CNA and Phlebotomy: Which Healthcare Career is Right for You in 2025?

Are you considering a career in healthcare and wondering whether to pursue CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) training or Phlebotomy certification? Both roles are essential in the healthcare system, with distinct responsibilities, training paths, and job prospects. If you’re interested in starting your journey as a CNA or phlebotomist, this guide will help you understand the differences, similarities, salary expectations, and career outlook for both fields. Whether you’re looking for “CNA and phlebotomy classes near me” or “how to become a phlebotomist,” this post has you covered!

Key Takeaways

CNA and Phlebotomy Roles: Both Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Phlebotomists play essential roles in healthcare, with CNAs assisting with daily patient care and Phlebotomists specializing in blood collection for medical tests, research, and donations.

Training and Certification: Becoming a CNA or Phlebotomist involves similar steps, such as meeting educational requirements, passing background checks, and completing hands-on clinical training. However, phlebotomist certification standards differ per state.

Career Outlook and Salary: Phlebotomists generally earn higher wages than CNAs, but CNAs typically have more job opportunities due to the growing demand for long-term care services. Both roles are expected to grow, with phlebotomists seeing an 8% growth rate and CNAs experiencing a 4% increase.

Work Environments: CNAs work in various settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, while phlebotomists typically work in labs, hospitals, or medical diagnostic centers. Job growth for CNAs is more robust due to the greater number of care settings.

Career Progression: Both professions offer room for advancement. CNAs can pursue further certifications or become licensed practical nurses, while phlebotomists can transition into lab or managerial roles with additional training.

Introduction to CNA and Phlebotomy Careers

Both CNAs and Phlebotomists provide valuable services in the healthcare industry. CNAs focus on patient care, providing assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. Phlebotomists, on the other hand, specialize in drawing blood for medical testing, donations, and research. While these roles may seem different, they share a common goal of improving patient health and contributing to the functioning of healthcare facilities. But which path is right for you? Let’s explore the details of each career.

Key Differences and Similarities Between CNA and Phlebotomy

Before diving into the specifics of the CNA and phlebotomy fields, it’s important to understand some fundamental differences:

• Phlebotomist: A phlebotomist is responsible for collecting blood from patients through venipuncture or finger stick methods. These blood samples are used for diagnostic tests, transfusions, or research purposes.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs help patients with basic daily tasks including feeding, bathing, grooming, and movement. They work closely with nurses and other healthcare staff to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.

Although these roles are distinct, both require essential skills and compassion for patient care, making them vital for healthcare teams.

CNA vs Phlebotomy: Responsibilities and Duties

Understanding the duties of CNAs and phlebotomists will help you determine which role aligns with your interests and career goals.

CNA Duties	Phlebotomist Duties
Assist patients with personal hygiene (bathing, dressing, grooming).	Patients should have their blood samples taken for donation and testing.
Help patients with mobility and transfers.	Label and document blood samples accurately.
Monitor and record patient vitals.	Prepare patients for blood draws, explaining procedures to reduce anxiety.
Provide support with feeding and other daily activities.	Adhere to strict safety and infection control protocols.
Assist nurses and physicians with medical procedures.	Transport blood samples to labs for analysis.
Offer emotional support to patients and their families.	Maintain phlebotomy equipment and supplies.

CNA and Phlebotomy Training Requirements

Both CNA and phlebotomy programs require candidates to complete a structured training process, typically involving online coursework and hands-on clinical practice. Here is a summary of the criteria for each:

CNA Training:

• High school diploma or GED (or 8th-grade transcript or competency exam if applicable).
• Background check, drug screening, and physical exam.
• Completing a state-approved CNA training program (usually four to twelve weeks). 
• Successful completion of a state certification exam (varies by state).

Phlebotomy Training:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a phlebotomy certification program (typically 4-8 weeks).
• Clinical experience (in-person training).
• Certification may be required in some states (e.g., California, Nevada, Louisiana, Washington).

