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Full Time Reference Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Schedule: Full-time Your experience matters Ottumwa Regional Health Center is part of Lifepoint ... Ensures the continued growth of the reference laboratory and hospital by actively utilizing client ...

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA

$99K - $130K/yr

Schedule: Full-time Your experience matters Ottumwa Regional Health Center is part of Lifepoint ... Ensures the continued growth of the reference laboratory and hospital by actively utilizing client ...

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Chief Financial Officer Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Region: Southeastern Iowa Relocation ... Drive growth and sustainability of laboratory and reference services through client engagement ...

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Full Time Reference Laboratory information

See salary details

$42.5K

$96.8K

$147K

How much do full time reference laboratory jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time reference laboratory in the United States is $96,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a full-time reference laboratory setting?

Professionals in a full-time reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining strict quality control standards, and adapting to rapidly evolving diagnostic technologies. The work environment is typically fast-paced, requiring excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Collaboration with other laboratory staff, pathologists, and sometimes external clients is essential to ensure accurate and timely test results. Staying current with best practices and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and support professional growth.

What is the difference between Full Time Reference Laboratory vs Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

AspectFull Time Reference LaboratoryClinical Laboratory Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)Requires a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentSpecialized labs handling complex tests, often in reference or diagnostic labsHospital, clinic, or diagnostic labs performing routine and specialized testing
Industry UsageCommonly used in reference, diagnostic, and specialized testing facilitiesWidely used in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs

Full Time Reference Laboratory and Clinical Laboratory Scientist roles share similar credentials and work environments, but reference labs focus on complex testing and diagnostics, while clinical scientists often work in hospital or clinical settings performing routine tests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help ensure accuracy and collaboration in the lab environment. These skills are crucial for providing reliable diagnostic results that impact patient care and support clinical decision-making.

What is a Full Time Reference Laboratory?

A Full Time Reference Laboratory is a specialized laboratory that operates as a third-party facility providing comprehensive diagnostic testing services to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers. These laboratories are staffed by professionals such as medical technologists and technicians who process and analyze various biological samples, like blood and tissue, to aid in disease diagnosis and patient care. Working full-time in a reference laboratory typically involves performing high-complexity tests, maintaining lab equipment, ensuring quality control, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. These labs play a crucial role in supporting the healthcare system by offering advanced testing that may not be available in smaller hospital labs.
More about Full Time Reference Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Reference Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Reference Laboratory job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Laboratory jobs? The most popular types of Reference Laboratory jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Reference Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Reference Laboratory jobs include:
Laboratory Support Technician-Phlebotomy- Downtown

Laboratory Support Technician-Phlebotomy- Downtown

UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Unity Point St. Luke's- Downtown
Full Time, Days
4-10-hr. shifts, 3a-1:30p, rotating weekends and holidays
Interfaces the laboratory to its Reference Laboratory and Hospital Customers by performing complex reference laboratory patient registrations as well as registrations for hospital laboratory outpatients, in both the Hospital Information System as well as in the Laboratory Information System. Determines Reference Laboratory billing based on numerous location codes for each facility. Orders all testing for the hospital laboratory in the Laboratory Information System, receives electronic orders and completes appropriately, and determines and validates medical necessity of all lab orders in addition to obtaining appropriate diagnoses from providers. Verifies the integrity of Reference Lab outreach shipments, performs specimen processing and communicates with Outreach Reference Clients and various hospital departments. Communicates specimen deliveries with laboratory couriers, communicates and distributes test results to providers, clients, and patients, performs manual charge entry and performs support functions for the pathologists, including medical examiner requests.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.
With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Provides specimen processing for reference laboratory outreach patient testing, and initiates inpatient processing, requiring handling of patient specimens.
  • Assists lab outpatients in the collection process of specimens for testing.
  • Monitors patients during more complex lab test procedures and patients being held for provider notification of test results.
  • Uses the Lab and Mayo On-line test catalogs to ensure that the correct tests are ordered for providers and patients.
  • Assists patients in the completion of Authorizations prior to release of test information.
  • Initiates and resolves the problem patient specimen resolution process for the laboratory.
  • Communicates and interacts with patients and their families, with compassion and empathy, both on the phone and at the lab department.
  • Informs patients of potential denial by insurance, estimates appropriate costs and obtains appropriate ABN or Insurance Waiver according to insurance. Adds modifiers and account notes as appropriate per regulations.
  • Completes daily quality audits of the patient lab record.

Qualifications
Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate's degree preferred.

Experience:
  • One (1) year of work experience required.
  • Proficiency with Computer data entry functions required.
  • Experience in lab registration, order entry and specimen processing as well as experience with medical necessity requirements preferred.

License(s)/Certification(s):
  • If designated to drive will be required to obtain OSHA Bio-Hazard Certification prior to transporting and maintain annually.
  • Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reason required.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995