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Clinical Lab Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CLINICAL LAB ASSIST-PHLEBOTOMY

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Overview As a phlebotomist-clinical lab assistant the duties are to perform patient phlebotomy ... For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following ...

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Clinical Lab Assistant to work full time nights. (11a-730p ... For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following ...

Sentara Leigh Hospital is hiring a Clinical Lab Assistant to work full time nights. (11a-730p ... For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following ...

Participates in safety rounding and reporting within the clinical laboratories. * In ambulatory ... Maintains required documentation for all lab procedures. * Processes requisitions for testing.

$24.30 - $33.45/hr

Associates Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 years Clinical Lab experience (Preferred) Licenses and Certifications * Medical Laboratory ...

$24.30 - $33.45/hr

Associates Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 years Clinical Lab experience (Preferred) Licenses and Certifications * Medical Laboratory ...

MLT Eligible

Newport News, VA · On-site

$24.30 - $33.45/hr

Associates Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 years Clinical Lab experience (Preferred) Licenses and Certifications * Medical Laboratory ...

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Clinical Lab Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$31

$54

How much do clinical lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab associate in Virginia is $31.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $41.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical lab associate?

A clinical lab associate is a healthcare professional responsible for performing laboratory tests on patient samples to assist in diagnosis and treatment. They typically handle specimen processing, operate laboratory equipment, and follow safety protocols, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory procedures.

Where do CLS get paid the most?

Clinical Lab Associates tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare industries, such as major metropolitan areas. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the size of the employer, with larger hospitals and private labs often offering higher pay.

What are some common challenges faced by Clinical Lab Associates, and how can they be managed?

Clinical Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining accuracy under time constraints, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Effective time management, meticulous attention to detail, and consistent communication with team members are crucial in overcoming these hurdles. Many labs provide ongoing training and support to help staff stay current with best practices and emerging technologies, ensuring that associates can deliver reliable results in a fast-paced environment.

What are Clinical Lab Associates?

Clinical Lab Associates are healthcare professionals who assist in the preparation, processing, and analysis of laboratory specimens. They work under the supervision of laboratory technologists or scientists to ensure tests are conducted accurately and efficiently. Their responsibilities often include specimen collection, data entry, equipment maintenance, and quality control. Clinical Lab Associates play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring patient health by supporting laboratory operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Lab Associate, and why are they important?

A Clinical Lab Associate needs a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated analyzers, and standard laboratory safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and compliance with regulatory standards, which are critical to patient care and laboratory operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a clinical lab associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate degree or certification in clinical laboratory science. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and knowledge of safety protocols. Certification or training may be required depending on the specific role and employer.

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

AspectClinical Lab AssociateMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification usually required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, processing, basic testing, data entryPerforming complex tests, analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample handlingMore involved in testing procedures and analysis

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Associates typically focus on sample collection and basic processing, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. The choice depends on your education level and desired responsibilities within the lab environment.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

A clinical lab associate or lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often working in hospital or diagnostic laboratory settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Clinical Lab Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Clinical Lab Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Associate job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,041 per year, or $31.3 per hour.
CLINICAL LAB ASSIST-PHLEBOTOMY

CLINICAL LAB ASSIST-PHLEBOTOMY

Sentara Healthcare

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State
Norfolk, VA
Work Shift
First (Days)
Overview:
Sentara Health is hiring an experienced Phlebotomist - Clinical Lab Assistant to work full time days in Central Testing at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara Leigh Hospital.
Overview
As a phlebotomist-clinical lab assistant the duties are to perform patient phlebotomy while maintaining the highest level of customer service. Collects, labels, and processes patient specimens for testing. Responsible for registration and test data entry. Monitors supply levels.
Education
  • High School Grad or Equivalent (required)
  • Phlebotomy course (preferred)

Certification/Licensure
  • Phlebotomy certification (Preferred)
  • BLS required within 90 days of hire

Experience
  • 1 year of experience (preferred)

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues may have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met
Here at Sentara, we are committed to consistently enhancing our training, advancement tracks, work-life benefits, and more. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day!
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 525-bed tertiary care facility that is home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in Hampton Roads, and also serves as the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School.
In addition to the high-quality heart program at Sentara Heart Hospital, our facility is home to Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance and several other dedicated facilities and specialized services. As a recognized accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart and vascular, neurosciences, neurosurgery, urology, oncology, spine care, advanced imaging, behavioral health, maternity, and women's health, including a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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