Salary Expectations for CNA and Phlebotomy Careers

Understanding the earning potential of CNA and phlebotomy roles can help you make a more informed decision.

• Phlebotomist Salary: As of May 2023, the median annual wage for phlebotomists was $41,810, with a projected job growth rate of 8% between 2023 and 2033. Phlebotomists may earn higher wages depending on location, certifications, and experience.
• CNA Salary: CNAs’ median annual pay was $38,130 in May 2023, with a 4% increase expected between 2023 and 2033. CNAs may earn more through overtime or working in high-demand settings like hospitals and nursing homes.

While both careers offer competitive salaries, phlebotomists generally earn slightly more per hour than CNAs. However, CNAs typically have more job opportunities available due to the higher demand for caregivers in healthcare settings.

Job Opportunities and Career Outlook for CNA and Phlebotomy

The healthcare industry is rapidly growing, and both CNA and phlebotomy roles are essential to providing quality care. With an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, job opportunities for CNAs and phlebotomists are expected to remain strong.

• CNA Job Opportunities: CNAs can find work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care, and hospice care. With an expected job growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2033, CNAs will continue to be in high demand, particularly in long-term care settings.
• Phlebotomy Job Opportunities: Phlebotomists can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and blood donation centers. The demand for phlebotomists is expected to grow at a rate of 8% from 2023 to 2033 due to the increasing need for blood tests and disease diagnosis.

CNA and Phlebotomy: Pros and Cons

Why Choose CNA Over Phlebotomy?

• Higher Job Availability: There are more CNA positions available due to the increasing demand for long-term care services.
• Opportunities for Overtime: CNAs often have the opportunity to earn additional income by working overtime, especially in understaffed facilities.
• Personal Patient Relationships: CNAs have more direct interaction with patients, allowing for deeper relationships and the opportunity to provide hands-on care.

Why Choose Phlebotomy Over CNA?

• Higher Pay: Phlebotomists often earn higher hourly wages than CNAs, particularly in clinical settings or with additional certifications.
• Less Physically Demanding: Phlebotomists typically work in controlled environments, with fewer physical demands than CNAs, who may need to lift or move patients.
• Specialized Skills: Phlebotomists develop specialized skills in blood collection and laboratory work, which can open doors to other opportunities in the medical field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest paying state for CNAs? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the District of Columbia offers the highest average annual salary for CNAs at $47,860. Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington are all among the highest-paying states.

Can a CNA draw blood? 

No, CNAs are generally not permitted to draw blood. Blood collection is often done by registered nurses or professional phlebotomists.

Can CNAs insert catheters? 

Typically, CNAs are not authorized to insert catheters, as this is considered a more complex medical procedure usually performed by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Can CNAs use stethoscopes? 

Yes, CNAs can use stethoscopes to measure vital signs like blood pressure. However, they are not responsible for interpreting the results, as this task is handled by healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses.

What are the two types of phlebotomy? 

Phlebotomy has two main types: therapeutic (used to treat conditions like excess iron in the blood) and diagnostic (used for testing blood samples to identify health issues like anemia or blood disorders).

Is phlebotomy stressful? 

While phlebotomy is generally less physically demanding than other healthcare jobs, it can still be stressful when dealing with nervous patients or difficult blood draws. However, with experience, phlebotomists can develop the calm and composure necessary for this role.

What are the top three highest-paid phlebotomy jobs?

1. Phlebotomy Manager: Overseeing phlebotomy operations and personnel might earn you anything from $48,000 to $70,000 yearly.
2. Mobile or Traveling Phlebotomist: Earn between $42,000 and $61,000 annually, traveling to different locations to perform blood draws.
3. Lab Phlebotomist: Earn between $45,500 and $60,500 annually while performing blood draws and sample processing in a laboratory setting.

Which Career Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between CNA and phlebotomy depends on your interests and career goals. If you prefer hands-on patient care and enjoy working closely with people, a CNA career might be the right fit. However, if you’re interested in a more clinical role with a focus on laboratory work, phlebotomy could be your best option.