1

Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Nashville, TN

Phlebotomist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

... specimen collection and processing in a fast-paced oncology setting. You will adhere to quality ... of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the ...

Phlebotomist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

... specimen collection and processing in a fast-paced oncology setting. You will adhere to quality ... of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the ...

Medical Assistant Float

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

... specimen collection, medication administration and point of care testing as directed by unit ... Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job.

Medical Assistant Float

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

... specimen collection, medication administration and point of care testing as directed by unit ... Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job.

Showing results 41-60

Complex Specimen Processor information

See Nashville, TN salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

Imaging Research Specialist I

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Perform, collect, evaluate, and analyze imaging research data under supervision.

  • Assist in designing studies, developing protocols, and implementing quality control measures.

  • Contribute to research publications and assist in preparing reports, graphs, and tables of research findings.


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 258 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health:With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniquenesscelebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

VU Inst. of Imaging Science

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Runs imaging experiments, recording results and participating in the development and implementation of imaging research studies with some guidance. Implements basic analysis strategies for imaging data. Performs chemical syntheses and analyses, molecular biological analyses, histology and specimen preparations.

.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Under supervision, perform, collect, evaluate, and analyze imaging research data Operation of wide variety of scientific experiments involving detailed protocols. Assist in the design of the study including procedures, protocols and quality control measures Conduct experimental design/analysis. Write imaging protocol and oversee its implementation. Informed Consent. Obtain informed consent and follow IRB guidelines. Assist in the design of study or survey tools. Assist in the development of data collection methods and/or databases Contribute to research publications. Assist in developing reports of results, graphs, charts, tables, etc. of research findings. Assist principal investigator in preparation of grant applications and contract proposalsTECHNICAL CAPABILITIES Scientific Instrumentation (Novice): Demonstrates knowledge and use of scientific instrumentation in practical applications Anatomy & Physiology Knowledge (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate anatomy and physiology knowledge in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Regulatory Compliance (Novice): Demonstrates knowledge of the appropriate rules and regulations and apply them in difficult, stressful and complex situations. Able to interpret and explain rules and regulations that are ambiguous or unclear. Directs others in interpreting rules and regulations on the job and trains others in them. Image Analysis and Processing (Novice): Demonstrates familiarity with software packages and databases used for image analysis and processing. Able to apply image analysis programs to provide measurements of structure or physiological outputs using state-of-the-art software programs. Able to develop scripts and programs to modify image analysis software for customer applications. Imaging Development and Application (Fundamental Awareness): Demonstrates expertise in the utilization and modification of imaging technologies and relevant concepts in physics and engineering for diverse applications Laboratory Techniques (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in laboratory practices including chemistry and molecular biology Technical Writing (Fundamental Awareness): Possesses the ability to describe procedures and data in writing to communicate to readers of grants, papers, and other documents. Electronics (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in the design and fabrication of electronic devices, both digital and analog Communication (Novice): Clearly, effectively and respectfully communicates to employees or customers. Data Analysis (Novice): The ability to analyze data in an accurate manner.

Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation's longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.

World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

Aligning with Vanderbilt Health'sStrategic Directions, the Office of Research providesshared research resources,administrative expertiseand professional guidance to enablethetrans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training forall the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.

    Core Accountabilities:

    Organizational Impact: Delivers job responsibilities that impact own job area/team with some guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Uses existing procedures, research and analysis to solve standard job related problems that may require some judgement. Breadth of Knowledge: Requires subject matter knowledge within a professional area to meet job requirements. Team Interaction: Individually contributes to project/ work teams.

    Core Capabilities :

    Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas. - Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service. - Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns to supervisors in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively :- Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them.- Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

    Position Qualifications:

    Responsibilities:

    Certifications :

    Work Experience :

    Relevant Work Experience

    Experience Level :

    Less than 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 mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

    Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


    What Vanderbilt University Medical Center employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom