table of Contents

What is the difference between a phlebotomist and a medical assistant

Medical assistant vs phlebotomist salary

Medical assistant vs phlebotomist job outlook

Medical assistant vs phlebotomist education requirements

Pros and cons of being a Phlebotomist

Pros and cons of being a Medical Assistant

Find the right Phlebotomist or Medical Assistant training program for you

What is the difference between a phlebotomist and a medical assistant

Simply by their job descriptions and responsibilities alone, there are certainly some distinguishable differences. However, when we break down medical assistants' and phlebotomists' educational requirements, training, average salaries, and work environments, they do vary. Additionally, medical assistants generally have a more comprehensive range of responsibilities compared to phlebotomists, often handling both clinical and administrative duties.

The main differences between a phlebotomist vs medical assistant are noticeable in their job responsibilities and the particular environments they'll work in. Not only that but when it comes to career advancements, they differ, which could be important to note when you're exploring what career paths to take.

If you want to understand the contrast with other health careers paths, it may be more relevant to compare a phlebotomist vs lab technician.

Phlebotomist's job responsibilities

There are a few job responsibilities required of a phlebotomist. If you're looking at phlebotomist careers, then here are just a few expectations that come with the job in question:

• Collect blood samples and other samples from patients
• Prepare blood samples for transport
• Labeling and storing blood specimens
• Maintaining equipment and inventory
• Updating patients on the lab work process

Being confident in drawing blood from patients is a must-have. That means you shouldn't be squeamish when it comes to blood, handling needles, or other bodily fluids.

Medical assistant's job responsibilities

When it comes to a medical assistant's responsibilities, we've mentioned that they're fairly expansive. While one day may be heavily administrative-based, other days may require more hands-on work.

The importance of medical assistants is greatly appreciated by many within the world of healthcare. Here are some of the job responsibilities that medical assistants can be expected to undertake.

• Preparing patients for examination
• Checking patient's vital signs
• Recording medical history and updating it on the system
• Assisting physicians during examinations
• Collecting and processing lab specimens
• Handling billing and insurance claims
• Scheduling appointments and taking phone calls
• Helping physicians with minor surgical procedures

Medical assistant vs phlebotomist salary

Salaries for medical assistants and phlebotomists can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and workplace setting. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants typically earn a median annual salary of around $37,000, while phlebotomists earn a median of about $38,000 per year.

Medical assistant vs phlebotomist job outlook

Both medical assistants and phlebotomists have positive job outlooks. Medical assistant jobs are expected to grow by 16% from 2021 to 2031 due to an aging population and increasing healthcare needs.

Phlebotomist jobs are projected to grow by 10%, driven by the ongoing need for bloodwork in diagnostics and medical research.

Medical assistant vs phlebotomist education requirements

Medical Assistants usually complete a 1-year certificate or 2-year associate degree program covering clinical and administrative tasks. Certifications like CMA or RMA are optional but advantageous.

Phlebotomists complete a shorter certificate program, often ranging from weeks to a year, focused on blood collection. Certification (e.g., CPT) is typically preferred by employers.

How to become a medical assistant

1. Complete a medical assisting program: Enroll in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program in medical assisting from an accredited institution.
2. Obtain hands-on experience: Most programs include a clinical externship, providing real-world experience in a healthcare setting.
3. Earn certification (optional but recommended): While not required in all states, obtaining a certification like the CMA or RMA can enhance your job prospects and potential salary.
4. Apply for medical assistant positions: Once trained, you can apply for positions in a variety of healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and private practices.

How to become a phlebotomist

1. Complete a phlebotomy training program: Choose a certificate program through a community college, technical school, or healthcare institution. These programs cover anatomy, physiology, blood collection techniques, and safety procedures.
2. Gain practical experience: Many programs require clinical experience or externships to practice blood draws and learn the workflow of a healthcare setting.
3. Earn certification (often required): To improve employability, obtain a certification from a recognized body, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
4. Apply for phlebotomy jobs: Once certified, you can apply to work in hospitals, blood banks, diagnostic labs, and other healthcare settings that require blood collection services.

Pros and cons of being a Phlebotomist

Pros and cons of being a Medical Assistant 

Find the right Phlebotomist or Medical Assistant training program for you 

If you want to explore a medical role in these areas, then the right programs are required. When choosing between a phlebotomist and vs medical assistant, you've got plenty of phlebotomy programs and medical assistant programs out there.

Choosing the right training institution is key and FHCA is one of those reputable organizations. Why study at FHCA? Well, when it comes to a medical assistant program or a training program in phlebotomy, FHCA has over sixteen years of experience. They've churned out some of the best medical professionals and continue to provide top-quality training and education.