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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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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 Aug 6, 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?

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.

How do you become a medical laboratory assistant?

To become a medical laboratory assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a post-secondary certificate or diploma program in medical laboratory assisting. Certification from a recognized body can improve job prospects, and on-the-job training is often provided to develop skills in laboratory procedures and equipment. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of safety protocols are essential in this role.

Do you need qualifications to be a medical laboratory assistant?

Yes, medical laboratory assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and many employers prefer or require post-secondary training or certification in laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Certification programs are available to enhance job prospects and demonstrate competence.

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 most commonly searched types of Medical Laboratory jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Medical Laboratory jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Laboratory Assistant 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 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,629 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist I / Medical Laboratory Scientist II - Microbiology Laboratory

UNC HEALTH

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$24.98 - $35.91/hr

Full-time, Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.
This position is eligible for the Clinical Laboratory Incentive Program
Summary:
This hybrid posting recruits for either a Medical Laboratory Scientist I or Medical Laboratory Scientist II, depending on candidate qualifications and experience. This position has responsibilities in the Central Processing, Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, and Sendouts areas of the laboratory. Responsibilities include but are not limited to processing and testing specimens by using manual techniques as well as total laboratory automation, mass spectrometry, and molecular methods. As a member of our team this candidate will also perform specimen processing and setup tasks, Gram stains, rapid antigen testing, plate reading of cultures, susceptibility testing, and organism identification. MLT (ASCP or AMT), MLS (ASCP or AMT), M(ASCP), or SM(ASCP) certification preferred.
Schedule:
Night Shift: Thursday-Sunday, 8:30pm- 7:00am
Responsibilities:
1. Demonstrates advanced level competencies in producing accurate laboratory test results which includes all levels of CLIA outlined testing and problem solving.
2. Maintains and investigates problems with equipment, test results, specimens, and/or workflow.
3. Demonstrates laboratory knowledge and skills while working independently.
4. Evaluates laboratory testing requests for appropriateness and applies critical decision-making skills to reach conclusions about diagnostic testing needs.
5. Participates on teams or perform special projects/assignments.
6. Serves as a technical resource.
7. Performs quality control, proficiency testing, and monitors accuracy and precision of laboratory testing.
8. Prepares reagents and assists in the preparation of standard and control materials.
9. Monitors levels of reagents and assists in maintaining supplies.
10. Participates in teaching of multiple types of learners and training of new employees.
11. Other duties as assigned.
Other Information
Qualifications - Medical Laboratory Scientist I
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science, or Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Biological Science, or Associate's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technology

Experience:
  • No prior professional laboratory experience required

Qualifications - Medical Laboratory Scientist II
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science, or Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Biological Science, or Associate's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technology

Licensure/Certification:
  • Associate's Degree holders: MLT (ASCP) or MLT (AMT) required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Biological Science: ASCP categorical certification in specialty area required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science: MT/MLS (ASCP) or MT/MLS (AMT) required

Experience:
  • Associate's Degree with MLT certification: Two (2) years of experience required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Biological Science with categorical certification: Two (2) years of experience required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science with MT/MLS certification: No experience required

Job Details
Legal Employer: STATE
Entity: UNC Medical Center
Organization Unit: Microbiology Laboratory
Work Type: Full Time
Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00
MLS I: Salary Range: $24.98 - $35.91 per hour (Hiring Range)
MLS II: Salary Range: $26.85 - $38.61 per hour (Hiring Range)
Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
Work Assignment Type: Onsite
Work Schedule: Night Job
Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill
Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No
This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

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