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Medical Laboratory Science Trainee Jobs in Virginia

Bachelor's in medical technology or Biology/Chemical Science (required) Certification/Licensure * ASCP, AMT, or AAB certification (required) Experience * 3 year of laboratory tech experience ...

Bachelor's of Science with a major in Medical Laboratory Science * 1 year of experience in an acute care laboratory setting * Preferred: 2 or more years of experience in an acute care laboratory ...

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Medical Laboratory Science Trainee information

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$38.2K

$61.1K

$98.6K

How much do medical laboratory science trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical laboratory science trainee in Virginia is $61,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $72,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical laboratory science trainee?

A Medical Laboratory Science Trainee is an individual who is undergoing training to become a certified medical laboratory scientist or technologist. These trainees learn how to perform laboratory tests on patient samples such as blood, urine, and tissue to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases. They work under the supervision of experienced laboratory professionals and gain hands-on experience with lab equipment, procedures, and safety protocols. The training typically includes both classroom education and practical clinical rotations in hospital or clinical laboratories.

What types of hands-on training and mentorship can I expect as a medical laboratory science trainee?

As a Medical Laboratory Science Trainee, you'll participate in structured rotations across various laboratory departments such as hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, and blood banking. You'll receive close supervision and mentorship from experienced medical laboratory scientists who will guide you through performing laboratory tests, understanding quality control procedures, and ensuring patient safety. Regular feedback sessions and opportunities to discuss challenging cases are typical, fostering both your technical skills and your ability to troubleshoot common laboratory issues. This collaborative environment helps trainees build confidence and prepares them for independent practice upon program completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical laboratory science trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Laboratory Science Trainee, you need a solid grounding in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree or enrollment in an accredited medical laboratory science program. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and standard lab safety protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work accurately under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the reliability of laboratory results, patient safety, and successful teamwork in a clinical environment.

What is the difference between Medical Laboratory Science Trainee vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectMedical Laboratory Science TraineeMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed a medical laboratory science programUsually holds a diploma or associate degree in medical laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised clinical labsFull-time laboratory work, performing tests and analyses
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, labs during trainingHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities

The main difference is that a Medical Laboratory Science Trainee is in training or recent graduate, gaining practical experience under supervision, while a Medical Laboratory Technician is a qualified professional performing routine lab tests independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Laboratory Science jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Medical Laboratory Science jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Medical Laboratory Science Trainee jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Medical Laboratory Science Trainee job openings:

Laboratory Scientist/MLS/CLS/MT - Hematology - PRN - Nights

VCU Health System

Richmond, VA

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


VCU Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist FR provides accurate and timely testing and results to requesting physicians and other healthcare professionals for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Responsible for the analyses of a variety of biological specimens and performs complex lab tests. Consistently utilize excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers at all times. Position requires a positive and professional interpersonal style with a strong commitment to the team effort.

Essential Job Statements

  • Performs laboratory tests according to established procedures.
  • Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and validates lab equipment.
  • Performs, documents quality control, and follows established quality assurance guidelines.
  • Assists in educating and training laboratory personnel, students, and residents.
  • Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
  • May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable to specific work location.
  • Ensures the laboratory is maintaining accreditation standards from College of American Pathologist (CAP), Joint Commission (TJ) and other accrediting agency standards as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (BSCLS) from an accredited program or a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science* in addition to graduation from an NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT certificate program OR Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science with 5 or more years of on the job training in a hospital health care environment in a specific lab discipline performing high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (categorical or generalist certification required).

*Unless grandfathered under previous hiring requirements

Preferred Education: Master's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (MSCLS) from an accredited program

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: MLS graduates that are hired upon graduation must obtain certification within 6 months of their graduation date.

Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification.

Individuals with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Individuals with ASCP certification prior to January 1, 2004, are not required to participate in the certification maintenance program.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification

Team Members with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: Minimum: Entry Level Medical Laboratory Scientist Graduate

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to work rotating weekends as required. Ability to work Holidays scheduling as required. Ability to take on call availability as required and for emergency coverage on any shift

Cultural Responsiveness: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Previous Medical Technologist, Clinical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Scientist experience is preferred.

Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * May have periods of constant interruptions.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100+ lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity - far, Acuity - near

Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory -Emotional
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

Nights

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