Are you curious about the difference between Phlebotomists and Medical Assistants (MA)? They both play important roles in healthcare and their tasks help to support medical professionals in delivering quality patient care. Continue reading to discover further details.

A Phlebotomist is someone that performs blood draws. You can see them working at blood banks, diagnostic centers, and clinics. MAs also perform blood draws, but they also perform a wider variety of tasks.



## What does a Phlebotomist or a MA do?

‍Phlebotomists are trained professionals who draw blood from patients. They prepare blood samples for laboratory testing. They also collect blood for various purposes like donation and transfusions. Phlebotomists work in a variety of places like laboratories, hospitals, diagnostic centers, etc.

‍MAs also draw blood samples from patients, but they also have a wider range of duties. MAs are in charge of duties that support patients and medical professionals. As an MA, you can work at a hospital, outpatient center, and other organizations. Take a look at the list below for the detailed duties of Phlebotomists and MAs.

### Phlebotomist

- Explaining blood draw procedures to patients and answering their questions.

- Administering medications, including vaccinations/immunizations as directed by a physician or other medical professional.

- Keeping work areas clean and organized to prevent contamination or infection.

- Performing oxygen titration on patients.

- Taking patient histories and vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.

- Assisting with medical billing and coding, including insurance verification and claim submission.

- Wound care, removing stitches, and changing dressings.

- Ensuring that blood collection equipment is sterile and in good condition.

- Assisting with patient care, including helping patients with mobility or personal care needs.

- Verifying patient information and using accurate phlebotomy methods.

- Handling payments, accounts, and other financial records.

### Medical Assistant (MA)

- Administering medications, including vaccinations/immunizations as directed by a physician or other medical professional.

- Explaining blood draw procedures to patients and answering their questions.

- Keeping work areas clean and organized to prevent contamination or infection.

- Taking patient histories and vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.

- Assisting with medical billing and coding, including insurance verification and claim submission.

- Ensuring that blood collection equipment is sterile and in good condition.

- Providing injections and vaccinations to patients.

- Selecting the appropriate equipment, such as needles and tubes, for blood collection.‍

‍

## What skills should I have to be a phlebotomist?

- Attention to Detail: Phlebotomists must be keen on mistakes in collection or labeling. 

- Technical Competence: Phlebotomists must be knowledgeable in the use of medical equipment. They must be able to perform different techniques in procedures.

- Communication Skills: Phlebotomists must know how to explain blood draw procedures to patients. They should also know how to answer their questions. 

- Empathy: Phlebotomists must be able to reassure anxious patients during the procedure.

- Professionalism: They must know how to maintain patient confidentiality. They also need to adhere to relevant regulations.

- Problem-Solving: Phlebotomists must be able to think when unexpected issues arise.

‍

## What skills should I have to be a Medical Assistant?

- Administrative Skills: You should be confident in answering phone calls. As well as sending emails, setting appointments, and many more. 

- Communication Skills: MAs must know how to interact with patients and healthcare staff.

- Computer Literacy: They must be familiar with the different types of healthcare software. This includes running lab tests.

- Organization and Time Management: Medical Assistants should be good at organizing. They must be able to manage many tasks and focus their workload in an efficient way.

- Teamwork: MAs should be able to collaborate well as part of a healthcare team.

‍

## Phlebotomy education and training requirements

To be a Phlebotomist, you must pass the National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) test. Before taking the exam, you must first complete a training program. The test requires you to perform 100 successful venipunctures and 25 skin punctures.

A High School diploma or an equivalent is the only prerequisite to join a phlebotomy program. Then, you can enroll in a phlebotomy program—which usually requires 4-8 months of training. You can find Phlebotomy programs at trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges. Phlebotomists can choose from various certifications, including:

- Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: Allows taking blood samples by venipuncture and skin punctures

- Certified Phlebotomy Technician II: You can perform venipuncture, arterial puncture, and skin puncture

- Limited Phlebotomy Technician: prepares medical personnel to collect blood through skin punctures

Training costs can range from $600 to $2,500. This is depending on the program and institution you enroll in.

