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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Harlingen, TX

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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Harlingen, TX salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do lab assistant specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant specimen processor in Harlingen, TX is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab assistant specimen processor?

Lab Assistant Specimen Processors are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue—for laboratory testing. They play a vital role in ensuring that samples are properly handled and documented to maintain accuracy and prevent contamination. Their duties often include data entry, operating laboratory equipment, and adhering to strict safety and confidentiality protocols. This role is essential for supporting laboratory scientists and ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic testing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lab assistant specimen processor?

To thrive as a Lab Assistant Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring phlebotomy certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and safe specimen handling protocols is usually required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in managing high-volume tasks and ensuring accurate sample processing. These competencies are crucial to maintain specimen integrity, minimize errors, and support efficient laboratory operations.

What are common challenges lab assistant specimen processors face, and how can they be managed?

Lab Assistant Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of specimens during peak hours while maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict protocols. Managing time efficiently, staying organized, and double-checking labels can help minimize errors. Effective communication with laboratory technologists and phlebotomists is also essential for resolving discrepancies quickly. Adapting to new laboratory information systems and staying updated on safety procedures can further support success in this role.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant Specimen Processor vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab Assistant Specimen ProcessorLab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedAssociate degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentProcessing specimens in clinical or hospital labsPerforming tests and analyzing samples in laboratory settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsMedical laboratories, research facilities, hospitals

The Lab Assistant Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and processing, focusing on sample labeling and organization. In contrast, Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in laboratory workflows, but Lab Technicians typically require more advanced education and skills.

How to become a lab assistant specimen processor?

To become a lab assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with specimen handling and processing equipment. Some positions may require on-the-job training or certification in laboratory safety and procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Harlingen, TX?

For Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Harlingen, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Harlingen, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Harlingen, TX are:

What cities near Harlingen, TX are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Harlingen, TX with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in Harlingen, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,963 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Medical Lab Scientist II - FT - Nights -Varies- Lab

Edinburg, TX • On-site

DHR Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


DHR Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

DHR Health - US:TX:Edinburg - Days
Summary:
Provide services to meet the needs of patients as ordered by medical staff and performed in accordance with accepted standards and practices. This individual will perform technical functions and activities in the laboratory including, maintenance, quality control and training for highly sophisticated instrumentation and laboratory equipment use of chemicals and related supplies used in the testing process. Collects and collates data for Quality Assurance studies. Coordinates/leads work team. Sets up new equipment and/or writes procedures. Oversees work of, Lab Assistants and Phlebotomists.
POSITION EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science or Applied Sciences (required)
    • Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent specialty certification within one year of hiring date (required)
    • Minimum of two years' experience required

Responsibilities:
  • Promotes the facility mission, vision and values by effectively communicating them to others. Considers mission, vision and values in developing services, standards and practices.
  • Develop and establish procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances.
  • Perform analytical tests of body fluids, blood, serum, plasma, cells, and other substances Integrate and relate data generated by various clinical laboratories while making decisions regarding possible discrepancies.
  • Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures recognizing deviation from expected results, and analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles
  • Confirm abnormal results, verify and execute quality control procedures, and solve problems concerning the generation of laboratory data.
  • Make decisions concerning the results of quality control and quality assurance measures and institute proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision.
  • Establish and perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments as well as identify appropriate sources for repairs.
  • Develop, evaluate, and select new techniques, instruments, and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory's personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources.
  • Assists and/or instructs personnel with complex procedures
  • Participate in continuing education for growth and maintenance of professional competence.
  • Instructs new employees, section personnel, and students in new and established clinical laboratory responsibility
  • Evaluates new test procedures
  • Assists and/or instructs personnel with complex procedures
  • Follows training program for new hires
  • Provide leadership in educating other health personnel and the community.
  • Exercise principles of management, safety, and supervision.
  • Insures compliance with federal and state regulations
  • Use principles of current information systems.
  • Other duties as assigned

Other information:
JOB KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
  • Proficient knowledge of clinical laboratory process, testing and analytical procedures and techniques, and various specialized laboratory equipment of the assigned laboratory unit.
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Knowledge of directing the work of Medical Technologists and lower level laboratory staff.
  • Computer skills required with knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills required.
  • Bilingual - English/Spanish.

LINES OF REPSONSIBILITES:
(Chain-of-command)
1. Vice President of Laboratory 2. Assistant Vice President of Laboratory 3. Laboratory Supervisor
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Provide excellent customer service to all DHR customers. All employees are required to attend the DHR C.A.R.E.S program which outlines the Customer Service Principals including: Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service.
AGE SPECIFIC:
Employees must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirement relative to his or her age.

What DHR Health employees say

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About DHR Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DHR Health, located in Edinburg, Texas, is a major player in the healthcare industry, offering a comprehensive range of medical services. Launched in 1997 by Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas and Dr. Manish Singh, the enterprise was established with the emblematic pursuit of raising the healthcare standards of the Rio Grande Valley. Today, it serves as a full-service health system providing advanced specialty care to individuals irrespective of their ability to pay, emphasizing its commitment to the community. In line with its mission statement, DHR Health focuses on the development of a comprehensive health system devoted to ensuring superior health services, education, and financial solvency. With significant contributions to the medical field, like the installation of South Texas's first da Vinci Xi Surgical System, DHR has effectively notched distinct achievements.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Edinburg, TX, US

Year founded

1997

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