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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Lancaster, PA

Phlebotomist - Ayer

Lancaster, PA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Ensure proper specimen processing, labeling, and test ordering. * Champion safety, compliance, and ... Free lab services for you and your eligible dependents * Work-life balance, including Paid Time Off ...

Courier

Lancaster, PA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Transports supplies, mail, and clinical lab specimens to and from designated locations according to ... Experienced couriers may occasionally assist with training/orientation/and ride- along of new staff ...

Courier

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Transports supplies, mail, and clinical lab specimens to and from designated locations according to ... Experienced couriers may occasionally assist with training/orientation/and ride- along of new staff ...

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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Lancaster, PA salary details

$10

$19

$28

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant specimen processor in Lancaster, PA is $19.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How do you become a lab assistant specimen processor?

To become a lab assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may receive on-the-job training. Some positions require basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or specimen handling protocols.

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 job categories do people searching Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Lancaster, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Lancaster, PA are:
What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in Lancaster, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,927 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Technical Lab Associate - Specimen Processing Area

Penn State Health

Hershey, PA • On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Penn State Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 248 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

377th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Penn State Health - Hershey Medical Center
Location: US:PA: Hershey
Work Type: Full Time
FTE: 1.00
Shift: Evening
Evening Shift Differential: $2.00/hour
Hours: 3:00p - 11:30p weekdays, rotate weekends and holidays
Recruiter Contact: Hector Diaz at hdiaz1@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Responsible for receiving laboratory specimens, ensuring specimen identity and acceptability; entering orders for laboratory testing into the Lab Information System; and entering patient demographic and insurance information into the patient registration system. Prepares specimens for analysis. Answers telephone and provides information related to specimen requirements, test availability, specimen testing status; provides laboratory results. Prepares specimens for referral to outside reference laboratories and insures that all storage requirements are met.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):
  • High School Diploma or equivalent education required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S):
  • Six (6) months job related experience preferred

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH?
Penn State Health offers exceptional opportunities to learn and grow, exposure to a wide patient population, and the ability to provide individualized, innovative, and specialized care to patients in the community.
Penn State Health offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental and vision with no waiting period as well as a Total Rewards Program that highlights a few of the many additional offerings below:
  • Be Well with Employee Wellness Programs, and Fitness Discounts (University Fitness Center, Peloton).
  • Be Balanced with Generous Paid Time Off, Personal Time, and Paid Parental Leave.
  • Be Secured with Retirement, Extended Illness Bank, Life Insurance, and Identity Theft Protection.
  • Be Rewarded with Competitive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, and PAWS UP employee recognition program.
  • Be Supported by the HR Solution Center, Learning and Organizational Development and Virtual Benefits Orientation, Employee Exclusive Concierge Service for scheduling.

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER?
Penn State Hershey Medical Center is Central Pennsylvania's only Academic Medical Center, Level 1 Regional Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and Tertiary Care Provider. As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital, Hershey Medical Center values the hard work and dedication that our employees exhibit every day. Through our core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, our employees are a team committed to compassionate care for our diverse patient population, our community and each other. As a valued team member, we promote continued professional development, specialty certification, continuing education, and career growth.
YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM. WE'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU. State-of-the-art equipment, endless learning, and a culture of excellence - that's Penn State Health. But what makes our healthcare award-winning? That's all you.
This job posting is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. Eligibility for shift differential pay based on the terms outlined in company policy or union contract. All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.
Penn State Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class including disability or veteran status. Penn State Health's policies and objectives are in direct compliance with all federal and state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders that prohibit or outlaw discrimination.
Union: Non Bargained

What Penn State Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Penn State Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Penn State Health is one of the leading teaching and research hospitals in the country. It is a multi-hospital health system, Academic Medical Center and Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center serving patients and communities across Central Pennsylvania. The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Children's Hospital, and Penn State Cancer Institute in scenic Hershey, PA. It also includes Penn State Health Saint Joseph's Medical Center in Reading, PA, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, PA, and Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola, PA. Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hershey, PA, US

Year founded

1963

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