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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

UVA Health

Medical Lab Scientist Senior

Manassas, VA

Medical Lab Scientist Senior Job Code: LA3385 ABOUT US We are ushering in a new era of healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health, part of the world-class ...

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Medical Lab Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$24

$59

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in Reston, VA is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 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.

More about Medical Lab Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Lab Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:
Medical Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,974 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Medical Lab Technician

Akahi Associates/Kako'o Services, LLC

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$31.94/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview

Location: Fort Belvoir, VA

Pay: $31.94/hr & $4.93/hr for Health & Wellness pay

Benefits: Vest vacation, sick leave, holiday leave, Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short Term Disability

Optional Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(K) matching with employee participation in 401(K) plan

Responsibilities

Perform a full range of clinical laboratory tests in any one or a combination of thefollowing sections of the laboratory: hematology, chemistry, cytology, histotechnology,urinalysis, serology, microbiology and blood bank as outlined in the TO. Determine the suitability of specimens for analysis. Prepare specimens for analysis andensure that the physiologic state of the properties is maintained. Prepare reagents and primary reference materials as necessary. Calibrate, standardize,adjust, and maintain instruments. Verify correct instrument operation using establishedprocedures and quality control checks. Identify the cause of common problems and makesimple repairs. Recognize and react to indicators of malfunction. Locate and implement corrections.Obtain analytical data, convert to a prescribed unit of reporting, as necessary, andcorrelate data to verify results. Conduct quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products and maintainproper records for quality control and quality assurance reports. Prepare specimens for transport to MTF laboratory or for mail out. Prepare biological waste for proper disposal.

Qualifications

Degree: Certificate. Education: Graduate from a medical laboratory technician training program accreditedby the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or theAccrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or educational programacceptable to the American Medical Technologist (AMT). Certification: Certification/registration as determined by the American Society forClinical Pathology (ASCP) or AMT as specified in the TO. Experience: One year of experience as specified in the TO.

Kako'o Services LLC

Kako'o Services is a premier provider of healthcare workers to various military treatment facilities across the United States. With a corporate office in Honolulu, Hawaii and recruiting office in San Antonio, Texas we specialize in providing skilled, trained and highly successful healthcare workers, including RNs, CRNAs, Physicians, LPN/LVN, Licensed Social Workers, and many more.

We have a strong focus on providing our government customers with quality and superior service.

Kako'o Services is an equal opportunity employer. For further information, please click the link to view the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Only qualified individuals who are being considered will be contacted for an interview.

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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