Laboratory assistants work under the direct supervision of a medical technologist and a pathologist or other qualified physician. This role performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks across histology, cytology, microbiology, and the general laboratory.
Key duties include:
- Executing waived testing and reporting results
- Preparing tissue specimens and entering information into the laboratory information system
- Assisting with inventory management
- Preparing urine specimens and analyzers for testing
- Staining slides and plating specimens for microbiologic study
- Maintaining accurate temperature, quality control, and laboratory records
- Assisting with pending logs
- Identifying and processing specimens
- Performing venipunctures
- Registering patients and entering data into hospital and laboratory information systems
- Supporting laboratory operations, specimen handling, and reporting workflows
Additional responsibilities include following laboratory policies and procedures, maintaining confidentiality, observing infection prevention and control practices, and complying with CLIA, CAP, and OSHA regulations.
Requirements & Qualifications
Required qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Medical Laboratory Assistant credential (MLA ASCP) required within 12 months of hire or transfer
- One of the ASCP-equivalent pathways, which may include:
- Completion of a NAACLS-approved Clinical Assistant program within the last 5 years
- Completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course within the last 10 years
- 2 years of full-time clinical laboratory experience
- An associate degree or 60 semester hours with required chemistry and biology coursework plus 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experience
- Valid PBT (ASCP) certification plus 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experience
- Completion of an acceptable structured medical laboratory assistant program plus 6 months of full-time clinical laboratory experience
Preferred qualifications
- 6 months of experience in a clinical or microbiology laboratory
- 1 year of experience handling biological specimens
- Knowledge of medical terminology, laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols
- Familiarity with MISYS LIS, HIS, and admitting policies and procedures
- Strong organizational, manual dexterity, customer service, communication, teamwork, and computer skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Windows
Physical requirements
- Ability to wear required PPE
- Ability to move freely throughout the facility
- Ability to stand, sit, and walk for long periods
- Ability to perform postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching
- Adequate vision and hearing, with or without assistive devices
Location
Michigan, US
Employment Type
Full-time
Experience Level
Entry Level
Remote work allowed
No
Posted
1 week ago
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