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Clinical Lab Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Assistant II

Naperville, IL · On-site

$19.31 - $28/hr

Lab Assistant II * Location: Edward Hospital 800 S. Washington St. Naperville, IL. * FTE: 1.0 FTE ... Minimum one year of previous clinical lab experience * Ability to understand instructions and make ...

Clinical Lab • Schedule: Evening Shift- 3pm-11:30pm - Part-Time with rotating holidays and ... 10) assist in the development and maintenance of laboratory policies and procedures, 11) adheres ...

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Clinical Lab Assistant information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$13

$25

$69

How much do clinical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab assistant in Elgin, IL is $25.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical lab assistant?

A clinical lab assistant works in a medical lab, helping senior researchers to assess, analyze, and discover diseases and other medical issues. The duties of these technicians include inspecting specimens and running routine and specialized tests. They also maintain records, which are used to make reports to doctors or patients. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in biology, medical sciences, or a related field, as well as experience or training in a lab setting. Depending on state laws, clinical lab assistants may need certification. Other skills include attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Assistant, you need a strong background in biology or medical laboratory technology, attention to detail, and typically a certificate or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, accuracy-driven environment. These skills ensure precise sample handling, reliable test results, and smooth laboratory operations, which are critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Clinical Lab Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical, especially when handling multiple samples and processing tests under time constraints. Managing workload efficiently and maintaining accurate records are essential to avoid errors. Communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare professionals is also key, as it ensures smooth workflow and timely delivery of results. Staying organized, following strict protocols, and proactively seeking clarification when uncertain can help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CertificationsNone required, but certification can enhance prospectsCertification often preferred or required (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, maintain lab equipmentPerform tests, analyze samples, record results
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalentPost-secondary education (associate degree)

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Assistants mainly assist with specimen handling and preparation, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but Medical Laboratory Technicians typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What do clinical lab assistants do?

Clinical lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and recording test results. They often work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers and need attention to detail and basic knowledge of laboratory procedures.
More about Clinical Lab Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Clinical Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,875 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Clinical Lab Assistant - Part-time Days

ScionHealth

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.34 - $26.01/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


ScionHealth rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

807th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Kindred Hospital Chicago - North is a 164-bed long-term acute care hospital offering the same in depth care you would receive in a traditional hospital, but for an extended recovery period. We partner with your physician and offer 24-hour clinical care seven days a week so you can start your journey to wellness. To the benefit of our patients, families and visitors, we are located alongside the North Branch Chicago River and surround by the greenery of Horner, Welles and Revere Parks.
Job Summary
Clinical Laboratory Assistants (CLAs) perform duties in the laboratory that are above the complexity level of a phlebotomist, but not yet to the level of a medical laboratory technician. They are to collect specimens, do specimen processing, perform limited waived laboratory testing, assist technicians and technologists with maintenance and reagent preparation, plate samples for microbiology, and perform preparation of specimens for testing from alternative laboratory sources.
Essential Functions
Verifies test requisitions by comparing information with nursing station log, bringing discrepancies to the attention of unit personnel.
  • Verifies patient by reading patient identification. Obtains blood specimens by performing venipunctures and fingersticks.
  • Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures, observing isolation procedures.
  • Collects therapeutic drug-monitoring assays by collaborating with nursing personnel to ensure appropriate drug dose to collection time.
  • Tracks collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection; maintaining daily tallies of collections performed.
  • Maintains quality results by following department procedures and testing schedule; recording results in the quality-control log; identifying and reporting needed changes.
  • Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations.
  • Resolves unusual test orders by contacting the physician, pathologist, nursing station, or laboratory testing personnel; referring unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification; notifying supervisor of unresolved orders.
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
  • Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and TJC standards.
  • Enhances phlebotomy department and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
  • Assists with laboratory clerical work. Answers phones, receives specimens and performs preanalytical preparation for samples including send-outs
  • Coordinates and actively enhances laboratory workflow by loading instruments, setting up plates, and performing waived testing per laboratory procedures. Performs pending log resolution. Calls critical values to actionable care providers

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
  • Analyzing Information
  • Infection Control
  • Bedside Manner
  • Attention to Detail
  • Lab Environment, Procedural Skills
  • Quality Focus
  • Hospital Environment, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment
  • Performing Diagnostic Procedures
  • Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0%
  • Must read, write and speak fluent English.
  • Must have good and regular attendance.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Pay range: $17.34 - $26.01/Hr
ScionHealth has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit-eligible employees that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness.
Qualifications
Education
  • Minimum of a High School diploma or Equivalent

Licenses/Certification
  • Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred but not required.
  • State license/registration as required by state.
  • Current BLS preferred.

Experience
  • 1-3 years clinical laboratory experience.

What ScionHealth employees say

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