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

Position: Lab Assistant II * Location: Elmhurst Hospital 155 E Brush Hill Road Elmhurst, IL ... Minimum one year of previous clinical lab experience * Ability to understand instructions and make ...

Lab Assistant II

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$19.31 - $28/hr

Position: Lab Assistant II * Location: Elmhurst Hospital 155 E Brush Hill Road Elmhurst, IL ... Minimum one year of previous clinical lab experience * Ability to understand instructions and make ...

Our lab assistants support our instructors in running a safe and effective lab. We are currently looking for a lab assistant in the following program: * Welding Responsibilities: * Assist students ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 6, 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 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 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 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 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.
More about Clinical Lab Assistant jobs
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 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,875 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Clinical Lab Assistant II Lab Microbiology-Full-time Nights

Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

Winfield, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Clinical Lab Assistant II Lab Microbiology-Full-time Nights

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 3rd shift position located in the Lab Microbiology department at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

The CLA II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the main lab staff, other ancillary departments, departments, nurses and providers to ensure excellent patient care.
  • Receives specimens into the laboratory information system.
  • Inputs and retrieves lab results in laboratory or hospital computer system.
  • Register specimen dropoffs (e.g. Home health) in LIS assuring accurate data entry.
  • Properly processes specimens for transport to reference laboratories.
  • Distributes specimens to the appropriate testing area.
  • Identifies and solves problems utilizing appropriate resources with the assistance of a supervisor, manager, pathologist and/or coworkers when appropriate.
  • Verifies the accuracy of all instruments and test kits; responsible for quality control, maintenance, troubleshoots
  • Operate and maintain laboratory automation systems as appropriate.
  • Performs diagnostic/analytic testing of specimens, interprets, documents and report results to provider.
  • Accurately performs waived and/or moderate complexity testing under the direction of CLS
  • Ensures appropriate testing is ordered and properly identifies the correct reference laboratory for referred specimens
  • Communicates specimen rejections, critical/notifiable results to appropriate clinical personnel and completes required documentation.
  • May review/record refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair.
  • Adheres to lab procedures with following up on outstanding orders including time-sensitive draws/charges
  • Answers phone calls to the laboratory and triages appropriate
  • Coordinates courier pickups as needed.

Department Specific duties

  • Performs phlebotomy and other lab specimen collections per age related standards as required.
  • Completes biological transport training as required and maintain competency.
  • Recognizes temperature dependent transport conditions and select correct packing list destination.
  • Monitors and maintains specialty supplies, including kits, swab and collection containers and disperse to units
  • Ensures supplies are available and stored at the appropriate temperatures
  • Performs microbiology setups or other testing preparation duties.
  • May assist with bone marrow and other biopsy processing.
  • Pull AP slides for second opinion requests and log material back into Epic when material is returned.
Qualifications

Required:

  • High School Diploma
  • Minimum of 1 year of work experience in a general lab, specimen processing or phlebotomy area or enrolled in lab related education program.

Preferred:

  • Phlebotomy Certification or training from an accredited School or Institution
Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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