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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL

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Medical Laboratory Assistant information

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$12

$22

$53

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory assistant in Decatur, AL is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.88 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 popular job titles related to Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,932 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Technician - Float

Huntsville, AL • On-site

OneOncology LLC
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about OneOncology LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

OneOncology rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Clearview Cancer Institute is north Alabama's leading cancer treatment facility. For over 30 years Clearview Cancer Institute has provided leading-edge treatment and compassionate care to those diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. Clearview offers every service and amenity needed in an outpatient setting and our dedication to research and involvement in Phase I-IV clinical trials gives our patients the opportunity to receive potentially life-saving treatment options.
Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.
Job Description:
Job Purpose
The Medical Laboratory Technician performs moderate and high complexity laboratory procedures to provide clinical information for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Essential Job Functions
Technical:
  • Successfully perform all phases of laboratory testing: pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytics processes
  • Perform specimen processing including verifying proper sample labeling and specimen collection requirements.
  • Know specimen acceptability and rejection criteria for testing and troubleshoot problems relating to specimen analysis.
  • Evaluate results in LIS system and perform delta checks.
  • Process and distribute lab reports to appropriate individuals and institutions.
  • Receive and inventory supplies and reagents according to lab protocol.
  • Detect, troubleshoot, and correct instrument reagent and system failures, perform calibrations and preventative maintenance on equipment.

QA/QC/Regulatory:
  • Report lab results within established turnaround times
  • Document critical values and corrected results in the LIS and notify physician staff.
  • Follow Westgard rules, and recognize shifts/trends occurring on Levy-Jennings charts.
  • Document out of range quality control values and take corrective action.
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities, examine existing processes/procedures, and look for ways to improve them.
  • Complete necessary documentation when specimen variance or adverse events occur
  • Perform competency testing as required.
  • Adhere to all regulatory standards within the clinical laboratory.

Safety/Organizational/Productivity:
  • Follow institution's safety procedures.
  • Follow Universal Precautions, wear PPE.
  • Acts independently and accepts responsibility of the clinical laboratory's policy and procedures.
  • Oversee performance of Laboratory Assistants as needed.
  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education annually.

Communication/Teamwork:
  • Maintain positive working relationship with fellow staff and clinic personnel.
  • Must be able to interact well with patients, employees, physicians and management.
  • Answer questions from patients, physicians, and nursing staff regarding clinical laboratory.

Qualifications
  • Must have excellent organizational skills, be able to prioritize and manage tasks in a timely and effective manner
  • Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Willing to adapt to a flexible schedule and work environment

Education
  • Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science with MLT certification from a recognized credentialing agency.
  • Must have (2) years' experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
  • Must have basic computer skills.

Working Conditions
This position works in the clinical laboratory of a busy outpatient oncology/hematology clinic. This person will be required to work closely with coworkers and management. This position requires that the employee handle bodily fluids and chemicals daily.
Physical Requirements
This position requires that the employee be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, up to eight hours a day. This position also requires that the employee be able to perform mild physical labor to complete the tasks at hand.
Direct reports
This position is not a supervisory position.

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