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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

$30.04 - $39.80/hr

SEIU-represented, benefit-eligible position Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and ...

Histotechnician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$30.04 - $39.80/hr

Occasional weekends Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and prepares patient tissues ...

Histotechnician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$30.04 - $39.80/hr

Occasional weekends Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and prepares patient tissues ...

$30.94 - $40.99/hr

Every weekend Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and prepares patient tissues specimens ...

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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 highest paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, pathologists and clinical laboratory directors tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes due to advanced education, certification, and leadership responsibilities. Other high-paying roles include medical scientists and laboratory managers, especially those with specialized skills and extensive experience.

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 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 does a complex specimen processor do?

A complex specimen processor prepares and handles biological samples for laboratory testing, often performing tasks such as centrifugation, labeling, and quality control. They work with various specimens, follow strict safety protocols, and may use laboratory equipment like microscopes and automated analyzers to ensure accurate test results.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working as clinical laboratory managers or specialized technologists with advanced certifications, such as cytotechnologists or molecular technologists. Salaries can exceed $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific skills. Complex specimen processing roles typically have lower salaries compared to these specialized positions.
What are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Minnesota? For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:
Histotechnician

$30.04 - $39.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Allina Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location Address:

2800 10th Ave Receiving Dock Minneapolis, MN 55407-1311

Date Posted:

February 04, 2026

Department:

72006389 Central Lab Pathology

Shift:

Evening/Night (United States of America)

Shift Length:

8 hour shift

Hours Per Week:

40

Union Contract:

SEIU-9-Central Lab-SLC

Weekend Rotation:

Occasional

Job Summary:

Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system that cares for individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you value putting patients first, consider a career at Allina Health. Our mission is to provide exceptional care as we prevent illness, restore health and provide comfort to all who entrust us with their care. This includes you and your loved ones. We are committed to providing whole person care, investing in your well-being, and enriching your career.

Key Position Details:

  • 1.0 FTE (80 hours per two-week period)
  • 8-hour, evening/night shifts
  • Occasional weekends - upon completion of training, weekend rotation will be approximately once every six weeks
  • SEIU-represented, benefit-eligible position

Job Description:

Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and prepares patient tissues specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist; this includes logging, batching, cutting, mounting and staining procedures.
CLIA Role:
Testing Personnel
Moderate complexity testing
Testing Personnel
High Complexity testing
Principle Responsibilities

  • Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures.
    • Performs all routine histology functions that support the production of microscopic slides for interpretation by a pathologist.
    • Accessions tissue specimens, assists Pathologist Assistants, sections frozen tissue using a cryostat, processes and embeds tissue specimens, performs microtomy and staining, prepares solutions and stains, completes specialty testing using histochemical and/or immunohistochemical techniques, and performs quality control procedures.
    • Assesses integrity of specimens for testing and processing, verifying correct patient identification and using safe and secure specimen handling.
    • May assist with biopsy collection.
    • Evaluates results for accuracy and resolves test problems.
    • Performs and documents required instrument maintenance, and quality control; takes appropriate remedial action.
    • Ensures accurate record keeping and appropriate retention.
  • Accurate and timely processing of specimens.
    • Reviews orders and verifies correct patient labeling.
    • Performs processing with strict adherence to the quality control and quality assurance policies.
  • Maintains safety, education, and competency requirements.
    • Stocks, rotates and requests supplies on a regular basis to ensure proper availability in the work area.
    • Performs various clerical duties.
    • Participates in departmental or system wide meetings, projects, or committees as assigned.
    • Assists in the training of employees and students.
    • Performs proficiency testing as assigned.
    • Assists in Direct Observations of staff for annual competency program.
  • CLIA defined responsibilities:
    • 493.1425 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities. Moderate complexity.
    • 493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications

  • Associate's or Vocational degree in medical laboratory science from a regionally accredited institution, and completion of clinical internship or
  • Vocational or Technical Training in a comprehensive military laboratory science program or
  • Bachelor's degree in related science from a regionally accredited institution + 2 years clinical lab experience in appropriate analytic
  • CLIA defined Qualifications: 493.1423 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications
  • CLIA defined Qualifications: 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications


Licenses/Certifications

  • Histotechnician, HT certification required by a recognized agency such as ASCP or NCA within 180 Days required


Physical Demands

  • Light Work:
  • Lifting weightUp to 20 lbs. occasionally, Up to 10 lbs. frequently

Pay Range

Pay Range: $30.04 to $39.80 per hourThe pay described reflects the base hourly pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience, education, and the union agreement (if applicable). Shift, weekend and/or other differentials may be available to increase your pay rate for certain shifts or work.

Benefit Summary

Allina Health believes the best way to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients is by nurturing the passion of those who care for them. That's why we devote extraordinary resources to help you grow and thrive - not only as a professional but also as a whole person. When you join our team, you have access to a wealth of valuable employee benefits that support the total well-being - mind, body, spirit and community - of you and your family members.

Allina Health is all in on your well-being. Because well-being means something different to everyone, our award-winning program provides you with the resources you need to help you navigate your personal journey. This includes well-being dollars, dedicated well-being navigators, and many programs, activities, articles, videos, personal coaching and tools to support you on your journey.

In addition, Allina Health offers employee resources groups (ERGs) -- voluntary, employee-led groups that serve as a resource for members and organizations by fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the organization's mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives. Allina Health also engages employees in various community involvement and volunteering events.

Benefits include:

  • Medical/Dental

  • PTO/Time Away

  • Retirement Savings Plans

  • Life Insurance

  • Short-term/Long-term Disability

  • Voluntary Benefits (vision, legal, critical illness)

  • Tuition Reimbursement or Continuing Medical Education as applicable

  • Student Loan Support Benefits to navigate the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

  • Allina Health is a 501(c)(3) eligible employer

*Benefit eligibility/offerings are determined by FTE and if you are represented by a union.


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