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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$19.29 - $24.37/hr

Specimen Processing * Participation in special projects * Other laboratory responsibilities as ... Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision ...

Join our team as a Pathologists' Assistant, where you'll play a vital role in patient care by ensuring accurate specimen processing and supporting groundbreaking research. From grossing complex ...

... specimen processing, and specimen storage. Analytic: * Accurately and efficiently performs ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

... specimen processing, and specimen storage. Analytic: * Accurately and efficiently performs ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

... specimen processing, and specimen storage. Analytic: * Accurately and efficiently performs ... Performs complex and/or routine testing and analysis, including experimental testing. Post-Analytic:

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Complex Specimen Processor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, you need strong attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in a clinical or laboratory setting. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and standard lab equipment is essential. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure specimen integrity, accurate processing, and timely workflow, which are critical for reliable laboratory results and patient care.

What are Complex Specimen Processors?

Complex Specimen Processors are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, handling, and preparing biological samples—such as blood, tissue, or urine—for analysis and testing. They ensure that specimens are properly labeled, sorted, and processed according to strict protocols, often working with more challenging or specialized samples that require extra attention to detail. Their work is crucial for accurate diagnostic results and supports the efficiency and safety of the laboratory environment.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

Complex specimen processors typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or highly experienced specialists in fields like healthcare, law, or finance. Most laboratory or processing roles have lower salary ranges, but advanced positions with additional certifications or management responsibilities can reach higher six-figure incomes.

What is the difference between Complex Specimen Processor vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectComplex Specimen ProcessorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing specimensLaboratory, performing tests and analyzing samples
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing and processing complex specimens, ensuring sample integrityPerforming tests, analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment

While both roles work in laboratory environments, Complex Specimen Processors focus on preparing and processing complex specimens, often requiring specialized training. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of testing and analysis, with formal education and certification. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in medical labs.

What is the highest paying laboratory job?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Medical Laboratory Managers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certification, and they oversee laboratory operations and compliance, leading to higher compensation compared to other laboratory roles like Complex Specimen Processors.

What is a complex specimen processor?

A complex specimen processor is a laboratory professional responsible for preparing and processing challenging or unusual biological samples for testing. This role often requires knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with specialized equipment and safety protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Complex Specimen Processors, and how can they be addressed?

Complex Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, ensuring precise labeling, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. To address these challenges, it is essential to stay organized, double-check specimen identification, and follow standardized protocols meticulously. Working closely with laboratory technicians and communicating effectively with team members can help prevent errors and ensure timely processing. Additionally, staying up-to-date with laboratory information systems and safety procedures can further streamline workflow and support accuracy.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Complex Specimen Processor typically earns less than $10,000 per month, as this role usually offers moderate wages. High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 monthly without a degree often include specialized trades like commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than a traditional degree.
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities in California with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Specimen Processing Trainer

Specimen Processing Trainer

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

San Juan Capistrano, CA

$24.12 - $28.63/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Job Description

Specimen Processing Trainer - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Wednesday to Sunday, 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM

This positionis responsible for training all Specimen Preparation Technicians in all phases of Specimen Processing. TheTrainer is responsible for providing input toSupervisors regarding the Specimen Preparation Technician's progress and performance and may also conduct process and compliance audits as needed. The Trainer is responsible for training of new hires and existing employees on an on-going basis ensuring theyhave the opportunity tolearn critical skills needed for career progression.This position requires strong training, presentation,facilitationand communicationsskills. Must also demonstrate the ability to learn and understand the skills and processes that are being taught. The ability to draw from both internal and external resourcesand knowledge to maximize training effectiveness is required.

Pay range: $24.12 - $28.63 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!


Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for coordinating and facilitating training for all new employees as well as existingemployees
  • Responsible for maintaining a written training program and developing training asneeded
  • Maintains all training materials, and might be called upon to answerquestions during aninspection
  • Responsible for providing Supervisors with appropriate feedback when problems arise including progress reports on all newemployees
  • Adheres to and applies all Quest Diagnostics policies and procedures, including safety and compliance during trainingsessions
  • Called upon occasionally to attend additional meetings and training sessions as needed by departmentleadership
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times. Will have access to overall employee and department performance. May have knowledge related to departmental performance that could be detrimental if released to the wrongenvironment
  • Demonstrates proficiency and understanding of all job duties and SOP's related to the SpecimenProcessing Department
  • Demonstratesand conveys a thorough understanding of how all the functions in Specimen Processing work together during trainingsession
  • Demonstrates and conveys a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory during trainingsessions
  • Demonstrates and conveys an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer system and the directory ofservices
  • Understands and conveys the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received during trainingsessions
  • Completes all required written documentation, legibly and within the assignedtimeframe
  • Performs other duties asassigned


Qualifications:

Required WorkExperience:

Internal candidatesmust haveminimum of one year inPR Tech/Group Leader orrelatedrole

Preferred Work Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years Lab experience preferably in production environment
  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory or equivalent experience.
  • Training background or equivalent experiencepreferred
  • Training coursework/certification preferred (i.e.adult learning theory, ASTD, etc.)

Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safetyhabits
  • Handles multiple tasks and works in a productionenvironment
  • Able to sit or stand for longperiods

Skills:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey information and concepts arerequired
  • PC skills including a working knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Maintains composure while working with new trainees and experienced employees that are difficult totrain
  • Reflects good judgment at all times when determining whatactionto take when resolvingproblems
  • Demonstrates strong leadership and interpersonal skills that foster a positiveenvironment
  • Exhibits flexibility andabilityto adapt to changes in procedures and the training of those proceduresquickly

Education

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.

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Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.