‍

## MA education and training requirements

The path to becoming a MA is a little different compared to becoming a Phlebotomist. As an MA, you will need to graduate from either of the two accredited programs:

- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

MA programs might last anywhere from nine months and two years. Accredited MA programs cost between $1,000 and $3,000. To get a job right after, you must pass the CMA (AAMA) exam. You can also seek a degree instead of enrolling in a certificate program if you like.

‍

## Phlebotomist job outlook

Pursuing a career in phlebotomy is something you won’t regret. The BLS projects a 10% growth in the employment of Phlebotomists from 2021 to 2031—a lot faster than the average for most occupations. The median annual wage for Phlebotomists two years ago was $37,380 ($17.97/hr).

There are several ways to advance your phlebotomy career path. Obtaining a specialty may boost your yearly earnings and professional qualifications. Examples of phlebotomy specialties include:

- Registered phlebotomy specialist

- Collections phlebotomy specialist

- Traveling Phlebotomist

- Donor phlebotomy technician

‍

## Medical Assistant job outlook

Experts say that employment for MAs will grow 29% from 2016 to 2026. That's almost three times faster than the Phlebotomist employment growth rate! The mean annual wage for MAs is $40,700 ($19.57/hour). The top-paying states for MAs are Washington, D.C., Alaska, California, and Massachusetts—they all offer average annual salaries above $44,000.

MAs can take advantage of several opportunities to grow. Having a background will be a strong foundation for starting a healthcare business. You can also specialize depending on your passion for healthcare. Consider the following specialization if you want to further your career:

1. Pediatrics MA - this is perfect if you love working with kids

2. Oncology Office MA - Suitable for people who have a passion for working with cancer patients

3. Cosmetic Industry MA - if cosmetic procedures interests you, go for this option

Both Phlebotomists and MAs ensure a seamless flow of procedures in supporting medical professionals. They may have some differences in duties and training, but they share the same vision. They work together to guarantee the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities.

If it weren't for them, facilities and professionals would face challenges in working. Without Phlebotomists, blood collection and specimen processing would be more difficult. Also, Physicians and nurses may need to spend more time delivering various tasks if there are no MAs.

If you aspire to focus on venipunctures and blood drawing alone, go for being a Phlebotomist. While being a MA requires longer training and wider tasks, you’ll make a great contribution to the healthcare field either way.

Phlebotomists specialize in drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or donations. They are trained in venipuncture techniques and must follow strict protocols to ensure the accuracy and safety of the blood collection process. On the other hand, Medical Assistants have a broader scope of responsibilities. They perform both clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and administering injections, as well as administrative duties like scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and coordinating with insurance companies.

Phlebotomist vs. Medical Assistant

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Phlebotomy certification

Fully online Phlebotomy class

Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7, 12 weeks long. After completion, MedCerts will work to match you with an externship site close to you. Not available for California, Washington, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Georgia or Louisiana residents.

How much does the class cost? Is there financial aid available?

The class costs $2,000 total. Monthly payment options are available, with interest rates from 0-12%. MedCerts also has financial aid options for those who qualify through: MyCAA, state workforce funding (including WIOA), and Department of Defense Credentialing Assistance or COOL funding for the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. Click "Get Started" to get more information.

What is a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists do diagnostic tests like drawing blood. They often work at clinical labs, doctor's offices, and other healthcare facilities. Average starting salary is around $30,000/year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Online Phlebotomy certification Classes

The Phlebotomy certification program at Clemson University's Center for Corporate Learning is a comprehensive course designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to become proficient in collecting and handling blood samples. The program covers essential topics such as anatomy and physiology, venipuncture techniques, infection control, and laboratory best practices. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a Phlebotomy certification, enhancing their credentials and preparing them for a successful career in the healthcare industry.


