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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Medical Lab Assistant

Midland, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Summary Laboratory assistants work under the direct supervision of the medical technologist (Medical Laboratory Specialist) and a pathologist or other qualified physician, performing pre-, post, and ...

How you'll contribute A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role: * The Medical Laboratory Assistant will perform basic laboratory duties to include phlebotomy, along with other specimen ...

How you'll contribute A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role: * The Medical Laboratory Assistant will perform basic laboratory duties to include phlebotomy, along with other specimen ...

How you'll contribute A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role: * The Medical Laboratory Assistant will perform basic laboratory duties to include phlebotomy, along with other specimen ...

How you'll contribute A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role: * The Medical Laboratory Assistant will perform basic laboratory duties to include phlebotomy, along with other specimen ...

Great opportunity for a Lab Assistant, professional to work in an organization that focuses on ... Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. * Phlebotomy experience preferred. * Department ...

Great opportunity for a Lab Assistant, professional to work in an organization that focuses on ... Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. * Phlebotomy experience preferred. * Department ...

How you'll contribute A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role: * Review providers' orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.

How you'll contribute A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role: * Review providers' orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.

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Medical Lab Assistant information

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How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in Michigan is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, MLT or MLS?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are different roles with MLS typically earning higher salaries due to advanced education and responsibilities. MLS professionals usually have a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, which is reflected in higher pay compared to MLTs, who often have an associate degree and perform routine testing.

What are Medical Lab Assistants?

Medical Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support laboratory technologists and technicians by preparing samples, conducting basic tests, and ensuring lab equipment is clean and functioning. They play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients by handling specimens such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their responsibilities include labeling samples, recording data, and sometimes interacting with patients to collect samples. Medical Lab Assistants work in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and diagnostic centers, helping to ensure accurate and timely test results.

Is a medical lab assistant a good career?

A medical lab assistant is a valuable healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests and prepares specimens, supporting diagnosis and treatment. The role typically requires attention to detail, technical skills, and certification, with job prospects generally stable due to ongoing demand in healthcare settings.

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

To thrive as a Medical Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and safety protocols, typically gained through a diploma or certificate in medical laboratory technology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), centrifuges, and automated analyzers is important for efficient workflow. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate results and smooth collaboration with healthcare teams. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining high standards of laboratory accuracy, safety, and timely patient care.

What are some common challenges Medical Lab Assistants face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Medical Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of specimens, maintaining accuracy under time pressure, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare staff, and diligent attention to detail. Many labs offer ongoing training and support to help assistants stay current with best practices and improve workflow efficiency, ensuring patient safety and reliable test results.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Medical lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with postsecondary training or certification in clinical laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Certification or formal training can improve job prospects and may be required by some employers.

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

AspectMedical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, phlebotomy certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job DutiesSample collection, preparing specimens, basic testingPerforming complex tests, analyzing samples, operating lab equipment
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, clinicsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic centers

Medical Lab Assistants typically handle sample collection and basic tasks, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but Technicians usually require more advanced education and certification.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Medical lab assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The job often requires knowledge of laboratory procedures and the use of testing equipment.

What Does a Medical Lab Assistant Do?

As a medical lab assistant, you typically work in a hospital or clinical/medical laboratory. This role is slightly different than a lab tech position in that you have less responsibility. As a lab assistant, it’s your job to assist technologists and technicians with lab tests. Depending on the specific position, your duties may include preparing specimens, managing their storage, and keeping track of the results. Other everyday tasks involve keeping the lab equipment clean, maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies, and placing orders as needed. You may also have administrative duties, like billing and filing.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Lab jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Medical Lab jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Michigan? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,705 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Medical Lab Assistant

