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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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Clinical Laboratory Scientist information

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$40.2K

$89.3K

$144.8K

How much do clinical laboratory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical laboratory scientist in Rio Rancho, NM is $89,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $112,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical laboratory scientist?

Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their work helps diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases by providing accurate and timely test results to physicians. They are trained in various laboratory techniques, quality control, and the use of sophisticated equipment. Clinical laboratory scientists play a vital role in patient care by ensuring reliable laboratory data for medical decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical laboratory scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory science, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field and professional certification (such as ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), advanced diagnostic equipment, and quality control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate test results, patient safety, and efficient clinical workflows in healthcare environments.

What are some common challenges clinical laboratory scientists face when working with rapidly evolving diagnostic technologies?

Clinical Laboratory Scientists often encounter the challenge of continuously adapting to new diagnostic instruments, software, and testing methodologies. Staying current requires regular training and a willingness to learn, as labs frequently implement new equipment and protocols to improve accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, integrating these technologies into existing workflows while maintaining high standards of quality control can be demanding. Collaborating closely with technical support teams and participating in ongoing education helps Clinical Laboratory Scientists remain effective and confident in their roles.

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

AspectClinical Laboratory ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, smaller labs
Job RolePerform complex lab tests, analyze results, oversee testing proceduresPrepare specimens, perform routine tests, assist CLS

Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but CLSs typically have higher education requirements and perform more complex testing and analysis. MLTs support CLSs by handling routine tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much money does a clinical laboratory scientist make?

A clinical laboratory scientist typically earns a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand areas or healthcare settings with higher pay scales.

Is becoming a clinical laboratory scientist worth it?

A clinical laboratory scientist performs diagnostic testing in healthcare settings, requiring a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and certification. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization, making it a valuable career choice for those interested in healthcare and laboratory work.

Is it hard to become a clinical laboratory scientist?

Becoming a clinical laboratory scientist typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, followed by certification or licensing depending on the region. The process involves acquiring technical skills, passing exams, and gaining laboratory experience, which can take several years of education and training.

What do you do as a clinical laboratory scientist?

A clinical laboratory scientist performs laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other specimens to help diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. They operate complex equipment, analyze test results, and ensure quality control, often working in hospital or diagnostic lab settings and requiring certification or licensure. Their work supports healthcare providers in making accurate medical decisions.

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,348 per year, or $43 per hour.

Laboratory Scientist - Woodward, (1694)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Sunday to Thursday 0730 to 1600 with weekends, holidays, and other shifts as needed.

Location: Woodward

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

Job Summary: Under general supervision, performs waived, moderate or high complexity laboratory tests for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs maintenance, basic troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment. Runs and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment is functional prior to patient testing. May assist with the implementation and oversight of waived point of care testing. Staff in this job description meet the qualifications for designation as Testing Personnel for moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs/results and documents clinical laboratory testing exercising independent judgment and responsibility.

2. Notes abnormal patient results and informs supervisor, pathologist, or principal investigator as appropriate.

3. Operates laboratory equipment, interfaces and instruments, performs and documents basic maintenance procedures.

4. Performs routine logging for QC/QA purposes. Collects and compiles QA data as directed. Monitors QC for trends and takes and documents corrective action as needed or directed.

5. Performs troubleshooting procedures. Identifies testing problems and recommends appropriate solutions using defined guidelines.

6. Actively participates in regulatory inspections.

7. Takes inventory as needed or appropriate. Orders supplies for the Section/Department as directed.

8. Assists with training of new staff and/or students.

9. Serves as a liaison with internal and external customers/employees/clients.

10. Depending on the site or department, may participate in the POCT oversight program including but not limited to;

a) training lab and non-lab personnel in the use of waived testing.

b) Troubleshoot the performance of waived testing, including IT connectivity issues.

c) Review the quality performance of waived testing.

d) Participate in the implementation, including validation, if necessary, of waived testing.

11. Depending on the site or department, may collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum and other body fluids and prepare for analysis.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Selected candidates for the TriCore Laboratory Scientist position will be placed into LS I, LS II, LS III, or LS IV based on education and experience as follows:

Laboratory Scientist I:

Must meet one of the following per CLIA regulations:
Bachelors degree in biological, or chemical science from an accredited institution. Note- Candidate may qualify with a Bachelors degree in physical sciences through December 31, 2024, or
Associates degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
Have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either:
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992


No experience required.

Laboratory Scientist II:

Must meet one of the following:

Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution. No experience required, or

Bachelors degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, Note: bachelors degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or

Associates degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, or Two years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -

At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -

(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -

(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.

(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and

(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or

Two years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992, or

Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelors degree in biology or chemistry AND one year of direct clinical laboratory testing experience.

Laboratory Scientist III:

Must meet one of the following:

Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or

Bachelors degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience, Note bachelors degree in physical science is acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024 or

Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years direct clinical laboratory experience, or

Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelors degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or

Associates degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience, or

Four years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -

At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -

(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -

(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.

(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and

(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or

Four years direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992

Laboratory Scientist IV:

Must meet one of the following:

Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience, or

Bachelors degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years direct clinical laboratory experience.


PREFERENCES*: ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA,CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist

*Certification required for LS IV placement

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a TB test conducted.

IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.

TriCore is New Mexicos largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.