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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

... complex medical needs. Our long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) offers advanced, hospital-level ... Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting ...

Proficient in routine and complex/difficult venipuncture (geriatric, oncology, and spinal cord ... Specimen labeling, processing, centrifugation, and accessioning * Familiarity with computerized ...

... complex medical needs. Our long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) offers advanced, hospital-level ... Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting ...

Perform routine and complex physical and mechanical testing on rubber, elastomers, plastics/PTFE, O ... Rubber molding and specimen preparation * ASTM testing , including ASTM D471 * ISO or other ...

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Complex Specimen Processor information

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$13

$17

$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 Houston, TX is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.45 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 job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Houston, TX 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 $35,788 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$16 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Houston Methodist rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 300 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant, performs advanced functions such as phlebotomy and/or section-specific specialty tasks and serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred
  • Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
  • Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing
  • Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
  • Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
  • Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
  • Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
  • Serves as a preceptor to less experienced and/or new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.
  • Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.
  • Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
  • Organizes workload, sets priorities, and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.
  • Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
  • Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.
  • Performs one or more of the following advanced functions: • Pre-Analytic: In an outpatient and inpatient setting, performs phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients; maintains competency of techniques and principles required to perform quality phlebotomy services • Specialty Areas (i.e., Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular, etc.): Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozen sections, special stain procedures, cytology processing, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and other section specific specialty tasks as per section scope.
  • Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
  • Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Guides and mentors section employees and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.
  • Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform:
    • Scrubs:
    • Business professional:
    • Other (department approved):

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call*

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred
  • Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant)

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital brings the expertise and latest technology of Houston Methodist to Baytown and surrounding counties. The skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses and staff provide unsurpassed medical care in a close-to-home, state-of-the-art facility. Houston Methodist Baytown is committed to meeting the needs of its growing community through the ongoing facilities master plan expansion project, which includes a new, expanded emergency department, a five-story patient tower, outpatient center, renovated Cancer Center, neonatal intensive care unit and the addition of technologically advanced operating rooms.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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