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Clinical Lab Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Clinical Lab Assistant II performs various functions in the Clinical lab related to data entry, specimen handling, centrifuging, pouring off and preparing specimens for testing, preparing ...

The Clinical Lab Assistant II performs various functions in the Clinical lab related to data entry, specimen handling, centrifuging, pouring off and preparing specimens for testing, preparing ...

The person in this position is a Clinical Lab Assistant Lead who performs all aspects of specimen preparation for analysis. The person in this position performs advanced procedures under the ...

Clinical Lab Assistant I Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | 7:00am to 7:00pm Why You'll Love Working Here As a Clinical Lab Assistant I at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play an essential ...

Clinical Lab Assistant I Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | 7:00am to 7:00pm Why You'll Love Working Here As a Clinical Lab Assistant I at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play an essential ...

$25.51 - $42.09/hr

Clinical Lab Assistant (CLA) Summary The Clinical Lab Assistant (CLA) reports to a Senior Technician or Manager. Under general supervision and with appropriate training and documented competency, the ...

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Clinical Lab Assistant information

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$13

$26

$70

How much do clinical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab assistant in the United States is $26.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.92 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.

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.
What cities are hiring for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Lab Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Clinical Lab Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,501 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Clinical Lab Assistant - Urology - Full Time

Medicine Journal

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant works within the laboratory, to distribute specimens, to assist testing personnel with the preparation of test samples, to perform infection control processes, to assist and perform and appropriately record maintenance and/or quality procedures within the clinical laboratory. The Clinical Lab Assistant must possess strong communication skills and maintain professionalism both inter-departmentally and with personnel outside the laboratory, physicians, clinicians, nursing staff. He/she is detail-oriented and has strong computer skills with the ability to maneuver multiple IT programs and platforms. He/she is able to accurately identify patient information on specimens and to appropriately distribute samples in a timely manner. The Clinical Lab Assistant is willing to read and adhere to all facility and departmental policies and procedures as they apply to the laboratory and to their individual job duties. The Clinical Lab Assistant pays meticulous attention to detail and has the integrity and willingness to honestly and thoroughly communicate and document appropriately when questions or problems arise.
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant in Blood Bank is responsible for providing support to the Technologists/Technicians in the department. He/she must have the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under high pressure situations. The CLA in Blood Bank is responsible for checking out products for administration to patients; acute eyesight and the capability to speak clearly to articulate accurate patient identification information to transporters is a safety requirement. He/she must be able to consistently speak to clients and coworkers in a polite and professional manner and direct phone calls appropriately and to the appropriate contact. He/she is responsible to assist with the preparation of certain blood products, order inventory as directed, receive inventory into the computer, put away stock items, perform quality procedures as directed and accurately document relative information.
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant in Microbiology is responsible for receiving, managing, processing, and distributing samples for testing within the Microbiology Department or to referral laboratories. He/she must possess the knowledge of sample types received and the appropriate handling requirements. He/she must be able to operate within the computer system to access information for testing that is performed in the department. He/she will distribute molecular specimens to appropriate testing areas. He/she must be able to operate instrumentation in the Microbiology Department, such as the WalkAway Specimen Processing (WASP) instrument and blood culture instruments. He/she must be able to manually set up cultures utilizing appropriate technique (streaking inoculation) and proper media for all sample types received in the department. The CLA in Microbiology prepares gram stain slides and sets up quality control slides. He/she operates the Biomerieux Previ Gram Stainer and also has the skills to stain gram stain slides manually. He/she performs and documents quality assurance processes as assigned; reading and documenting temperatures, performing safety checks and preforming maintenance on equipment or instrumentation. The CLA in Microbiology stocks inventory and performs inventory counts on media and WASP supplies as assigned.
The Clinical Lab Assistant in Referral Testing routes specimens for referral testing. The CLA in Referral must manage all aspects of the logistic process for testing appropriately. He/she must positively identify patient samples accurately throughout the process of receiving, labeling, shipping, and transcribing. He/she must understand differences in testing methodologies to ensure appropriate routing of testing and possess the skills to properly investigate testing options. He/she is willing to follow specific laboratory requirements to protect the integrity of the specimen during the entire process of storing or shipping. He/she must be willing and able to obtain training and Certification in Hazardous Materials Shipping (training and certification arranged within the lab). The CLA in Referrals is required to adhere to all regulatory requirements of OSHA, DOT, FDA and other agencies as applicable. He/she is responsible for ordering and maintaining shipping supply inventories.
Education:
Required:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred:
AS or BS in a biological science
Experience:
Required:
Preferred:
1 to 2 years of experience working in the Referrals, Blood Bank or Microbiology sections of clinical lab or other laboratory experience.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Preferred:
Medical Lab Assistant Certification (ASCP)
- Excellent attention to detail
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Research and analysis skills
- Experience working with lab equipment
Mathematic and measurement skills
- Knowledge of computer research and analysis programs
- Good teamwork skills
- Ability to keep detailed records
The Clinical Lab Assistant works in a high stress environment within a busy laboratory. He/She answers phones and disseminates information to other laboratory personnel. Must have a strong ability to prioritize workload. Must possess knowledge of lab quality regulations, maintain and manage laboratory documentation and recordkeeping. He/she works closely with team members in an atmosphere of continuous quality improvement. He/she performs other duties as assigned by the Coordinator or Mangers. The CLA must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his or her assigned department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures.
The CLA in the Blood Bank Department is responsible for checking out products for administration to the patient. He/she is responsible for temperature tracking, quality control procedures and product preparation.
The CLA in the Microbiology Department is responsible for culture preparation, the operation of automated equipment, rotation of stock, completion of inventory counts and quality assurance equipment checks.
The CLA in the Referrals Department is responsible for the preparation and routing of patient samples to approved testing facilities.