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Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Lemon Grove, CA

Phlebotomist II

San Diego, CA

$18 - $22.50/hr

The main function of a phlebotomist is to assist in performing various assigned duties, trouble ... the process of the venipuncture (blood drawing) and or other specimen collection (ex. urine or ...

Phlebotomist II

Poway, CA

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The main function of a phlebotomist is to assist in performing various assigned duties, trouble ... the process of the venipuncture (blood drawing) and or other specimen collection (ex. urine or ...

Phlebotomist II

San Diego, CA

$18 - $22.50/hr

The main function of a phlebotomist is to assist in performing various assigned duties, trouble ... the process of the venipuncture (blood drawing) and or other specimen collection (ex. urine or ...

Phlebotomist II

Poway, CA

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The main function of a phlebotomist is to assist in performing various assigned duties, trouble ... the process of the venipuncture (blood drawing) and or other specimen collection (ex. urine or ...

Medical Assistant I/II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21 - $25.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with laboratory services, specimen collection and processing, and/or phlebotomy is ... Medical Assistant I: $21.00 to $23.30 per hour Medical Assistant II: $23.00 to $25.30 per hour ...

Medical Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... specimen collection ● Administering injections and vaccinations, including flu shots, as ... the process, this probably isn't the position for you. If you want to learn medicine, develop ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Lemon Grove, CA salary details

$14

$18

$23

How much do assistant specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant specimen processor in Lemon Grove, CA is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant specimen processor?

Assistant Specimen Processors are laboratory support staff responsible for handling, labeling, and preparing biological specimens such as blood, urine, or tissue samples for analysis. They ensure samples are correctly identified, sorted, and stored according to strict protocols to maintain sample integrity. These professionals may also enter patient data, assist with basic lab tasks, and help maintain a clean and organized work environment. Their work is crucial in preventing errors and supporting laboratory technicians and technologists in delivering accurate test results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant specimen processor?

To thrive as an Assistant Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and sample tracking tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure timely and accurate processing of specimens. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining sample integrity and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What does a typical shift look like for an assistant specimen processor, and how is the work environment structured?

As an Assistant Specimen Processor, a typical shift involves receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples for laboratory analysis, often under time-sensitive conditions. You’ll work closely with laboratory technicians, couriers, and administrative staff to ensure specimens are processed accurately and efficiently. The work environment is usually fast-paced and requires strict adherence to safety and quality protocols. Teamwork and effective communication are essential, as the role frequently involves coordinating with different departments to maintain workflow and meet turnaround times.

What is the difference between Assistant Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssistant Specimen ProcessorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedPost-secondary education, often an associate degree or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, handling specimens and preparing samplesLaboratory environments, performing tests and analyzing samples
Employer & IndustryHospitals, diagnostic labs, clinicsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic facilities
Common Search/ComparisonAssistant Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician

The Assistant Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and processing with minimal formal education, while Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often requiring specialized training or certification. Both roles work in laboratory settings within healthcare and diagnostic industries, but Laboratory Technicians typically have broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

How can I become a assistant specimen processor?

To become an assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be detail-oriented with good organizational skills. Relevant experience in laboratory settings or familiarity with specimen handling and safety protocols can be beneficial. Some positions may require training on specific laboratory procedures or certifications such as OSHA safety training.

What does an assistant specimen processor do?

An assistant specimen processor helps prepare and handle biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, for laboratory testing. They typically assist with labeling, sorting, and processing specimens using laboratory equipment, ensuring proper storage and documentation to support accurate diagnostic results.

Pathologists' Assistant (PA)

Ansible Government Solutions

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview

Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is currently recruiting Pathologists' Assistants to support the VA San Diego Healthcare System located at 3350 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92161. The services will be delivered on a Per Diem basis, scheduled in advance (normally in 4-hour blocks). The services will focus on the performance of autopsies, but grossing duties may be required on occasion. An exceptional Per Diem hourly pay rate is available for this position.

