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Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist Jobs in Washington

Scientist Location: Onsite - Ashburn, VA Clearance: Public Trust or able to obtain Salary: $65,000 - $115,000 BluePath Labs is a professional services and technical solutions company designed to ...

Scientist Location: Onsite - Ashburn, VA Clearance: Public Trust or able to obtain Salary: $65,000 - $115,000 BluePath Labs is a professional services and technical solutions company designed to ...

The Scientist will support laboratory operations, technology assessment, test and evaluation, scientific testing, and laboratory process improvement.Note: This position is contingent upon contract ...

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Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist information

What is an entry level clinical lab scientist?

An Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist is a healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work in hospitals, clinics, or research labs under the supervision of experienced scientists or lab managers. Their responsibilities typically include preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and analyzing results while ensuring accuracy and safety. Entry level positions are suitable for recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field and, in some cases, require certification or licensure depending on state regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level clinical lab scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and a relevant certification such as MLS(ASCP) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and contribute to patient safety and quality healthcare outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level clinical lab scientists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level clinical lab scientists often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced laboratory environments, mastering complex instrumentation, and maintaining accuracy under pressure. Balancing a high volume of specimens with strict quality control standards requires strong organizational and multitasking skills. New lab scientists can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in ongoing training, and asking questions when uncertain. Building strong communication with team members and being meticulous with documentation are also key to ensuring both personal success and patient safety.

What is the difference between Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level Clinical Lab ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field; certification often preferredAssociate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesPerform complex lab tests, analyze results, ensure quality controlPrepare samples, perform routine tests, maintain equipment

Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings and require relevant certifications. However, Clinical Lab Scientists typically hold a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, while Medical Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree and focus on routine tasks. Both roles are essential in healthcare diagnostics, but the level of responsibility and education differs.

Are entry level clinical lab scientists in demand?

Entry level clinical lab scientists are in high demand due to ongoing needs for diagnostic testing in healthcare. The role requires skills in laboratory techniques and often requires certification, with job growth expected to be steady as healthcare services expand and evolve.

How to become an entry level clinical lab scientist?

To become an entry-level clinical lab scientist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or a related field. Certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), is often required or preferred, along with laboratory skills and knowledge of laboratory equipment and safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab Scientist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Clinical Lab Scientist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Medical Lab Scientist I - Part-time - Evening - AAMC

Luminis Health

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Luminis Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Objective:

Provides information for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease by conducting medical laboratory tests, procedures, or analyses.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  1. Creates a work environment that positively promotes process improvement. Explores opportunities to add value to job (innovative ideas) to benefit the organization and taking ownership of the outcome. Proactively finds other work-related tasks during low census.
  2. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
  3. Maintains inter- and intradepartmental work flow by fostering a spirit of cooperation (hand offs).
  4. Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
  5. Provides clinical laboratory information by answering questions and requests; interpretation of test results. Participates in the training of new staff and students by serving as a mentor or technical resource.
  6. Performs clinical laboratory tests, such as hematology, immunohematology, chemistry, bacteriology, mycology, serology, parasitology, endocrinology, general immunology, and urinalysis (as applicable). Performs functions to established productivity guidelines with minimal errors.
  7. Prepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information. Documents information appropriately in the LIS (ex. critical values, communication, etc.). Identifies and communicates abnormal patient conditions by alerting supervisory personnel, the pathologist, the patient physician, or nurse; reporting mandated information to the public health department or other designated officials.
  8. Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation. Performs preventative maintenance and troubleshoots problems to the full extent of ability.
  9. Actively participate in the laboratory quality plan/program (ex. investigative reports, notification of delays, etc.). Performs quality controls and documents QC for each lab procedure on a daily basis and follows up on issues (troubleshoots).
  10. Participates in external proficiency testing and in continuing education classes to maintain licensure and remain updated on changes in the clinical laboratory field. 

Educational/Experience Requirements:

Required Minimum Education: 

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with course work sufficient to meet the requirements of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Technologist, Specialist, or HEW (MT).

 

Required Minimum Experience:

  • One year of experience working in an acute care facility as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, preferred.

Required License/Certifications:  

  • MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP), categorical or specialist (ASCP), MT(HEW), or MT(AMT)*

 * new graduates must provide evidence of certification within 6 months of hire

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Ability to work cooperatively with all types of personalities both inside and outside the organization.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

Physical Demands -Medium Duty

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this positionwill be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.


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