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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Laboratory Assistant information

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$13

$23

$56

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory assistant in Virginia is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical laboratory assistant?

Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) are healthcare professionals who support laboratory technologists and scientists in performing laboratory tests and procedures. They are responsible for tasks such as collecting, preparing, and processing patient samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring accurate labeling and documentation. MLAs help ensure that laboratory operations run smoothly and that test results are delivered efficiently and safely to aid in patient diagnosis and treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical laboratory assistant?

To thrive as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you need a background in laboratory science, specimen handling, and data entry, often supported by a certificate or diploma in medical laboratory technology. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and sample preparation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and ensuring efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are important to ensure reliable test results, patient safety, and smooth lab operations.

What are some common challenges faced by medical laboratory assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Medical Laboratory Assistants often face challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining strict attention to detail, and ensuring accurate labeling and processing under time constraints. Effective organization, clear communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare staff, and following standardized protocols help manage these challenges. Continuous training and staying updated on safety procedures also contribute to minimizing errors and ensuring a smooth workflow within the laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Medical Laboratory Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technologist?

AspectMedical Laboratory AssistantMedical Laboratory Technologist
CredentialsPost-secondary diploma or certificateBachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field
Work EnvironmentAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, perform basic testsPerform complex analyses, interpret results, oversee lab operations
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic centers

The main difference between a Medical Laboratory Assistant and a Medical Laboratory Technologist lies in their education, scope of work, and responsibilities. Medical Laboratory Assistants support sample collection and basic testing, while Medical Laboratory Technologists perform advanced analyses and interpret results. Both roles are essential in healthcare labs, but Technologists typically require higher credentials and have a broader scope of practice.

How do you become a medical laboratory assistant?

To become a medical laboratory assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a post-secondary diploma or certificate program in medical laboratory assisting or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment; certification may also be required or preferred by some employers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Laboratory jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Medical Laboratory jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,576 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

CLINICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT II, Evenings

Augusta Medical Center

Fishersville, VA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant II is required to perform the following laboratory services:

  • Performs blood collection using the appropriate collection method and techniques.
  • Performs and reports accurate laboratory patient and quality control testing.
  • Verifies proper patient identification and maintains patient confidentiality.
  • Reports and documents critical laboratory values according to policy.
  • Perform drug screen and breath alcohol collections as needed.
  • Maintains proper inventories and correctly uses supplies and reagents.
  • Performs laboratory equipment trouble-shooting and maintenance.
  • Monitors equipment performance and makes repairs or initiates service requests.
  • Investigates, documents, and resolves routine problems or complaints.
  • Maintains competency.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the section supervisor or department director.

Requirements

  • Associate's Degree in Medical Laboratory Technologist program (non-certified); OR Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related
    field
  • Experience in clinical lab setting preferred.

Company Information

Augusta Health is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit, community health system located in Fishersville Virginia in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Augusta Health offers a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient which includes Augusta Medical Center a 255 bed inpatient facility and Augusta Medical Group which is comprised of 40 practice locations and four urgent care locations.

Equal Opportunity

Augusta Health recruits, hires and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information.