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Certified Lab Assistant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Honorhealth

Assistant - Clinical Lab

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

LAB Core Shift Hours: Three 12 hour shifts a week from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm. Rotating Weekends and ... Certificate of Completion for Laboratory Assisting program from an accredited school Required or

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Certified Lab Assistant information

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$8

$17

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How much do certified lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified lab assistant in Kentucky is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified lab assistant?

A Certified Lab Assistant is a healthcare professional who supports laboratory operations by preparing specimens, conducting basic tests, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring accurate data recording. They work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. Certification demonstrates that the individual has met specific educational and competency requirements, which may improve job prospects and ensure adherence to industry standards. Their role is crucial for the smooth functioning of medical and scientific laboratories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of a lab assistant certification program. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), basic laboratory equipment, and quality control procedures is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in supporting lab operations and collaborating with healthcare professionals. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining accurate results, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient laboratory workflow.

What are some common challenges certified lab assistants face in maintaining accuracy and quality control during sample processing?

Certified Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes while ensuring accurate labeling, documentation, and adherence to strict protocols. Balancing speed with precision—especially when handling multiple tests simultaneously—can be demanding. Regular equipment maintenance, staying updated on safety regulations, and collaborating closely with technologists and pathologists are essential practices that help maintain quality control and minimize errors. Seeking feedback and participating in ongoing training can further support accuracy and professional growth.

What is the difference between Certified Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectCertified Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsCertification often required or preferredTypically requires an associate degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsResearch facilities, hospitals, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample collection, preparing specimens, basic lab tasksPerforming tests, operating lab equipment, analyzing samples
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsUsed across healthcare, research, and industrial sectors

The main difference between a Certified Lab Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and required credentials. Certified Lab Assistants typically focus on assisting with sample collection and basic tasks, often holding certification, while Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, usually requiring an associate degree. Both roles are vital in healthcare and research environments, but Laboratory Technicians generally have a broader scope of work.

Certified Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Lab Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,576 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Pathology Lab Assistant/UKHC

Lexington, KY • On-site

University of Kentucky
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Kentuckyexternal

$17.50 - $27.31/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Pathology Lab Assistant/UKHC
Requisition Number
RE55771
Working Title
Lab Assistant - Surgical Pathology
Department Name
H3200:Laboratory Services
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
07
Salary Range
$17.50-27.31/hour
Type of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
2 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Standing for long periods, lifting of reagents, pushing and pulling of slide drawers, extended periods of sitting at computer, ability to move around hospital between departments. The position will have exposure to chemicals, blood, body fluids, and tissue.
Shift
Monday - Friday, day shift, 40 hrs/wk; hours may vary.
Job Summary
The Pathology Lab Assistant facilitates the appropriate, accurate, and timely workload assignment to Pathologist Assistants, histotechs, and pathologists. The lab assistant may receive and accession specimens, handle equipment maintenance, prepare reagent and/or perform other duties as assigned. Experience with medical terminology required. Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, and diplomacy is preferred. Demonstrated proficiency in data entry and computer software applications. Must be detail oriented and enjoy working in a team environment. IMPORTANT: Resumes and CVs cannot be substituted for a completed application. Incomplete applications could disqualify you from being considered for this position. To be considered for this position you must fully complete the online application being sure to only put one (1) job title for each entry (multiple job titles for one employer must have separate entries), the # of hours worked per week and your ending salary. All job titles and dates must correspond with those appearing on your resume.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
General computer skills, including data entry, medical terminology, attention to detail.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
2 years college or equivalent and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
Deadline to Apply
09/24/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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