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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Nashville, TN

Perform routine and complex technical procedures and functions according to departmental Standard ... Specimen processing. Qualification And Education: * Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry ...

Perform routine and complex technical procedures following departmental Standard Operating ... specimen processing as needed to support workflow and turnaround time requirements. * Work as a ...

Perform routine and complex technical procedures following departmental Standard Operating ... specimen processing as needed to support workflow and turnaround time requirements. * Work as a ...

Specimen Collection (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or ... Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job.

Specimen Collection (Fundamental Awareness): Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or ... Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job.

Has limited experience, training, direct exposure, or past experience working with specimen ... Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job.

Processing and testing in one or more departments during a shift Mastery and practice of laboratory ... Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge:

Key Responsibilities: • Processing and testing in one or more departments during a shift • ... Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge:

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Complex Specimen Processor information

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How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Nashville, TN is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How do I become a complex specimen processor?

To become a complex specimen processor, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and specimen handling. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and sometimes certification in phlebotomy or laboratory technology, depending on the employer's requirements.

What skills do you need to be a complex specimen processor?

A complex specimen processor needs strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow precise protocols. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, familiarity with medical terminology, and proficiency with laboratory equipment are also important. Often, certifications in phlebotomy or laboratory technology are preferred, and the role may require working in a fast-paced environment with strict safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Nashville, TN?

For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Nashville, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Nashville, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Nashville, TN are:

What cities near Nashville, TN are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Nashville, TN with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Nashville, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,197 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Histocompatibilty Technologist 2

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform high complexity histocompatibility testing including molecular typing, antibody monitoring, and flow cytometry testing.

  • Generate and interpret reports based on HLA typing, flow crossmatch, and antibody screening results, and prepare initial reports for review.

  • Collect requests from transplant coordinators and physicians and transfer them to the laboratory manager and director.


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 259 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics
Job Summary:
JOB SUMMARY
Performs high complexity histocompatibility testing and related functions including molecular typing, antibody monitoring and flow cytometry testing for transplant, disease association, and drug resistance or susceptibility. Responsible for the accurate performance of laboratory tests and other duties in a manner that complies with all approved protocols. Utilizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assure accurate and reliable clinical outcomes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide patient-focused care in a clinical setting through Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing using molecular methods, following Lab SOPs and protocols.
  • Perform data analysis and interpretation of HLA alleles and haplotype frequency.
  • Isolates Lymphocytes from Peripheral Blood, Spleen, and Lymph nodes.
  • Perform cellular based antibody screening by Flow Cytometry Crossmatch, and perform initial analysis and data interpretation.
  • Perform Antibody Screening, Antibody Specificity Analysis, by Luminex solid phase methods, and perform initial analysis and data interpretation.
  • Generate initial crossmatch and antibody screening reports for manager and director final review.
  • Combine HLA typing, flow crossmatch and antibody screening results to generate the first revision of the Virtual Crossmatch Report for final director revision and sing off.
  • Able to collect requests from transplant coordinators and physicians to be transferred to the laboratory Manager and Director.
  • The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
  • Diagnostic Testing (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency of diagnostic testing in practical applications. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering results.
  • Specimen Processing (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate specimen processing in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
  • Quality Assurance (Novice): Has provided continuous analysis and evaluation of assignment work processes, constantly striving for improvement in the way tasks and activities are accomplished by questioning their value to the process and contributing creative solutions. Has participated in the process of establishing, communicating and monitoring standards for quality and excellence. Demonstrates the ability to actually work on and improve a current business process, product or service.
  • Mentoring & Coaching (Novice): Constructively trains and mentors others by providing positive direction and feedback. Has provided constructive suggestions to improve a situation. Knows how to remove roadblocks to success and avoids judgments at all times. Makes a concerted effort to pass on experiences and job information that can be learned easily.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Core Accountabilities:
Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Histocompatibility Technologist - American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI)
Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level :
1 year
Education:
Bachelor's
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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