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Lab Assistant Jobs in Westerly, RI (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician I

Groton, CT

$19 - $25/hr

Pathology Laboratory Work Responsibilities: Perform all regulatory responsibilities in compliance with applicable regulatory standards. Perform all or some activities in support of rodent and non ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Westerly, RI salary details

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How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Westerly, RI is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

What Is a Lab Assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Westerly, RI look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Westerly, RI are:
What cities near Westerly, RI are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Westerly, RI with the most Lab Assistant job openings:

Medical Assistant Instructor

Porter & Chester Institute

New London, CT • On-site

$23.50 - $26/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Note: The PCI Chicopee, MA campus will be moving to Springfield, MA later this year, 2025. Candidates who apply for openings in Chicopee, MA need to be willing to transfer to Springfield, MA.
Medical Assisting Instructor – Put Your Clinical Experience to Work

(No Teaching Experience Needed)

Are you an experienced Medical Assistant who’s ready for a change from the fast pace of daily patient care? Looking for a stable, meaningful role where you can share your knowledge without the physical demands of full-time clinical work?
This is your opportunity to stay in healthcare, inspire the next generation of Medical Assistants, and build a rewarding career in education.

We’re looking for skilled medical professionals — not career educators. If you know medical assisting, we’ll teach you how to teach.


What You’ll Be Doing

As a Medical Assisting Instructor, you’ll bring real-world clinical experience into the classroom and lab, helping students connect textbook concepts to what actually happens in today’s healthcare environments.

You will:

  • Teach medical assisting concepts through classroom instruction, skills lab demonstrations, and hands-on training
  • Demonstrate clinical procedures such as vital signs, phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, infection control, specimen collection, and basic patient care techniques
  • Share real-world experiences, industry standards, and best practices from modern healthcare settings
  • Mentor students as they build technical skills, professionalism, and confidence in patient interaction
  • Prepare students for certification and entry-level Medical Assisting roles
  • Evaluate student performance and provide constructive, supportive feedback
  • Participate in paid instructor training and ongoing professional development
  • Work independently while supported by a collaborative academic and administrative team

No lesson plans from scratch. We provide curriculum, training, and instructional support.

Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Medical Assistant or nurse
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Graduate from a Medical Assisting or nursing program preferred
  • Current Medical Assistant certification (CMA, RMA, CCMA, or equivalent) or willingness to obtain at time of hire
  • Ability to use common software programs (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills

Why This Role?

  • Formal and on-the-job training to transition into teaching
  • Opportunity to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals
  • Continue your career in healthcare without the physical demands of full-time clinical work

If you’re ready to step away from the exam room while staying in the profession you love, this could be the next rewarding chapter of your career!

About our company:

Porter and Chester Institute, a trade school in Connecticut and Massachusetts for 75 years, adheres to one basic vision: to educate and train our students to the level that will make them competent employees. With 9 campus locations throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, we offer training in such trades as Automotive Technology, HVAC-R, CAD, Electrician, Plumbing, as well as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Practical Nursing and Computer & Technology.

Our support staff, including Admissions, Financial Aid and other administrative professionals, to our qualified Instructors are focused on making the students' experience a fulfilling and enriching one, both professionally and personally.

Click here for more company information: https://porterchester.edu/about-pci

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.