Phlebotomist or Medical Assistant Career Choice in Orlando

Medical Assistant vs. Phlebotomist: Which Is a Better Career Choice

Are you looking for the perfect medical career in Orlando? There are so many great careers to choose from, each with its own level of patient care. Two of those options include medical assisting and phlebotomy.

The Differences Between Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy

Struggling to determine whether you should become a medical assistant or a phlebotomist (also known as a phlebotomy technician)? It can help to learn more about the differences between the two:

  • Education requirements: Both careers require a certificate from an accredited university or college. Yet, the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate program through Cambridge only takes approximately 11 weeks to complete. The Medical Assistant Certification program takes approximately 36 weeks or a little under a year.
  • Work responsibilities: Medical assistants are responsible for supporting physicians and other healthcare professionals in patient care. This means prepping patients for exams, administering medications and performing injections. Phlebotomists perform venipunctures and obtain lab samples for diagnostic testing purposes.
  • Level of patient care: Both careers are hands-on in patient care. Yet, medical assistants will typically spend more time in direct patient care while phlebotomists will obtain their lab samples and do their work behind the scenes.

The Similarities Between Medical Assisting & Phlebotomy

Since medical assisting and phlebotomy are both medical careers, they do share some similarities. Regardless of the path you choose, you can expect a similar:

  • Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants make an average of $35,850 per year. Phlebotomy technicians make an average of $36,320 per year. This is only a slight difference. Plus, you’ll receive additional benefits from your employer such as insurance as well.
  • Choice of workplace: Medical assistants and phlebotomists work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, specialty clinics and long-term care facilities. They also work in specialty care centers such as cancer care clinics.
  • Work hours: Medical assistants and phlebotomists have similar work hours, depending on place of employment. For example, both are required around the clock in hospitals and long-term care facilities. And in doctor’s offices, it’s common for medical assistants and phlebotomists to work the typical 9 to 5 or 8 to 4.

Want to Join the Orlando Medical Field? Call Cambridge Today!

Medical assisting and phlebotomy are both great careers, especially for those who wish to work in Orlando. Not sure which option is the right path for you? Our team can help. To speak with a counselor, learn more about our programs or to apply today, give us a call at 877-206-4279 or send us a message.

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