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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Medical Laboratory Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12

$22

$55

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory assistant in Raleigh, NC is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.64 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 the most commonly searched types of Medical Laboratory jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Medical Laboratory jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:
Medical Laboratory Assistant II NoReg

Medical Laboratory Assistant II NoReg

Advocate Aurora Health

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$22.90 - $34.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 772 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

191st of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Department:
60914 Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center - Central Lab: Testing
Status:
Full time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
First shift weekends, Sat-Sun-Mon 7am-7:30pm
Pay Range:
$22.90 - $34.35
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or documentation of completion of the military's Medical Laboratory Specialist (US Army MOS 68K) Course is required. Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Two years' experience in a laboratory or laboratory specimen processing area required, three years preferred. LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR REGISTRATION: N/A ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Obtains and sorts specimens from various delivery sources including the pneumatic tube system, specimen window, and courier services. 2. Verifies acceptability requirements are met for clinical laboratory specimens prior to receipt into the laboratory information system. 3. Verifies labeling acceptability and specimen stability requirements are met for anatomic pathology specimens. 4. Identifies and resolves unacceptable specimens, such as those with labeling, specimen type, or specimen stability issues. If unable to resolve, brings them to the attention of a Medical Laboratory Assistant II or Manager for resolution. 5. Receives instrument ready barcoded specimens into the laboratory information system appropriately. 6. Identifies and processes orders in the Electronic Medical Record for specimens received without instrument ready barcode labels. Identifies and processes orders for irretrievable body fluid specimens. Identifies and modifies incorrect orders placed based on specific order requirements for various specimen types. 7. Receives samples with orders placed in the Outreach laboratory information system appropriately. Enters employee exposure lab orders into the Outreach laboratory information system. Enters orders from a paper requisition into the Electronic Medical Record or Outreach laboratory information system. 8. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of specimen triage and distribution to appropriate laboratory sections. 9. Performs specimen processing techniques including centrifugation and aliquotting. Loads clinical laboratory specimens onto the automated testing track. 10. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced knowledge of troubleshooting of laboratory order and specimen issues. 11. Provides coverage of inbound calls for Laboratory Client Services during their off hours. Provides guidance to fellow members in order to ensure accurate and timely processing of specimens. Assists with training and mentoring of new team members and students. 12. Assists with Quality Assurance and Safety documentation. 13. Completes special projects as assigned. 14. Completes a minimum of four continuing education hours outside of annual in-service requirements. SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to communicate courteously and professionally with internal and external customers Interacts with co-workers with an emphasis on teamwork and a focus on customer service Strong computer information systems and data entry skills Ability to follow oral and written instructions Basic hand-eye coordination and the ability to handle multiple tasks WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exposure to risk of infection from disease-bearing specimens Exposure to risk of blood borne/airborne disease Must wear protective equipment (gloves, lab coats, eye protection, and face protection) Possible exposure to odorous and toxic/flammable/corrosive chemicals and specimens Moderate noise environment Subject to injury from sharps May require judgment/action which could result in death of patient Subject to many interruptions and stressful situations Occasionally subject to irregular hours Exposure to hazards for electrical/mechanical power equipment PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Amount of time spent performing the following activities: 0% 35% 65% to to to 35% 65% 100% N/A Activity X Standing X Walking X Sitting X Bending X Reaching with arms X Finger and hand dexterity X Talking X Hearing X Seeing Lifting, carrying, pushing and or pulling: X 20 lbs. maximum X 50 lbs. maximum X 100 lbs. maximum
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US