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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Norfolk, VA

... lab environment with no weekend or night shifts. Responsibilities * Follow established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, result reporting, and record maintenance.

New

Medical Technologist

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$30.60 - $42.08/hr

May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable. What you will do ... Bachelors Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 ...

Medical Technologist

Smithfield, VA · On-site

$30.60 - $42.08/hr

May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable. What you will do ... Bachelors Degree, Medical Lab Technology/Clinical Lab Science or Related (Required) Experience * 2 ...

... lab environment with no weekend or night shifts. Responsibilities * Follow established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, result reporting, and record maintenance.

New

Showing results 21-40

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$10

$19

$28

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

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant specimen processor in Norfolk, VA is $19.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.31 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 Norfolk, VA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Norfolk, VA are:

What cities near Norfolk, VA are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Norfolk, VA with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in Norfolk, VA as of August 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 $40,746 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Health Technician (Pathology and Laboratory)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$41K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The positions are located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), North Battlefield VA Clinic and Western Branch, in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. Performs duties in the receiving, accessioning and specimen processing area including collecting chain of custody drug screens, reference laboratory specimen processing, clerical functions, patient testing, and phlebotomy.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/17/2026.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Individual Occupational Requirements:
This occupational series has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) which is a minimum qualification requirement. ALL applicants must meet the IOR as a basic requirement in order to qualify for the 0640 occupational series.
  • Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that requires application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled, OR
  • For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.
In addition to meeting the Individual Occupational Requirement above, you must posses the education and/or experience required to qualify for the GS-05 grade level:
  • Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: receiving, accessioning and specimen processing area including collecting chain of custody drug screens, reference laboratory specimen processing, clerical functions, patient testing, and phlebotomy. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 4 years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond the second year of a 4-year course of study. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements.
Selective Placement Factor: Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER