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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Topeka, KS

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Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

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$9

$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 Topeka, KS is $19.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.73 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 job categories do people searching Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Topeka, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Topeka, KS are:

What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,632 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Assistant - SW Asbury Lab - PT - Day

Topeka, KS • On-site

Stormont Vail Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Stormont Vail Healthexternal

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Stormont Vail Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Status:
Part time
Shift:
First Shift (Days - Less than 12 hours per shift) (United States of America)
Hours per week:
20
Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
A Brief Overview
Responsible for supporting the laboratory's technical professionals and technicians in the performance of clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory testing.
Education Qualifications
  • High School Diploma / GED Required

Experience Qualifications
  • 1 year Phlebotomy or laboratory experience. Preferred

Skills and Abilities
  • Follows all OSHA guidelines and hospital and laboratory safety procedures.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, particularly during busy times.
  • Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to follow directions accurately.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of laboratory operations as well as policies and procedures.

What you will do
  • Reviews, clarifies and verified healthcare provider orders for laboratory tests. Orders tests and receives specimens in the electronic health record. Follows protocols for patient and specimen identification.
  • Understands the basics of specimen collection and complications that can impact analytical results. Communicates specimen collection information directly to healthcare providers and patients as needed.
  • Understands specimen integrity and acceptability of a specimen for testing. Processes specimens according to correct protocol--centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, transport, special handling considerations (time, temperature, and light). Evaluates for proper type and adequate volume of specimen.
  • Distributes specimens and/or prepared slides to the appropriate testing personnel/section.
  • Acts as a support person for internal and external customers with regard to problem solving. Answers questions regarding test orders and specimen requirements.
  • Performs and reports results on waived test systems.
  • Monitors supplies and inventory for area of responsibility. Cleans and maintains specimen processing and testing benches and equipment.
  • Supports testing in assigned departments. May include (1) Preparation, labeling and staining of slides (manually and/or automated); (2) Microbiology set-up/plating; (3) Preparation of reagents, standards, and controls; (4) Running analytical instrumentation under the supervision of technical staff; (5) Performing quality control and/or routine maintenance on equipment.
  • Alert to sources of error. Determines duplicate and incorrectly ordered tests. Follows procedures for confirmation of frequently misordered tests.
  • Packages specimens per International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations and facilitates transfer of specimens to primary and reference laboratories.
  • Supports and provides training to new team members as directed.

Required for All Jobs
  • Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Patient Facing Options
  • Position is Not Patient Facing

Remote Work Guidelines
  • Workspace is a quiet and distraction-free allowing the ability to comply with all security and privacy standards.
  • Stable access to electricity and a minimum of 25mb upload and internet speed.
  • Dedicate full attention to the job duties and communication with others during working hours.
  • Adhere to break and attendance schedules agreed upon with supervisor.
  • Abide by Stormont Vail's Remote Worker Policy and will review and acknowledge the Remote Work Agreement annually.

Remote Work Capability
  • On-Site; No Remote

Scope
  • No Supervisory Responsibility
  • No Budget Responsibility No Budget Responsibility

Physical Demands
  • Balancing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Carrying: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Climbing (Ladders): Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Climbing (Stairs): Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Crawling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Crouching: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Driving (Automatic): Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Driving (Standard): Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently 3-5 Hours
  • Feeling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Grasping (Fine Motor): Frequently 3-5 Hours
  • Grasping (Gross Hand): Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Handling: Frequently 3-5 Hours
  • Hearing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Kneeling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Lifting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
  • Operate Foot Controls: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Pulling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
  • Pushing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
  • Reaching (Forward): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
  • Reaching (Overhead): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
  • Repetitive Motions: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Sitting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Standing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Stooping: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Talking: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Walking: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

Working Conditions
  • Burn: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Chemical: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Combative Patients: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Dusts: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Electrical: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Explosive: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Extreme Temperatures: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Infectious Diseases: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Mechanical: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Needle Stick: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Noise/Sounds: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Other Atmospheric Conditions: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Poor Ventilation, Fumes and/or Gases: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Radiant Energy: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Risk of Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
  • Risk of Exposure to Hazardous Drugs: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Hazards (other): Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Vibration: Rarely less than 1 hour
  • Wet and/or Humid: Rarely less than 1 hour

Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.
Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.

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