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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Lab Work: Assist in the fabrication of dental prosthetics, specifically for prosthodontics cases ... Hiring Process [1] Please apply through the Jobley application form ↓ [2] A recruiter will ...

Patient Care Coordinator

Palo Alto, CA

$20.50 - $27/hr

Specimen collection * Procedure assist * Prescription refills * CRM/In-Basket Mgmt Other duties as ... Processes requests for prescription refills according to established practice. * As required ...

Medical Assistant

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

... specimen handling. * Handle front office duties including patient check-in and check-out ... process changes. * Provide compassionate, professional, and culturally sensitive patient ...

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Showing results 41-60

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$11

$23

$34

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant specimen processor in Santa Cruz, CA is $23.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $26.63 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 Santa Cruz, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,627 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Orthodontic Records Technician

WOW! Smiles

Watsonville, CA

$23/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description

Primary Responsibilities:

In addition to the clinical duties listed below, the records technician enhances patient care by

greeting and welcoming all new patients into the practice. Must keep informed and updated on

HIPAA and OSHA regulations.


Patient Management:

  • Interact in a positive manner with patients at all times.
  • Maintain a pleasant, caring, people-oriented team attitude at all times.

Clinical:

  • Maintain a neat and orderly office and lab area where you function and help others when necessary.
  • Fabricate removable appliances under the direction of the office manager.
  • Assist in the evaluation of fit esthetics as needed.
  • Learn to deliver retainers, do retainer check appointments, and take impressions to assist the clinic when available and necessary.
  • Pour impressions intended for retainers and study models.
  • Familiarize yourself with clinical assistant duties and responsibilities and substitute when necessary.
  • Seat and set up patients for to OA, deliver retainers, take impressions, and take chair side records as necessary.
  • Learn to take intra-oral scans for touch-up and retainer programs.
  • Assist with sterilization and restocking of instruments between records when available and necessary.
  • Be knowledgeable with instrument and supply ID to help with restocking in the clinics.
  • Be available on Non-doctor days for patient care.
  • Records management.
  • Take patient photographs, panoramic, cephalometric x-rays; upload them onto the patient's chart; and print them for diagnostic purposes for the treatment coordinator an orthodontist.
  • Handle patient information in compliance with legal requirements, including HIPAA regulations.

Communications:

  • Maintain open communication with the doctor(s), treatment coordinators, front desk, and office manager.
  • Ship and receive all outside lab cases.
  • Review and double check the following week's deliveries as well as check for updates in the schedule daily.
  • Maintain open communication with the doctor(s), office manager, outside lab and other agencies that we work with.
  • Inventory/Maintenance Management/Daily Checklist.
  • Monitor inventory of required and necessary records materials, instruments and equipment.
  • Be knowledgeable about all equipment, its maintenance and servicing needs.
  • Maintain equipment in record/lab areas and perform overall maintenance of dental equipment.
  • Maintain x-ray processor.
  • Arrange for repairs when necessary.
  • Develop and maintain daily and weekly maintenance schedule.
  • Providing management a monthly maintenance report.
  • Fold and put Cintas towels away in designated area.
  • Prep milk bath, ultrasonic solution, impression trays, turn on LISA/Statim machines, turn on electronics (TV and computers), prepare debond projects, process all instruments and impression trays, complete lunch and end of duties checklist, check schedule one week out to ensure appliances have been delivered, and ensure retainers are made prior to appointment date and time.

Sales & Marketing:

  • Assist the marketing team in both internal and external marketing initiatives.
  • Staff minimum of two marketing events per quarter.
  • Represent the company throughout the community.
  • Office Participation.
  • Be an active participant in team meetings.
  • Agree to, and work by, the team principles outlined in your training packet.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by management and doctor.

Requirements

  • X-ray license is a plus.
  • Able to travel to all SB location (Monterey, Watsonville, Salinas, and Soledad).
  • Infection Control and Dental Practice Certificates a plus.
  • May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position).
  • Vision: close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Hearing: able to satisfactory communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure verbal communication is clearly understood, or a satisfactory-equivalent method of communication.
  • Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.
  • May be required to administer CPR.
  • Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.