Phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians are two professions that often get confused with one another since they both specialize in the collection, processing, and handling of blood. While they both possess the same knowledge and expertise needed to handle blood samples, there are distinct differences between the two positions. It is important to understand the differences between the two occupations in order to select the one that best meets your needs. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician, discussing the duties, responsibilities, certifications, and qualifications associated with each profession. We will also discuss the average salary and job outlook for both positions. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the differences between a phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician so that you can make an informed decision on the right one for you.
What is a phlebotomy technician?
A medical expert who helps phlebotomists with blood work and the related administrative duties is a phlebotomy technician. Though the specifics of the job depend on the work environment and needs of the organization, typically becoming a phlebotomy technician is less time-consuming and intensive than becoming a phlebotomist. Common job duties for phlebotomy technicians include:
What is a phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who specializes in blood. The majority of phlebotomists have extensive education and training to carry out the essential tasks of the position, and frequently handle supervisory duties in addition to their medical duties. Common job duties for phlebotomists include:
Similarities between phlebotomist vs. phlebotomy technician
Phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians are extremely similar roles. The following are a few of the most frequent parallels between these two jobs:
Responsibilities
Phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomists perform many of the same tasks. Phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomists often perform similar tasks, with a managerial phlebotomist managing a group of technicians, depending on the size of the lab, doctor’s office, or hospital.
Education and training
Phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians typically receive comparable education and training. The majority enroll in a post-secondary training program that combines academic work with practical training for the duties of a phlebotomist or phlebotomist technician.
Certification
Regardless of job title, phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians both receive the same certificate or license. The majority of issuing organizations offer the same certificate regardless of title because the job responsibilities, particularly those connected to the actual drawing of blood, are the same. Most states across the country accept the National Phlebotomy Association’s (NPA) phlebotomy certification.
Differences between phlebotomist vs. phlebotomy technician
While phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians share many traits, there are some crucial differences to be aware of, including:
Work environment
The term used by their employer is typically the only distinction between a phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician. For instance, a small doctor’s office might only have one phlebotomist to handle all of the duties, while a larger organization might have a head phlebotomist who is in charge of a group of phlebotomy technicians and plays more of a managerial than a technical role.
Earning potential
Phlebotomists, phlebotomy technicians and lab technicians
In some cases, phlebotomy technicians are synonymous to phlebotomists. In other contexts, they are referred to as lab technicians. While phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians typically have few differences, a phlebotomy technician who performs typical lab technician duties frequently plays a very different role.
Traditionally, once the blood samples arrive at the lab, lab technicians handle them. These medical professionals handle and test the sample appropriately to obtain the information the patient’s doctor has requested. Phlebotomy technicians are the name given by some organizations to lab technicians who handle blood samples, while lab technicians is another name for them.
It’s crucial to carefully read the job description when applying for a position in the phlebotomy industry to make sure you possess the necessary training, education, experience, certifications, or licenses to carry out the role as described.
Phlebotomy vs Lab Technician ? Job duties ? Which one to choose ? Who gets paid the MOST MONEY?
FAQ
What are the different levels of phlebotomy?
Professional Certification Limited phlebotomy technician, certified phlebotomy technician I, and certified phlebotomy technician II are the three certification levels offered by the California Department of Public Health. The only procedure you can perform as a limited phlebotomy technician is skin punctures.
What is higher than a phlebotomist?
Physician assistants have higher earning potential than phlebotomists, similar to registered nurses, and the position necessitates a master’s degree from an accredited program.
Which phlebotomy certification is best?
- Best Overall: Phlebotomy Career Training.
- Best Accelerated Program: Chicago School of Phlebotomy.
- Best Intensive Program: National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
- Best Online Option: American National University.
- Best Value: Heart to Heart Healthcare Training.
Can a phlebotomy technician draw blood?
Patients’ blood is collected by phlebotomy technicians, who then prepare the samples for analysis. The majority of them work in medical facilities, but some also take blood donations. Important members of the medical team, phlebotomy technicians frequently have to reassure patients and explain the blood-drawing process.
