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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Clearwater, MN

Allina Health

Medical Lab Technician

Buffalo, MN · On-site

$27.65 - $37.90/hr

... specimen collection/processing, and analytical testing departments. May perform manual and ... Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures. * Follows all federal regulations including CAP ...

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Complex Specimen Processor information

See Clearwater, MN salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Clearwater, MN is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.22 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 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.
Complex Specimen Processor jobs near you
Medical Lab Technician

Medical Lab Technician

Allina Health

Buffalo, MN • On-site

$27.65 - $37.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 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:
303 Catlin StBuffalo, MN 55313-1947
Date Posted:
February 04, 2026
Department:
72406301 Buffalo Lab
Shift:
Evening/Night (United States of America)
Shift Length:
8 hour shift
Hours Per Week:
40
Union Contract:
Non-Union-NCT
Weekend Rotation:
Every Other
Job Summary:
Join Our Team as a Medical Laboratory Professional!
Step into a diverse, multicultural lab environment where your work directly impacts patient care. As a key member of our fast-paced healthcare team, you'll use the latest technology to help process millions of tests annually. We're driven by a passion for innovation, teamwork, and creating meaningful impact.
Key Position Details:
  • 1.0 FTE (80 hours per twtwo-weekay period)
  • 8-hour evening and night shifts
  • Every other weekend rotation (weekends include Saturday and Sunday shifts)

Job Description:
Performs routine medical laboratory testing and is trained in one or more of the following areas of the laboratory: reception/registration, phlebotomy, specimen collection/processing, and analytical testing departments. May perform manual and automated waived, moderate, and high complexity testing. May serve as a trainer for students and new employees in work areas.
Principle Responsibilities
  • Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures.
    • Follows all federal regulations including CAP, OSHA, COLA, CLIA, and HIPAA.
  • Customer service and patient order management.
    • Evaluates and manages patient orders for completeness and follows up as needed.
    • Performs scheduling, ordering, and releasing patient's orders in the electronic medical record.
  • Collection and processing of specimens following standardized system protocols.
    • Reviews orders, verifies patient identification and uses appropriate collection methods to obtain samples for testing.
  • Maintains Education, Regulatory, and Safety measures
    • Participates in the training of employees and students.
  • CLIA Defined Responsibilities:
    • § 493.1425 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities. Moderate complexity.
    • § 493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities.
  • Participates in departmental or system wide meetings, projects, or committees as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Associate's or Vocational degree in a related laboratory field including clinical rotations or equivalent routes

Preferred Qualifications
  • Laboratory or Medical Laboratory experience

Licenses/Certifications
  • ASCP or AMT laboratory certification preferred. If not currently certified, must obtain certification within 180 days of hire

Physical Demands
  • Light Work:
  • Lifting weight up to 20 lbs. occasionally, up to 10 lbs. frequently

Pay Range
Pay Range: $27.65 to $37.90 per hour
The pay described reflects the base hiring 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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