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Clinical Lab Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Lab Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

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$66

How much do clinical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a clinical lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant training or certification in laboratory procedures. Strong attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and good communication skills are also important for the role.

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 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.

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.

Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) due to advanced education and responsibilities. MLS professionals often hold a bachelor's degree and have more complex testing duties, which are reflected in their higher pay scale compared to MLTs, who usually have an associate degree and perform routine lab work.

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 is the highest salary for a lab assistant?

The highest salary for a clinical lab assistant can reach around $50,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Advanced skills, such as proficiency with laboratory equipment and certifications like CLT or MLT, can contribute to higher earnings.

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 are Clinical Lab Assistants?

Clinical Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, conducting basic tests, managing laboratory equipment, and maintaining records. They work under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or scientists to ensure that lab results are accurate and samples are handled properly. Their role is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as they help provide critical data for patient care.
More about Clinical Lab Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Clinical Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,264 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist/Southwest Gastroenterology, (1371)

Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist/Southwest Gastroenterology, (1371)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630 with other shifts as needed
Location: Southwest Gastroenterology
Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position
JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Lab Assistant Phlebotomist is able to work independently and with minimal supervision and/or oversight. Successful candidates have the experience and skillset to perform one or more identified modalities. Compensation is dependent on the number of modalities performed. Candidates without experience may be considered for a paid apprenticeship level. Regular in-person attendance during scheduled work hours is essential.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The following items are requirements for all individuals.
1. Performs duties in a professional and courteous manner.
2. Maintains supplies and inventory necessary to perform departmental functions.
3. Observe students and\or new staff as needed.
4. Exhibit basic problem solving skills to ensure exceptional customer and patient care service levels.
5. Responsible for hospital communication responsibilities as assigned, including on-call responsibilities during scheduled hours (cell phone) by location.
6. Demonstrates effective telephone and verbal communication skills
7. Actively demonstrates professional judgment when dealing with clients, patients and co-workers.
8. Perform clerical functions as needed by the department, including, but not limited to documenting critical communication such as call-ins in the absence of a supervisor.
9. Responsible for maintaining levels of confidentiality associated with position and access to personal and confidential information.
10. Participate in and maintain coverage levels for on call as needed/required to meet service levels.
11. Participate in coverage for holidays, evenings, and weekends as needed or required.
12. Basic P.C. skills.
Minimum Qualifications:
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
• H.S. diploma or equivalent.
PREFERRED:
• PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification.
• Completion of a relevant Clinical Lab Assistant or comparable program
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
Prove Immunity to Hepatitis B, or be immunized, or sign a waiver refusing Hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire, or have a PPD test conducted through TriCore.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Valid driver's license. Good driving record. Must be insurable by lab insurance carrier as required by location.
2. Eligible to work in a health care facility as provided by the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act or other applicable law.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
• Candidates with no training or experience may be considered for an apprenticeship.
• Selected Candidates will be placed into CLA Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 based on the number of modalities (listed below) completed on a regular basis. Assigned modalities are determined by the department leadership.
Modalities:
1. Check-in and Order Entry\Reconciliation- (Modality per system- Clinical, Anatomic, Research, Referral Testing) Including, but not limited to:
a. Identifying patient in system
b. Reconciling electronic orders
c. Manual Entry when necessary
d. Insurance\payment when necessary
2. General Phlebotomy (ages 10 and above) includes vacutainer , butterfly and syringe collections.
3. Special Collections and/or external shipping certification. Special Collections include but are not limited to arterial blood gas, pediatric and infant draws, sweat collection, breath collections, occ health/drug screen collections, MRSA and Covid collections, therapeutic phlebotomies)
4. Assisting provider performed procedures, including but not limited to FNA, Bone Marrow, EBUS, Bronchial lavage.
5. Specimen Processing (includes Specimen receipt, specimen sorting , specimen delivery\loading, decanting and retrieval for send out testing and surgical sample triage, Specimen storage and disposal functions)
6. Non-conformity investigation\Problem Resolution (examples Problem Desk aka Portal, TLC, NCE responses, client service) includes proper documentation.
7. Lab Equipment Maintenance and\or support (superuser), to include chemical and biohazard waste management for non-testing instrumentation (cryostats and stainline)
8. Sample Testing (waived to moderate) including appropriate instrument maintenance, including biohazard disposal, and QC.
a. Reviews results to see if they are within defined parameters. Identifies and resolves technical specimen problems. Report out results.
b. Identifies, researches and resolves specimen, QC, or instrument problems.
9. Consistent training and\or assisting in competency assessments of modalities to employee and\or students with completing initial training documentation. This may include N95 FIT Testing,
10. Department specific skilled technical assistance:
a. BB-Product prep: irradiating units, thaw cryo and plasma, splitting plasma and platelets
b. Infectious Disease- Planting patient specimens that includes: Tissue and Bone processing (grinding and cutting), Plate Inoculation, Knowledge of anaerobic versus aerobic incubation requirements
c. Genetics and Cytometry - Nucleic acid extraction, cell culture and harvesting, renal transplant kit oversight and patient testing scheduling and monitoring
d. Histology and Cytology - Cytology specimen processing, slide preparation and staining, Histology specimen processing, including bone marrow grossing and knowledge of processing for each tissue type.
e. TRI Honest Broker
11. Department specific clerical or support functions
a. Organization of AP/HP cases and slide distribution
b. FFPE Block and slide filing and material retrieval
c. Consult Case management (ordering, material retrieval, billing, Client on the Fly, report upload)
d. Client Material return
e. Unit allocation & issue: cryo, plasma, platelet, bone and tissue
12. Skilled Inventory management: (ordering, receiving, monitoring par levels, end of month reconciliations, includes blood supply, reagents, supplies, TriBuy training and competency)
TriCore is New Mexico's largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.