Coconino Community College's Fourth Street Campus is acclaimed for its superior Phlebotomy Certification program. The campus stands as a beacon of excellence in healthcare education, providing expert teachers who bring valuable real-world knowledge to the classroom. Innovative education techniques and state-of-the-art lab environments form the teaching backbone, emphasizing practical learning. As a result, students master skills like drawing blood, preparing patients, emergency management, and enforcement of safe phlebotomy practices. Earning national acclaim for stringently maintaining quality, CCC's Phlebotomy Certification program shows its commitment to high-level learning. One notable element of the program is the chance for students to have real-world health care interactions, facilitating a smooth transition into the industry. The program attracts a vast number of people, offering a comprehensive and real-world-focused medical education.


The Community College of Philadelphia presents a comprehensive Phlebotomy Certification Program meticulously crafted to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills demanded by the healthcare industry. This program commences by establishing a solid foundation in medical terminology, patient interaction, and blood collection protocols, with a focus on the art of phlebotomy, encompassing blood extraction for various purposes. Notably, hands-on training is central to this program, ensuring students can confidently handle real-world scenarios, minimize patient discomfort, and effectively manage potential complications. Moreover, the program incorporates laboratory sessions that simulate the use of actual phlebotomy equipment, enhancing the experiential learning process. Instructors, all seasoned healthcare professionals, infuse the learning experience with industry expertise, presenting relevant case studies and real-life scenarios. Additionally, candidates receive training in administrative tasks such as specimen labeling, patient record maintenance, and medical instrument care, expanding their skill set and rendering them valuable assets to the healthcare industry. Beyond exam preparation for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential, this program lays a robust foundation for those aspiring to advance their roles in the healthcare sector, all while maintaining rigorous adherence to state and national standards. The Community College of Philadelphia's Phlebotomy Certification Program not only offers a gateway to a rewarding career as a phlebotomy technician but also strives to nurture compassionate and competent healthcare professionals who positively impact their patients' lives.


Train to become a Phlebotomy Technician in as little as 3 months! As a Phlebotomy Technician, you will be trained to draw blood samples from patients in a clinical laboratory or public health setting, producing quality results while gaining the trust and confidence of your patients. Receive hands-on training in venipuncture, capillary draws, heel sticks, and non-blood specimens. Topics covered include anatomy of the circulatory system, medical terminology, quality assurance, HIPAA, and infection control. CPR certification and NHA certification exam and exam prep materials included in tuition.


Collin College's Health Professions curriculum provides you with the training and knowledge you need for a rewarding career as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Phlebotomy Technician (PHLEB). The five career tracks allow you to choose the specialization that best fits your career goals. Each track offers in-depth education with hands-on experience, thanks to experienced faculty that have worked in the healthcare field and valuable clinical partnerships with local hospitals, facilities, and clinics.

The variety of options in Health Professions also allows you to build your knowledge and skills as you progress through the different levels of educational awards. You can earn an Occupational Skills Award (OSA) and a Level 1 Certificates on your way to an Associate of Applied Science in Health Professions, providing you with the chance to work in your field of interest as you continue your education.

If your program requires a criminal background check, your placement in a required clinical site, cooperative, practicum, internship, and/or licensure/certification opportunity may be impacted. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Program Director and check with your licensing/certifying entity, if any, to determine your status.


Anderson University in Indiana offers a comprehensive Phlebotomy certification program that prepares individuals for a rewarding career in healthcare. The program focuses on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in the field. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, students gain a deep understanding of phlebotomy techniques, medical terminology, infection control procedures, and patient communication skills. The program adheres to industry standards and provides ample opportunities for practical application through clinical rotations. With experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive learning environment, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled and confident phlebotomists. This certification can also serve as a stepping stone for further career advancement in healthcare. Anderson University is committed to empowering individuals to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.


The Phlebotomy Technician course is a 3–6 weeks course. The tuition fee is $600. This fee includes tuition and book rental. 

The course consists of 5 modules. Each module is $120. All 5 modules is $600. Once payment is received, we will email you to get you started today.  

After successful completion of the course the student will be able to sit for the national exam. National certification testing will be setup at Taite Healthcare Training or a regional testing center in your state/city. The national certification test is an additional $160. This course is tested through American Medical Technologist (AMT) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certification as a RPT through American Medical Technologist (AMT) or CPT through National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is obtained after completion of the course and successful completion of the national exam. 


Phlebotomist vs. Medical Assistant

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