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Clinical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$23

$63

How much do clinical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical laboratory assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Clinical Laboratory Assistants?

Clinical Laboratory Assistants are healthcare professionals who support laboratory technologists and technicians by preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and performing basic tests. They help ensure accurate and efficient processing of specimens such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their work is essential in aiding doctors to diagnose and treat patients by providing reliable laboratory results. Clinical Laboratory Assistants often work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories, following strict safety and quality protocols.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often supplemented by a relevant certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help you work efficiently and accurately in a team environment. These competencies are crucial to ensure precise test results, maintain safety standards, and support the smooth operation of clinical laboratories.

What is the difference between Clinical Laboratory Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Laboratory AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary diploma or certificate in medical laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job DutiesPrepare specimens, maintain lab equipment, assist with testsPerform laboratory tests, analyze samples, record results

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians typically have formal post-secondary training and perform more complex testing, whereas Clinical Laboratory Assistants focus on specimen preparation and support tasks with less formal education.

What do you need to be a clinical lab assistant?

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

Who gets paid more, MLT or MLS?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are both laboratory professionals, but MLS typically earn higher salaries due to advanced education and certification requirements. MLS roles often require a bachelor's degree and certification, leading to higher pay compared to MLT positions, which usually require an associate degree. Salary differences can vary by region and employer, but generally, MLS professionals have higher earning potential.

What is the role of a clinical lab assistant?

A clinical laboratory assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and recording data. They work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers and often handle tasks such as labeling samples and ensuring proper storage. Attention to detail and basic knowledge of laboratory procedures are essential for this role.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

The average salary for a clinical laboratory assistant typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries are often complemented by benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are the typical interactions between a Clinical Laboratory Assistant and other healthcare professionals during a workday?

Clinical Laboratory Assistants regularly collaborate with medical technologists, laboratory managers, and sometimes directly with nurses or physicians. Their day often involves receiving and labeling specimens, communicating with phlebotomists about sample collection, and ensuring that test results are accurately relayed to the appropriate clinical staff. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential, as errors in specimen handling can impact patient care. Being proactive and detail-oriented helps Clinical Laboratory Assistants support the broader healthcare team in delivering accurate diagnostic information.
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Clinical Laboratory Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Clinical Laboratory Assistant job openings:
Clinical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Laboratory Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,155 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Nurse Educator Clinical Laboratory/ Presbyterian Hospital, (1539)

Nurse Educator Clinical Laboratory/ Presbyterian Hospital, (1539)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$36.75 - $50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0800-1700 with other shifts as needed.
Location: Presbyterian Hospital
JOB SUMMARY:
The Nurse Educator for Clinical Laboratory Processes is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that bridge the gap between clinical nursing practice and laboratory operations. This role ensures nursing staff understand and adhere to laboratory-related protocols, including specimen collection, labeling, transport, and result interpretation to support safe, efficient patient care. The educator also partners with laboratory leadership to improve cross-disciplinary collaboration, quality outcomes, and compliance with regulatory standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Educational Program Development
o Design and deliver evidence-based training programs on laboratory specimen collection and delivery, labeling standards, point-of-care testing (POCT), transfusion medicine practices, and anatomic/surgical pathology practices.
o Collaborate with clinical and laboratory teams to standardize best practices for lab-related workflows in nursing units and clinics to include but not limited to order management, specimen collection and specimen labeling.
o Design onboarding and competency validation for new nursing staff specific to laboratory processes.
o When appropriate, coordinate policy and procedure updates in TriCore and hospital document control system.
o Participate in new employee orientation training for Division as requested.
• Process Improvement & Clinical Integration
o Conduct gap analyses to identify knowledge or compliance issues related to lab procedures across care teams. Review hospital system non-conforming events and TriCore exceptions to determine areas of opportunity.
o Lead educational initiatives to reduce specimen rejection rates, and improve turnaround times.
o Participate in quality assurance projects tied to lab and nursing collaboration, i.e., specimen identification, processing, and stabilization.
• Quality, Compliance & Safety
o Ensure training aligns with regulatory standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP, The Joint Commission) and institutional policies.
o Educate staff on the impact of pre-analytical errors and mitigation strategies.
o Support POCT education, competency, and audit readiness in coordination with the POCT or Lab Manager.
o Participate in quality assurance processes including root cause analysis and non-conforming event investigations.
• Collaboration & Communication
o Act as a liaison between nursing units, clinics and laboratory departments to foster mutual understanding and operational alignment.
o Attend interdisciplinary meetings to represent nursing education needs in lab-related topics.
o Provide real-time coaching during audits, investigations, or workflow changes.
• Transfusion Services Focus
o Collaborate with nursing leadership on a training program to better identify transfusion reactions.
o Educate on proper specimen identification for type and screen/crossmatch to prevent WBIT (Wrong Blood In Tube) events.
o Reduce blood product wastage through establishing training which supports nursing adherence to blood product storage, transport, verification, and infusion timelines.
o Assist in mock codes, emergency release protocols, and massive transfusion protocol (MTP) training.
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
• Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in New Mexico
• Bachelor's/associate's degree in nursing
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
• Three (3) years of acute care clinical experience including performance of point of care testing and laboratory specimen collection.
• Experience in clinical education or staff development
PREFERENCES:
• Certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC) or similar credential
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.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence cross-functional teams
• Analytical skills for performance data review and process improvement
• Adaptability and innovation in teaching methods (classroom, virtual, simulation)
• Proficiency in adult learning principles and education theory
• Strong understanding of clinical laboratory operations or demonstrated experience in lab-related nursing workflows
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Standard hospital or clinic setting (not remote)
• May require flexible hours to accommodate multiple shifts
• Up to 50% travel between locations if supporting a health system

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