1

Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Medical Lab Assistant information

See Meridian, MS salary details

$12

$23

$55

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in Meridian, MS is $23.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a medical laboratory assistant do?

A medical laboratory assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing specimens, recording data, and performing basic tests under supervision. They handle sample collection, maintain lab equipment, and ensure accurate documentation, often working with laboratory information systems and following safety protocols.

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.

Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) because MLSs usually have a bachelor's degree and more advanced training. MLTs generally hold an associate degree and perform routine lab tests under supervision. Salary differences reflect education level, certification, and experience in the laboratory setting.

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, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and basic knowledge of biology and chemistry. 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 do MLTs make?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and additional skills such as proficiency with laboratory equipment or specialized testing.

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 popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS are:
What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in Meridian, MS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,061 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Clinical/Medical Lab Technician-Nights-Full Time

Clinical/Medical Lab Technician-Nights-Full Time

Ochsner Health

Meridian, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Ochsner Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 427 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

591st of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
This job receives and prepares specimens according to standard protocols and procedures; performs analytical laboratory tests and calculations according to section requirements and protocols; performs quality control procedures required for test performance; calibrates, maintains and monitors laboratory equipment; works under general supervision; position minimally requires telephone access to a Medical Technologist when troubleshooting problems; performs phlebotomy procedures as appropriate; and maintains confidentiality of patient related information.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
  • Required - Associate's Degree/College Diploma in medical technology, medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science
  • Required - OR - military MLT certificate.
  • Required - Copy of Transcript.

Work Experience
  • Preferred - Hospital or Clinical Laboratory Testing experience.

Certifications
  • Required - Current Clinical Lab Scientist Technician, OR Generalist Trainee permit or Lab Assistant license in the state of practice (if applicable) and must obtain Clinical Lab Scientist Technician license within 90 days of hire.
  • Required - ASCP, AMT, or AAB certification as Medical Lab Technician must be obtained within 90 days of hire. Any incumbents certified by ASCP on or after January 1, 2004 must successfully complete the requirements of the ASCP's Certification Maintenance Program.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
  • Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.

Job Duties
  • Performs specimen testing
  • Ensures quality performance
  • Adheres to regulatory compliance guidelines
  • Maintains competency
  • Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. The incumbent has an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!
Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.
Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

What Ochsner Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom