Phlebotomist or CNA? Let’s Break It Down
If you’re exploring careers in healthcare or figuring out who exactly is showing up for a loved one’s home care appointment, you’ve probably come across two common titles: CNA and phlebotomist.
They’re both vital. But they do very different things.
Let’s unpack the differences—and why you might choose one over the other (whether you’re hiring or thinking of joining the field).
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
A phlebotomist is a trained medical professional who specializes in drawing blood. That’s it? Not quite.
They also:
- Collect other specimens (like urine or saliva)
- Label and transport samples to labs
- Work in labs, clinics, hospitals, or in-home settings
- Often use mobile tools and digital apps to track collections
At myOnsite Healthcare, phlebotomists travel directly to patients’ homes—often for those with chronic conditions or mobility challenges. Their job blends clinical skill with compassion and logistical precision.
What’s a CNA’s Job?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides basic, day-to-day care for patients who need help with routine activities.
Their responsibilities include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, eating
- Taking vital signs
- Helping with mobility
- Offering emotional support
CNAs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and private homes. They often have ongoing relationships with patients, especially in hospice or elder care.
Education & Certification: How Do You Get Started?
| Role | Training Length | Certification Required | Licensing Body |
| Phlebotomist | 4–12 months | Yes | State-dependent |
| CNA | 4–12 weeks | Yes (state registry) | State-dependent |
Phlebotomy may involve more technical training (vein location, specimen handling), while CNA programs focus on patient interaction and physical support.
Salary Comparison
- Phlebotomists: ~$43,660 per year (U.S. average, BLS 2024)
- CNAs: ~$39,530 per year (U.S. average, BLS 2024)
Not a huge difference—but phlebotomists sometimes earn more in mobile or specialty roles. CNAs might have steadier hours in long-term care settings.
Where Do They Work?
| Role | Common places |
| Phlebotomist | Labs, hospitals, mobile healthcare, clinics |
| CNA | Nursing homes, hospitals, home care agencies |
At myOnsite Healthcare, our phlebotomists are often the first friendly face a patient sees during an at-home lab draw. They’re trained to handle both clinical precision and the emotional side of patient care.
Which Is Right for You?
Choose Phlebotomy if you:
- Enjoy technical tasks
- Prefer shorter patient interactions
- Like traveling or working solo
- Want to enter lab or research environments
Choose CNA work if you:
- Love daily patient interaction
- Are comfortable with physical care
- Want a foot in the door for nursing
- Prefer working with a care team
- 87.7% of certified nursing assistants are women and 12.3% are men
Real-World Note
Both roles are pillars of patient care—just in different ways. The best choice depends on your strengths, passions, and how you want to make a difference in someone’s health journey.