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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL

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Medical Laboratory Assistant information

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$12

$22

$55

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory assistant in Decatur, IL is $22.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are Medical Laboratory Assistants?

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 popular job titles related to Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL? For Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:
Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST I - IP LAB TECH

MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST I - IP LAB TECH

Memorial Health

Dalton City, IL

$45.64/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Memorial Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Min
USD $29.44/Hr.
Max
USD $45.64/Hr.
Overview
Collects, prepares and handles specimens for analysis from patients of all ages. Performs laboratory testings to aid in the diagnosis of diseases.
To review Memorial's Benefits click here: Benefits - Memorial HR
Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related Allied Health field.
Licensure/Certification/Registry:
• Registered MLS (ASCP)/MT (ASCP) required within six months of hire or equivalent certification required within one year of hire.
Experience:
• Prior work experience preferred.
Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Moderate physical effort.
Responsibilities
  1. Performs various laboratory tests, evaluates data, verify the validity of patient test results through the evaluation of quality control sample values prior to reporting patient test results.
  1. Obtains blood and other body fluids from inpatients/outpatients of all ages, employees etc. as requested by authorized personnel.
  1. Operates hospital computer system acquiring necessary patient information to enter, delete or credit the patient's accounts.
  1. Perform preventative maintenance and follows equipment manufacturers troubleshooting guide to solve instrument problems.
  1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:
  • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do. I take action to ensure the safety of others.
  • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect. I project a professional image and positive attitude.
  • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.
  • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.
  1. Demonstrates knowledge and theory behind instrumentation functions and malfunctions and decides when to use "back-up" instrument.
  1. Operates all instruments in assigned areas and performs all technical procedures with minimal supervision.
  1. Assists in orientation/training of new employees as directed.
  1. Participates in continuing education, meets requirements for all mandatory in-services.
  1. Assists in overall operations of the Lab including cost effective practices and safety regulations.
  1. Assists manager in overall departmental operations.
  1. Promotes health and safety in the work environment.
  1. Actively participates in competency assessment process.
  1. Maintains cross training in at least 2 technical areas
  1. Maintains confidentiality of information regarding all patient testing/results as detailed by hospital policy
  1. Assures compliance with all local, state, federal and national regulatory agencies.
  1. Performs other duties as assigned.

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