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Medical Lab Assistant Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Lab Assistant information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$13

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$56

How much do medical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical lab assistant in Ridgecrest, CA is $23.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical lab assistant?

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.

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 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 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 medical lab assistant get paid?

A medical lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare setting and whether the role requires specialized skills or equipment handling.

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 cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Medical Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Medical Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Lab Assistant job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,659 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

PSYCHIATRIST

California City, CA • On-site

$275K - $385K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Compensation: $275,000 - $385,000/yr

At CoreCivic, we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Psychiatrist who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

The Psychiatrist manages the operation and provides overall direction and leadership for the provision of the mental health services in the facility. This position has the primary responsibility of providing administrative and clinical coordination for the comprehensive mental health care program for the inmates/residents.

The successful applicant should be able to perform ALL of the following functions at a pace and level of performance consistent with the actual job performance requirements.

  • Report to assigned facility at designated hour to provide direct patient care and associated clinical duties.
  • Participate in civil commitment proceedings.
  • Assess and provide a DSM diagnosis as appropriate.
  • Prescribe and monitor psychotropic medications.
  • Provide a variety of professional services to include counseling, disease process and central, ordering necessary lab work and reviewing results.
  • Supervise and provide mentorship to other facility based mental health staff.
  • Assess the needs of mental health services, collect and maintain statistics and data and prepare necessary reports pertaining to mental health services.
  • Evaluate and recommend methods of improving operational efficiency and cost effectiveness of mental health related services.
  • Accept on call status.
  • Provide direct casework services and individual, group and family counseling to inmates/residents and their families.
  • Assist in developing and implementing treatment and therapeutic programs for assigned inmates/residents; assist inmates/residents to understand and overcome social and emotional problems.
  • Prepare progress reports; provide recommendations regarding discharge plans; make case presentations; and assist administrative and medical staff in development of statistical reports on assigned inmates/residents.
  • Serve as mental health staff liaison in group counseling, volunteer activities and other events designed to promote mental health services to inmates/residents.
  • Assist in supervision of inmates/residents, both within the facility and while in community activities; promote positive community relations and utilize community services, as needed.
  • Maintain and monitor confidentiality of inmates/residents and their files; audit files to determine that all services provided are documented; review status of inmates/residents to verify that all treatment and therapeutic programs are completed.
  • Assist in coordinating professional services provided by contract personnel, if applicable, and provide for that their needs to be addressed.
  • Prepare and maintain a variety of standard narrative, statistical, summary and/or operational records, reports and logs, using appropriate grammar, to include filing, alphabetizing and labeling; review reports and records produced by staff. Properly process all reports and documents in a timely manner.
  • Attend scheduled staff meetings, group meetings and other staff and group activities essential for effective program and service delivery and to promote communications and the proper flow of relevant information between administration, staff and inmates/residents.
  • Utilize established corporate, facility and correctional policies and procedures in making decisions, but perform with a high degree of independence and professional administrative skill and use sound independent judgment in meeting the responsibilities and performing the duties of the position.
  • Review, process and respond (via corporate counsel) to lawsuits; attend court hearings, when necessary.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate from an accredited college or university with an advanced degree in psychology, or an appropriate degree in a related clinical area and appropriate certification or license (or meet educational requirements for licensing in the state of employment, if greater).
  • Five years clinical experience, which includes two years in a comparable position.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Minimum age requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.
CoreCivic is a Drug-Free Workplace & EOE including Disability/Veteran.

Compensation Information:
$275000.00 / Annually - $385000.00 / Annually