1

Clinical Lab Associate Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Clinical Lab Associate information

See Athens, GA salary details

$12

$30

$53

How much do clinical lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab associate in Athens, GA is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $40.14 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 Athens, GA? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Athens, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Associate jobs in Athens, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Associate jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Clinical Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Clinical Lab Associate job openings:
Technologist-Medical-Night Shift-7 on/7 off

Technologist-Medical-Night Shift-7 on/7 off

Northeast Georgia Health System

Winder, GA

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Northeast Georgia Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Category:

Allied Health

Work Shift/Schedule:

7 Days on 7 Days Off

Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:Job Summary

Responsible for prioritizing testing procedures and completing those procedures in an accurate and timely manner to facilitate rapid patient recovery. Maintains proper records of all tests done in accordance with Joint Commission requirements. This position will care for patients in the neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups. Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.

Minimum Job Qualifications
  • Licensure or other certifications: ASCP, NCA, or AMT. Meets the requirements of the State of Georgia.

  • Educational Requirements: Associates Degree

  • Minimum Experience:

  • Other: 1. Has earned an associate's degree in medical laboratory technology; or successful completion of two years of academic study (a minimum of 90 quarter hours or equivalent) in an accredited college or university which included at least 20 quarter hours of lecture and laboratory courses in chemical, physical, or biological sciences acceptable toward a major in science and have at least one year of pertinent laboratory experience or training accepted by the Department; or
    2. For persons who possess the technician qualifications under provisions above and have recently moved into the state or completed the academic and/or training requirements, they may be temporarily classified once as technicians for eighteen (3) months to afford them an opportunity to successfully complete an approved qualifying examination.
    3. Persons who have been continuously engaged as technicians in Georgia since July 1, 1970 are exempt from personnel qualifications listed above. Persons who initially qualified under this provision but become inactive for two consecutive years for any reason must meet current requirements. Provided, further, individuals and laboratories so concerned must meet all other standards of performance required by this law and applicable rules and regulations.

Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

  • Preferred Educational Requirements:

  • Preferred Experience: Two (2) to three (3) years (not including internship and education)

  • Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Basic Computer Skills

  • Analytical Skills

  • Communication Skills

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Correctly completes routine and stat testing in established time frame with less than three discrepancies per year as documented by variance report.

  • Performs analysis independently according to established criteria.

  • Maintains accurate records and documentation.

  • Consults with Technologist, section head or Pathologist on questionable or unusual test results with no more than three documented discrepancies per year.

  • Inputs data accurately into the computer system.

  • Regularly provides suggestions for quality improvement in the laboratory.

  • Assists in precepting MLT students as established by the lab.

  • Attends at least 80% of all Continuing Education.

Physical Demands
  • Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

  • Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

  • Vision: Moderate, Frequently 31-65%of time

  • Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

  • Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

  • Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

  • Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

  • Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

  • Job Requires: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.


NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.


What Northeast Georgia Health System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northeast Georgia Health System logo

About Northeast Georgia Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is a not-for-profit community health system dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of the people of Northeast Georgia. Through the services of a medical staff of more than 800 physicians, the residents of Northeast Georgia enjoy access to the state’s finest and most comprehensive medical services. It is our mission to improve the health of our community in all we do.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, GA, US

Year founded

1951