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Lab Specimen Processing Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Processing - Microbiology

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

... offices, clinical specimen preparation and processing for analysis and dispatch, patient ... One year of previous clinical lab experience is preferred. Clinical Technician II Alternatively, an ...

Specimen Processing - Microbiology

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

... offices, clinical specimen preparation and processing for analysis and dispatch, patient ... One year of previous clinical lab experience is preferred. Clinical Technician II • Alternatively ...

Specimen Processing - Microbiology

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

... offices, clinical specimen preparation and processing for analysis and dispatch, patient ... One year of previous clinical lab experience is preferred. Clinical Technician II • Alternatively ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Clemmons, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Clinical Laboratory Hours: Part Time |Mon - Thurs | 2p-9p Ready to turn your lab skills into life ... Three year of relevant phlebotomy and/or specimen processing experience preferred. * Licensure ...

Medical Lab Assistant

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Lab Phlebotomy Hours: Full-Time | Tues - Fri | 3:00p - 9:30p w/rot. wknd call Ready to turn your ... One year of relevant phlebotomy and/or specimen processing /laboratory experience, preferred.

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Lab Specimen Processing information

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$22

How much do lab specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab specimen processing in North Carolina is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a lab specimen processing specialist?

To become a lab specimen processing specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and familiarity with specimen handling; some positions may require certification or on-the-job training. Experience in healthcare or laboratory settings can improve job prospects.

What is lab specimen processing?

Lab specimen processing refers to the series of steps involved in receiving, identifying, preparing, and managing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory testing. This process ensures that specimens are accurately labeled, properly stored, and delivered to the appropriate department for analysis. Proper specimen processing is critical for obtaining reliable test results and maintaining patient safety. Staff handling this process must follow strict protocols to prevent contamination, mix-ups, or delays.

What are some common challenges faced in lab specimen processing, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab specimen processing professionals often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of samples, ensuring accurate labeling, and maintaining specimen integrity under time constraints. Effective management involves staying organized, double-checking patient information, and following strict protocols to prevent contamination or mix-ups. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with laboratory technicians and medical staff are also key to minimizing errors and ensuring smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Lab Specimen Processing vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Specimen ProcessingMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory support areas, focusing on specimen receipt and preparationLaboratory testing, analysis, and reporting of results
Job ResponsibilitiesReceiving, labeling, and preparing specimens for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, and documenting results

Lab Specimen Processing primarily involves preparing and handling specimens for testing, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform actual testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in the lab workflow, with overlapping skills in specimen handling and laboratory procedures, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab specimen processing technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with laboratory experience or certification preferred. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and specimen tracking software is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate specimen handling, minimize errors, and support efficient laboratory operations critical to patient diagnostics.
What job categories do people searching Lab Specimen Processing jobs in North Carolina look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Specimen Processing jobs in North Carolina are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Lab Specimen Processing jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most Lab Specimen Processing job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processing job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,482 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Specimen Processing - Microbiology

Duke University

Durham, NC

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

Location: Duke University Hospital

Work Week: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

General Description 

Perform a variety of the technical procedures involved in the procurement, processing, and evaluation of patient specimens for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease; teach and perform routine clerical and technical procedures including specimen collection, and responsible for the delivery of supplies and procurement of specimens from physicians' offices, clinical specimen preparation and processing for analysis and dispatch, patient registration and order entry; and serve as hospital laboratory representative and liaison with outside clients.

Job Duties

  • Perform a variety of routine and specialized procedures.
  • Prepare and initiate special tests and procedures including, but not limited to, cytogenetics, general laboratory, Point-of-Care Testing, urinalysis without a microscope, phlebotomy, and specimen management.
  • Obtain total volume, perform aliquot, and distribute all urine specimens.
  • Properly determine urine volume. Properly label aliquot containers.
  • Communicate in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family, and other medical personnel as necessary for problem recognition and initiation of the resolution and, if necessary, escalation to the next level. Obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears, and elicit cooperation.
  • Utilize standard equipment to maintain positive patient identification through the maintenance of all clinical laboratory records, register/accession patients/specimens and perform order entry as required.
  • Perform various quality control, safety, and infection control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations.
  • Receive and process specimens as required by respective laboratory area procedures and protocols.
  • Receive specimens in the laboratory using Beaker.
  • Positively ID all patient specimens, and verify all laboratory labels/requisitions, ensuring a valid order. Properly sort all specimens.
  • Participate in the distribution of specimens, supplies, and reports to the appropriate laboratory staff; perform messenger/courier activities as required.
  • Maintain inventory of supplies; stock supplies on carts and hand trays; wash glassware.
  • Utilize various hospital information systems and software.
  • Assist with the maintenance of specimens and/or slides.
  • Perform routine maintenance as required by laboratory procedures.
  • Assist with word processing, miscellaneous office tasks, and maintaining office records.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Required Qualifications at this Level

Education
High School diploma or GED. For assignment to phlebotomy, completion of a structured phlebotomy training course and clinical rotation are recommended.

Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed. 

Experience
Clinical Technician I    Alternatively, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. One year of previous clinical lab experience is preferred.

Clinical Technician II 
   Alternatively, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
   Must have at least 2 years' experience as a Clinical Tech I or Certification as a Phlebotomist plus achieve the required competency level for specified job responsibilities.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Clinical Technician I 
   For assignment to Phlebotomy Services, certification as a Phlebotomist by a nationally recognized agency/board is recommended.
   Certification of Basic Life Support preferred.    National Healthcare Association (NHA) --Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomy Examination (CLPlb), American Society of Clinical Pathologists - Phlebotomy Technician Examination [PBT(ASCP)], International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences (IAPS), National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE), American Medical Technologists (AMT),  or another national certification as approved by Clinical Labs Leadership. 

Clinical Technician II 
   For assignment to Phlebotomy Services, certification as a Phlebotomist by a nationally recognized board/agency may be required. 
   Certification of Basic Life Support preferred.     National Healthcare Association (NHA) --Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomy Examination (CLPlb), American Society of Clinical Pathologists-- Phlebotomy Technician Examination [PBT(ASCP)], International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences (IAPS), National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE), National Phlebotomy Solutions (NPS), or another national certification as approved by Clinical Labs leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
   Basic phlebotomy and specimen processing techniques.    Knowledge of medical terms preferred.    Basic computer skills.    Effective communication skills.
   Effective professional communication skills to interact with patients/ customers.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US