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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Medical Laboratory Scientist II

Tucker, GA · On-site

$28.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provides support to the department in the areas of quality control, troubleshooting complex ... specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test ...

Medical Assistant l

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Check-out patients, assist with referral processing, and arrange laboratory services * Prepare ... Ability to use logical reasoning for simple and complex problem solving\ * Ability to travel to ...

Medical Assistant l

Cumming, GA

$16 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Check-out patients, assist with referral processing, and arrange laboratory services * Prepare ... Ability to use logical reasoning for simple and complex problem solving\ * Ability to travel to ...

Nurse Supervisor (RN)

Dacula, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... the nursing process and standards of care and practice. Primary Duties & Responsibilities ... Perform laboratory procedures from specimen collections, as authorized. * Record client ...

Showing results 41-60

Complex Specimen Processor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$13

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$21

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Atlanta, GA is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a complex specimen processor?

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 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 cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,038 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Medical Lab Scientist / Generalist

Emory Healthcare

Decatur, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Emory Medical Laboratory's mission is to transform health and healing by providing high quality, cost-effective, innovative laboratory services which enhance patient health. We're seeking an experienced Medical Lab Scientist II / Medical Technologist II with a Core Lab background.

Shift: 6am - 2:30pm

Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.

We provide:

  • Sign-On Bonus incentives (when applicable)
  • Comprehensive health benefits that start day one
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
  • Family-focused benefits
  • Wellness incentives
  • Ongoing mentorship and leadership programs
  • And more!

All levels of experience and education will be considered for this posting. 

Description

An experienced medical lab scientist (MLS II) operates all laboratory equipment, conducts complex tests, interprets results, ensures quality control procedures are followed for accurate diagnoses. A MLS II analyzes blood, tissue, and body fluids to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases. Operates complex, automated equipment to perform tests in fields like microbiology and chemistry, providing 70% of the objective data providers use for patient treatment decisions. Medical laboratory scientists are essential for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

  • Testing Samples:
  • Analyzing blood, urine, spinal fluid, and tissue for pathogens, chemical abnormalities, or disease markers.
  • Perform Specimen Analysis, laboratory tests to identify abnormal cells, bacteria, or chemical imbalances in the body.
  • Operating Technology:
  • Using sophisticated laboratory instruments, such as automated analyzers and microscopes.
  • Quality Control:
  • Ensuring test accuracy by calibrating equipment and validating results.
  • Run routine controls guarantee the validity and reliability of all medical testing.
  • Data Interpretation:
  • Reviewing findings to ensure validity and communicating results to physicians.
  • Analyze test results, ensure accuracy, and relay critical data to doctors.
  • Specialized Areas:
  • Working in departments like blood banking (transfusion services), hematology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics
  • Equipment Maintenance:
  • Calibrate, troubleshoot, and operate sophisticated laboratory machinery.
  • Knowledge:

  • Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of laboratory instruments, common and complex diagnostic tests.
  • May be a key operator, has more responsibility and training on a particular analyzer or instrument. 
  • Has a solid understanding of laboratory safety, quality control, and regulatory standards. 
  • Understands quality systems and key performance monitoring and may participate in quality improvement projects.
  • Monitors accuracy and precision of laboratory testing.
  • Documents corrective actions taken for out-of-range test values.
  • Evaluates validity of acceptable specimens and test results; compares them to previous results and other laboratory data.
  • Refers abnormal or unexpected results to the appropriate individual(s).
  • Performs maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Complexity:

  • Able to manage more complex tasks, such as performing specialized tests, processing complex samples, and identifying abnormalities.
  • Increasingly entrusted with more technical responsibilities.
  • May assist in writing, reviewing, and revising procedures.
  • May assist with assay and instrument validation.
  • Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient information, equipment, and test results to comply with regulations.
  • Identifies critical values, confirms and reports following standard operating procedures.
  • Autonomy:

  • Autonomous in day-to-day work; can independently handle complicated cases.
  • Provides input on procedure improvements and operational changes.
  • Interaction:

  • Interacts more regularly with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, to discuss test results and assist in diagnostics.
  • Educates staff and students by demonstrating procedures, assisting in orientation, and continuing education activities.
  • May teach medical laboratory science techniques and/or theory while providing guidance to lower-level technologists and students; develop teaching plans and student assessment tools; prepare written examinations.
  • Travel: None

    Work Type: Onsite 100% of time

    Minimum Required Qualifications:

    • Education:
      • Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or a chemical, physical, or biological science.
      • Other bachelor's degrees will be accepted if graduated from an accredited school and science and math coursework meets requirements of certifying agency.
      • Bachelor's degree may be waived for a medical technologist who was certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) in the years prior to the bachelor's degree requirement by ASCP and/or a HEW/HHS technologist certified by Health and Human Services (formerly Health Education and Welfare).
    • Experience:
      • 18 months experience required.
      • Promotion criteria review and approval required.
    • Certification:
      • Certified by one of the following accreditation agencies: MT (ASCP), MLS (ASCP), MT (American Medical Technologists, AMT), MT (HHS or HEW), MT (American Association of Bioanalysts, AAB), generalist or categorical if applicable.
    • Preferred Experience:
      • 2 years of experience preferred.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the workday (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

    Additional Details

    Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

    Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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