Medical Lab Assistant

MyMichigan Health

Midland, MI • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


MyMichigan Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

607th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
Laboratory assistants work under the direct supervision of the medical technologist (Medical Laboratory Specialist) and a pathologist or other qualified physician, performing pre-, post, and analytical tasks in histology, cytology, microbiology, and the general laboratory.
Responsibilities
(75%) SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL TESTING (Duties are dependent upon site)
  • Executes waived testing, including result reporting
  • Histology/Cytology: Prepares tissue specimens (along with information entry into the laboratory information system) for technical personnel and the Pathologist. Assists with inventory management.
  • General laboratory (Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Blood Bank): Prepares urine specimens for testing. Prepares analyzers for testing: Monitors inventory, loads supplies and specimens, and empties waste.
  • Microbiology: Prepares and stains slides for bacteriologic study; Properly plates specimens on specified media. Prepares specimens for testing. Assists with inventory management. Prepares analyzers for testing.
  • Keeps accurate temperature, quality control and various other required records.
  • Assists with pending logs.

(25%) SPECIMEN PREPARATION AND PROCESSING
  • Identifies specimens properly; uses basic tools of the laboratory proficiently, including centrifuges, incubators and balances; prepares specimens for processing; and performs venipunctures
  • Registers patients and accurately enters data into the hospital and laboratory information systems.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Adheres to all laboratory policies and procedures.
Maintains confidentiality of all medical information.
Follows patient registration, billing and coding procedures where required.
Demonstrates competency in Infection Prevention and Control practices and policies.
Performance, operation, and reporting of waived and point?of?care testing (e.g., glucose, pregnancy tests, urine dipsticks, coagulation tests) .
Performance and interpretation of quality control; critical values and STAT results; result retrieval and reporting.
Preparation, labeling, and staining of slides; microbiology setup and plating.
Processes related to reagents, standards, and controls; analytical instrumentation (loading, test initiation, error recognition and reporting, specimen dilution, and calibrations).
Review, clarification, and verification of physician orders.
Follows strict identification policies to accurately identify specimens and perform specimen labeling.
Determines acceptability of specimen for testing, specimen prioritization and distribution, specimen storage, transport, and special handling considerations (time, temperature, and light).
Specimen processing including, but not limited to, centrifugation and aliquoting.
Adheres to all Federal CLIA, CAP, and OSHA regulations.
Regulations; safety and infection control; waste disposal; laboratory equipment; professionalism and ethics; and laboratory information system (LIS)
Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation, and peer feedback for patients who range in age from birth to 100+ years.
All other duties as assigned.
Certifications and Licensures
Credential:MLA (ASCP): Medical Laboratory Assistant
Equivalent Experience: Required within 12 months of hire or transfer into role.
Required Education
Education: High School and one of the following below.
Equivalent Experience: One of the following combinations as outlined by ASCP must be met.
1. High School Diploma or equivalent AND one of the following:
a. Successful completion of NAACLS approved Clinical Assistant program with in the last five years
OR
b. Successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course in the last ten years
OR
c. 2 years of full time clinical laboratory experience
2. High School Diploma or equivalent and must satisfy both a. AND b.
a. Associate degree or 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) from a regionally accredited college with a minimum of 6 semester hours (9 semester hours) of each chemistry and biology.
AND
b. 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experience
3. High School Diploma or equivalent and must satisfy both a. AND b.
a. Valid PBT (ASCP) certification.
AND
b. 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experience
CLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE:
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Medical Laboratory Assistant examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the timeframe required in ALL of the following areas: Specimen Preparation and Processing, Support for Clinical Testing, Laboratory Operations.
Other Information
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:
Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.
MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft• Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Six (6) months experience in a clinical or microbiology laboratory and/or one (1) year experience in handling biological specimens preferred.
Medical terminology, knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and protocols are preferred. Knowledge of MISYS LIS, HIS and admitting policies and procedures are preferred.
Job shadow in the laboratory department may be required commensurate to experience in the department.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as trauma, grief and death.
Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
Able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
Overall vision and hearing are necessary with or without assisted device(s).
Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
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