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Medical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Medical Laboratory Scientist 1

Fairfax, VA

Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 Inova's Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 to join their team! This position will be Full-Time Evening Shift. Inova is consistently ...

Inova

Medical Laboratory Scientist 1

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 Inova's Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 to join their team! This position will be Full-Time Evening Shift. Inova is consistently ...

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All JobsMedical Laboratory Assistant JobsMedical Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Medical Laboratory Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$24

$59

How much do medical laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical laboratory assistant in Reston, VA is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a medical laboratory assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with post-secondary education such as a certificate or diploma in medical laboratory assisting or a related field. Certification from a recognized body can enhance job prospects, and strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and familiarity with laboratory equipment are important for the role.

How much do MLTs make?

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and additional skills such as proficiency with laboratory equipment or specialized testing.

How much do lab assistants get paid?

Medical laboratory assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the healthcare setting and whether the role is full-time or part-time.

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.

Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) due to advanced education and responsibilities. MLS professionals often hold a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, which is reflected in their higher pay scale compared to MLTs, who usually have an associate degree and perform routine testing.

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 Reston, VA? For Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Medical Laboratory Assistant job openings:
Medical Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Medical Laboratory Technologist / Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technologist / Medical Laboratory Technician

Patient First

Gainesville, VA

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Patient First rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 872 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Sign-on Bonus!

The responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Following the laboratory's procedure for specimen collection, handling, and processing, as well as test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of test results; Following the laboratory's quality control policies;
  • Documenting all quality controls activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance;
  • Identifying indicators that may impact test performance or reporting of test results and either making corrections or notifying Lab Supervisor;
  • Ordering, receiving, and distributing laboratory stock as needed in laboratory and treatment area;
  • Understanding all checklists and being able to perform all duties on the checklists associated with the position;
  • Adhering to safety policies as defined by Patient First and OSHA;
  • Providing positive, warm and friendly customer service in all interactions;
  • Fostering teamwork and a positive, professional atmosphere;
  • Completing other duties as directed.

Minimum education and professional requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Employee must be at least 18 years of age;
  • High school graduate or equivalent;
  • Keyboarding experience required;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • One year of clerical experience preferred;
  • One year of clinical experience preferred;
  • Minimum 60 semester hours from a regionally accredited college, including chemistry, biology, and medical laboratory techniques, or an Associate degree in chemistry, biology or related science. Completion of clinical rotations in the areas of microbiology, urinalysis, chemistry and hematology; or Fifty week military Medical Laboratory Procedures course and meet qualifications for military enlisted occupational specialty of "Medical Laboratory Specialist";
  • Registered Medical Technologists (M.T.) or Medical Laboratory Technicians (M.L.T.) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or other recognized certification agency of medical laboratory professionals preferred;
  • Registry-eligible technologists are encouraged to apply.

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