Ansible Government Solutions, LLC (Ansible) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Federal customers with solutions in many arenas. Our customers face wide-ranging challenges in the fields of national security, health care, and information technology. To address these challenges, we employ intelligent and committed staff who take care of our customers’ success as if it is their own.

Responsibilities

  • Assists in all aspects of anatomic pathology.

  • Performs specialized tests including histochemical and immunohistochemical stains and cytometry and interpreting the results. Researches, evaluates, orders, and implements new equipment and procures related supplies. Photographs for teaching purposes. Investigates and resolves problems related to Anatomic Pathology. Performs SNOMED and other required Anatomic pathology workload coding. Adjusts work procedures and routines to accommodate resource allocation decisions made at the executive level.

  • Laboratory Inspection: Reviews regulatory criteria, ensuring all procedures and protocols are maintained up to date with regulatory criteria, prepares work areas for inspection, and participate in the inspection process.

  • Plays a leading role in the education and training of residents in pathology, other medical specialties, and medical students, regarding the practice of Anatomic Pathology and autopsy. Provides instruction at the bench and through discussion or relevant topics. Evaluates, selects, organizes, and adapts educational, training and resource materials for teaching programs. Creates special study rotations to introduce new technologies and process.

  • Continuing medical education: Teaches other health care workers including technicians, technologists, nurses, students and administrative personnel about Anatomic Pathology.

  • Protocol development: Under the supervision of pathologist participates in the development of Anatomic pathology protocols.

  • Quality Assurance: Assists in the collection, reporting and interpretation of data for Anatomic Pathology QA programs, participates in the PALMS QA committee, making recommendations as needed, and directs and implements quality improvement initiatives approved by the committee.

  • Orientation and training: Participates in the orientation and training of new employees, residents, and students.

  • Performs all elements of gross examination and sectioning of every type of surgical pathology specimen.

  • Provides description of tissue received from surgery including noting size, color, consistency and anatomic orientation.

  • Cuts specimens to present optimal specimen detection for microscopic examination, pathologic diagnosis and cancer staging.

  • Removes and dissects visceral organs, brain and spinal cord in order to demonstrate the presence or absence of disease and/or atomic variation.

  • Performs autopsies, with or without an autopsy assistant by correlating of the gross pathology with the patient’s clinical presentation, preparation of external and internal descriptions.

  • Prepares the body for pickup by a funeral home; orders special studies (e.g., cultures, histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, electron microscopy), and provide interpretation.

  • Prepares frozen tissue sections and other tissue sections within or outside of the histology department.

  • Performs on complex instruments such as cryostat, cameras, and automatic tissue processor, IHC, which including technical and mechanical indicators of malfunction, sufficient to locate and correct errors.

  • Maintains regulatory compliance including reviews regulatory criteria, ensuring all procedures and protocols are maintained up to date with regulatory criteria.

  • Oversees the morgue for adherence to facility and regulator safety, quality control and privacy regulations.

  • Acts as a key contact person for pathologists, grossing and histology staff to identify problem areas and recommend changes to workflow.

  • Provides an interpretation of the patient cases to the anatomic pathology supervisor and pathologists.

  • Perform and document quality control, quality assurance and corrective actions related to test performance using sound statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.

  • Enters and verifies laboratory results in the computer system. Recognize deviations from expected results; analyze and correct problems using scientific principles.

  • Performs other duties as assigned relating to the responsibilities of pathology assistant.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.

  • Graduated from a National Accrediting agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited Pathologist's Assistant training program and/or a current Fellow of the American Association of Pathologist's Assistants (AAPA).

  • A current license/certification with either AAPA, ASCP, or a designated Department of Health.

  • A current CV which identifies the provider’s education and professional qualifications commensurate with the position for which they are being offered to perform.

  • At least one year of Pathologists’ Assistant experience is required. VA experience is desirable.

  • No sponsorship available 

Pay Range: $37.60 - $65.00 hourly

All candidates must be able to:

  • Sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders during the work shift

  • Lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist

  • Lift up to 20 lbs

  • Carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance

  • Push/pull with 30 lbs of force

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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