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Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 PSC

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Inova's Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Lab Technician Assistant 2 PSC (LTA 2 PSC) to join ... pathology specimens, 24-hour urine, cultures, chain of custody collections, Newborn Screens etc.

... may assist with assessing patient records required for specified clinical research protocols to ... clinical lab for an approved clinical trial or study; generates reports and reviews to ensure ...

Inova Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Histology Assistant Lead to join their team: This role ... Obtains and processes pathology specimens while maintaining positive specimen identification and ...

Histology Assistant Lead Inova Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Histology Assistant Lead to ... Obtains and processes pathology specimens while maintaining positive specimen identification and ...

Histology Assistant Lead

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$19.70 - $29.55/hr

Histology Assistant Lead Inova Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Histology Assistant Lead to ... Obtains and processes pathology specimens while maintaining positive specimen identification and ...

Histology Assistant Lead Inova Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Histology Assistant Lead to ... Obtains and processes pathology specimens while maintaining positive specimen identification and ...

Medical Assistant - PRN

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Perform phlebotomy for lab work and complete required forms.* * Assist with scheduling office ... Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology required. * Ability to ...

Medical Assistant - PRN

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Perform phlebotomy for lab work and complete required forms.* * Assist with scheduling office ... Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology required. * Ability to ...

Medical Assistant

Lansdowne, VA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Perform phlebotomy for lab work and complete required forms.* * Assist with scheduling office ... Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology required. * Ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Pathology Lab Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do pathology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology lab assistant in Virginia is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pathology lab assistant?

Pathology Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support pathologists and laboratory technologists in medical laboratories. They are responsible for preparing and processing samples, labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that the lab runs smoothly. Their work helps pathologists diagnose diseases by ensuring samples are properly handled and processed. Additionally, they may assist with administrative tasks and help maintain a safe and sterile laboratory environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a pathology lab assistant?

A Pathology Lab Assistant's daily responsibilities often include preparing and labeling specimens, assisting with the setup and maintenance of laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are processed accurately and efficiently. They play a vital role in maintaining the lab's workflow, supporting pathologists and technologists by handling administrative tasks, and ensuring that all documentation is complete and compliant with regulations. Collaboration and attention to detail are crucial, as their work directly impacts the quality and timeliness of diagnostic results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pathology lab assistant?

To thrive as a Pathology Lab Assistant, you need a basic science background, attention to detail, and relevant laboratory experience, often gained through an associate degree or certificate in laboratory science. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen handling protocols, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen processing, support efficient laboratory operations, and maintain the integrity of diagnostic results.

What is the difference between Pathology Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectPathology Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job RoleAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results

Pathology Lab Assistants typically support laboratory operations through specimen handling and basic tasks, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. Both roles work in similar environments, but Technicians require more advanced training and certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do I become a pathology lab assistant?

To become a pathology lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures. Some positions require certification or on-the-job training in specimen handling, lab safety, and basic testing techniques. Relevant skills include attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and protocols.

Is it hard to become a pathology lab assistant?

Becoming a pathology lab assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may require certification or on-the-job training, but the role generally involves learning specific skills related to specimen handling and lab equipment. The difficulty varies depending on individual background and the complexity of the laboratory environment.

What do pathology lab assistants do?

Pathology lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing and processing tissue, blood, and other samples for analysis. They often handle tasks such as labeling specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting pathologists with tests, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of lab safety protocols. Their work helps ensure accurate diagnostic results in a clinical setting.

What job categories do people searching Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Pathology Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Pathology Lab Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,752 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Laboratory Assistant-LGH-Full time, Evenings- 1pm-9:30pm

Centra Health

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Centra Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

573rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Laboratory Assistant provides support to the medical laboratory technicians and scientists. The role adheres to regulatory compliance, maintains quality standards, and facilitates effective communication within a clinical laboratory. Responsibilities encompass pre-analytical steps in specimen processing, answering phone calls and maintaining effective communication within the laboratory, other departments, and providers. Manages the pneumatic tube system, specimen problem resolution relevant to the assigned duties, and billing functions within the clinical laboratory. Additionally, manages workload, promotes operational efficiency, addresses conflicts as needed, and embraces any assigned duties for the laboratory's excellence.

JC 0648

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate or bachelor's degree. 
 

Regulatory Compliance and Quality: Employees are obligated to uphold strict compliance with all regulations and standards set by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other regulatory bodies. This includes active participation in quality assurance initiatives and adherence to best practices in laboratory testing. Perform duties as assigned by the medical director.

Compliance: Employees must complete the necessary initial orientation and training, obtain, and maintain relevant certifications, participate annually in mandatory training, competency assessments, and consistently demonstrate satisfactory job-specific performance assessments on on-going basis.

Communication:  Answering phone calls and maintaining effective communication within the laboratory, other departments, and providers.

Specimen Receiving and Processing: Performs pre-analytical tasks as assigned, including but not limited to receiving specimens through established processes, logging specimen within the electronic health record system, distributing specimens to relevant departments within the laboratory, preparing specimens for testing (such as centrifugation), and loading specimens on analyzers/testing platforms, and assists in preanalytical phases of manual testing, such as preparing and staining slides, etc.

Performing and Reporting Waived Testing: Maintain qualifications for reporting patient results performed on waived testing platforms.

Procedure Compliance: Adhere strictly to the laboratory's standard operating procedures for specimen handling and processing. Maintain comprehensive records relevant to assigned tasks as mandated for compliance with regulatory requirements.

Quality Control: Implement and document the laboratory's quality control protocols, including instrument calibrations and maintenance, ensuring consistent test accuracy and reliability.

Corrective Action: Detects and addresses problems that delay specimen processing and ensure that all billing information is accurate. Follows established policies for corrective action when test systems deviate from acceptable performance levels. Identify and rectify or report any issues that may impact test performance or results.

Problem Resolution: Detect and address problems that could negatively affect test performance. Escalate issues to the technical consultant, clinical consultant, or director when necessary.

Documentation: Keep detailed records of all corrective actions taken when test systems fall outside established specifications.

Other Duties: Perform any additional duties as assigned or requested, as the job specifications may be modified or updated at any time.


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