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Clinical Laboratory Associate Jobs in California

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Clinical Laboratory Associate information

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$12

$31

$54

How much do clinical laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical laboratory associate in California is $31.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $41.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical laboratory associate?

Clinical Laboratory Associates are professionals who support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, and ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory processes. They work under the supervision of laboratory technologists or managers and play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by managing sample processing, data entry, and equipment maintenance. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining laboratory inventory and adhering to safety protocols to ensure a sterile and organized work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical laboratory associate?

To thrive as a Clinical Laboratory Associate, you need a solid background in biology or medical laboratory science, often with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and relevant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and adherence to regulatory standards like CLIA is essential. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for handling samples and collaborating with healthcare teams. These abilities ensure accurate test results, maintain lab efficiency, and support patient care quality.

What are some common challenges clinical laboratory associates face in handling high sample volumes, and how can they effectively manage them?

Clinical Laboratory Associates often encounter periods of high sample volume, especially during peak testing times or public health events. This can present challenges in maintaining accuracy and meeting turnaround times. To manage these challenges, associates rely on strong organizational skills, adherence to standardized protocols, and effective communication with colleagues and supervisors. Utilizing laboratory information systems and staying proactive with workload prioritization also helps ensure that quality and efficiency are maintained even during the busiest shifts.

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

AspectClinical Laboratory AssociateMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs; routine specimen processingHospitals, diagnostic labs; performing tests and analyzing samples
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare settings for specimen handlingStandard role in medical labs performing testing and analysis
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles in labsMore technical testing responsibilities

The Clinical Laboratory Associate typically handles specimen collection and processing with minimal technical testing, while the Medical Laboratory Technician performs more complex laboratory tests and analyses. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but the technician usually requires specialized training and certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Laboratory jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clinical Laboratory jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Laboratory Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Clinical Laboratory Associate job openings:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Full-time, Rotating Shift

Adventist Health

Templeton, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Adventist Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 246 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Job Description

Located in Templeton amongst the oak trees, Adventist Health Twin Cities has been serving northern San Luis Obispo County since 1977. Comprised of a 122-bed acute care facility, our team provides exceptional care in emergency medicine, orthopedics, obstetrics, digestive disorders, wound care, and various medical, surgical and outpatient services. Locals enjoy weekly farmers markets in downtown Templeton, farm-to-fork dining, beautiful landscapes for hiking and biking, and beach days just fifteen minutes away at Cambria and Morro Bay.

Job Summary

Prioritizes and performs a wide variety of clinical laboratory tests on various biological specimens. Reviews, evaluates, documents and reports results. Preserves confidentiality of patients and follows lab safety and maintenance protocols. Trains and supervises trainees, laboratory assistants and clerks as needed.

Job Requirements

Education and Work Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, biological sciences, chemical sciences or allied health technologies or equivalent: Required
  • Clinical laboratory experience: Preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

  • Valid Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license in state of employment: Required in CA
  • Current certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency for Labs (NCA): Preferred
Essential Functions
  • Employs positive patient identification procedures to ensure the integrity of each specimen for pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical testing. Performs proper specimen collection (including phlebotomy procedures as necessary), labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation and storage. Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other patient confidentiality guidelines and regulations.
  • Prioritizes lab orders according to type (STAT, ASAP, routine and timed studies) and performs various testing (including chemistry, coagulation, hematology, special chemistry, urinalysis, blood bank, serology, immunology, bacteriology, microbiology, referral testing and more) following prescribed quality assurance policies and procedures. Performs, evaluates and documents quality control checks. Reviews testing results evaluating validity of test results in comparison to anticipated results indicated per procedure manual.
  • Reviews and evaluates the validity and accuracy of test results, recognizing the interdependency of tests, the physiological conditions affecting results, patient age and normal values, controls, linearity errors, instrument codes, delta checks and more. Correlates test results with diagnoses and questions incompatible results. Thoroughly documents and communicates test results, expediting all critical values and results to appropriate clinicians.
  • Disposes of contaminated materials and equipment in accordance with policy and assures that work area is properly cleansed after each test. Performs equipment and instrumentation maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration as needed. Inventories and restocks reagents, calibrators, controls and supplies as needed.
  • Participates in the collection and evaluation of data for Performance Improvement evaluations. Documents adverse events using incident reporting tool. Orients, instructs and supervises laboratory assistants and clerks as needed.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Organizational Requirements

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply. Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit

https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.


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