Is a phlebotomist a better job than a medical assistant?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It depends what you want.

A phlebotomist basically draws blood most of the day (do you like talking to people?) and does some lab work (do you have an interest in science?) whereas a medical assistant is more like a secretary, with a medical bent. (That's what it's like where I live in Canada)

If I were you I would get one of those freebie career booklets from your local college or night school and see how long each program is, and what it is all about.

As for pay, I think it would depend on where you live. You could call the college (don't give your name) and ask them what the average rate of pay for each of these positions is.

As for career options - sorry, I really don't know. Best of luck to you.

Medical assistant training should include phlebotomy, but it's usually longer and schooling may last about six to nine months. Pertaining to phlebotomy, some labs would like a person certified by the National Phlebotomy Association or American Society of Clinical Pathologists in order to possibly get a job in the field. Please be aware that there are NOT supposed to be too many jobs for medical assistants (or medical billers or coders) despite what those private overly priced For-profit schools say. The field is saturated.

If you're still interested in the field, please consider the more affordable local Community College (or County Vo-Tech school) as long as the program is accredited within the industry.

This site has more information about phlebotomists (albeit from Spring 2000): http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2000/Spring/…

For general career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'medical assistants', 'clinical laboratory technologists and technicians' (phlebotomy is briefly mentioned) or such.

U.S. colleges (including community colleges): http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