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Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

MUSC

Medical Lab Technician (MCP)

Blythewood, SC · On-site

Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). If not certified, must be ... To transfer a 100 lb. patient that cannot assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For ...

Lexington Medical Center (SC)

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center (SC)

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center (SC)

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center (SC)

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

Lexington Medical Center

Phlebotomist

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the ... Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.

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Pathology Lab Assistant information

See Columbia, SC salary details

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How much do pathology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology lab assistant in Columbia, SC is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.35 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 are popular job titles related to Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Pathology Lab Assistant job openings:

Pathology Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathology Lab Assistant job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,960 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Medical Lab Assistant II

Lexington Medical Center

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Lexington Medical Center rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

510th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Anatomic Pathology
Full Time
AM/PM Shift
8:30 - 5:00pm
Lexington Health is a comprehensive network of care that includes six community medical and urgent care centers, nearly 80 physician practices, more than 9,000 health care professionals and Lexington Medical Center, a 607-bed teaching hospital in West Columbia, South Carolina. It was selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare and was first in the state to achieve Magnet with Distinction status for excellence in nursing care. Consistently ranked as best in the Columbia Metro area by U.S. News & World Report, Lexington Health delivers more than 4,000 babies each year, performs more than 34,000 surgeries annually and is the region's third largest employer.
Lexington Health also includes an accredited Cancer Center of Excellence, the state's first HeartCARE Center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, and an Alzheimer's care center. Its postgraduate medical education programs include family medicine and transitional year residencies, as well as an informatics fellowship.
Job Summary
The Medical Laboratory Assistant II performs advanced specimen collection, processing, and pre-analytical laboratory functions to support accurate and timely diagnostic testing in the clinical laboratory. This role independently manages complex registration, specimen handling, and laboratory workflows; ensures compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards; and serves as a resource to patients, clinical staff, and entry-level laboratory personnel. The MLA II demonstrates proficiency across laboratory computer systems, including EPIC, provides high-quality customer service, supports problem resolution, and assists with training, workflow coordination, and quality improvement activities while maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education: BS or BA in Natural Sciences or Equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: Six months experience in a Laboratory setting or equivalent customer service or general office experience.
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): Associate's Degree with a minimum of 3 years of Clinical or Anatomic Pathology Lab experience.
--OR--
High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 Years Experience at LMC working in a clinical lab setting
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: Excellent computer knowledge and skills.
Interest and skills in biological sciences and a background in medical terminology preferred.
Essential Functions
  • Greets patients and/or representatives in a professional and courteous manner to obtain proper identification and insurance information along with physician orders to complete the registration process.
  • Provides instructions to patients and/or representatives in the proper preparation and collection of self-collected tests (i.e. stool, urine, semen, etc.)
  • Performs venipuncture to include capillary punctures for blood specimens from patients of various ages requiring developmentally appropriate techniques (Outpatient Lab and Outreach only).
  • Orders, receives, tracks, and delivers specimens delivered to the laboratory by patients, couriers, nurses, or other medical personnel to testing departments and designated specimen holding locations; and manages the storage and disposal of patient samples, testing materials, and slides.
  • Ensures specimens are labeled properly to maintain accurate patient identification.
  • Answer telephone calls to provide guidance for inquiries providing excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Assists with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following-up and filing appropriate documentation.
  • Collect urine specimens with Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for federal
    transportation or client's post-accident collections while following proper chain of custody protocols (Outreach only).
  • Responsible for delivering high quality service for all laboratory testing inquiries. Serves as a resource to address problems, identify resolutions, troubleshoot, and resolve problems as situations require. Notifies lead, charge, supervisor, or manager of significant problems when applicable.
  • Prepares, processes, stores and disposes all biologically hazardous reagents, chemicals and specimens following all regulatory and safety policies and procedures.
  • Independently interprets physician orders, verbal or written, and is responsible for communicating with physicians and other medical personnel for clarification of orders and incomplete requisitions while adhering to policies and procedures.
  • Maintains competence in all policies/procedures and IT systems including upgrades or changes within middleware solutions. Maintains a working knowledge of reference lab portals to navigate patient's orders/results, where applicable.
  • Provides essential assistance to professional staff with in the clinical laboratory, including pathologists, cytotechnologists, pathology assistants, and medical laboratory scientists.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Work assigned hours to meet the need of the department.
  • Maintain productivity by effectively prioritizing and organizing workload in a constant changing environment to meet daily needs and deadlines.
  • Responsibility for delegation of workload among available personnel on day-to-day basis to provide optimum coverage and efficiency.
  • Revenue responsibility such as applying appropriate charge codes.
  • Scheduling CT and ultrasound-guided FNA's and all pathologist-performed FNA's. Nurse-type assisting, instructing and preparing patients on whom FNA procedures will be performed (Cytology Only).
  • Performs tasks such a filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks in (Anatomic Pathology only).
  • When applicable, responsible for result scanning and result entry (transcription of cytotechnologist and pathologist final diagnoses into report format) and encoding of results for future reference.
  • Adapts to changes in the work environment, job situation and job requirements.
  • Maintain an optimistic and professional image and exhibits excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
  • Works independently and as a team member.
  • Follows and complies with all hospital and laboratory policies (i.e. Parking, Softech, UKG, eTrain).
  • Complies with all regulatory policies and procedures including Safety as required by CLIA, CAP, FDA, OSHA, DNV, and SC Dept of Public Health; and keeps a well maintained and clean area at all times.
  • Demonstrates competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following patient population; Infant (birth to 1 year), child (1 through 12 years) adolescent (13 years through 17 years), adult (18 years to 65 year) and geriatric (over 65 years).
  • Skilled knowledge and organization preparation of pending workload and processing of various types of specimens for interpretive review.
  • Skilled knowledge for operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all instruments and documentation of all events to include temperature and/or humidity, as required.
  • Preparation and maintaining various reports to include abnormal patient result lists, QA/QC logs, etc.
  • Ensure Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Waste
  • Pharmaceuticals are discarded, stored, and managed with other compatible waste streams in containers that are properly labeled and closed prior to being shipped offsite for proper disposal. Initial RCRA training is received within 6 months of the hire date and continuing with annual RCRA training.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned and requested.

We are committed to offering quality, cost-effective benefits choices for our benefit eligible employees and their families:
  • Day ONE medical, dental and life insurance benefits
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Employees are eligible for enrollment into the 403(b) match plan day one. LHI matches dollar for dollar up to 6%.
  • Employer paid life insurance - equal to 1x salary
  • Employee may elect supplemental life insurance with low cost premiums up to 3x salary
  • Adoption assistance
  • LHI provides its full-time employees employer paid short-term disability and long-term disability coverage after 90 days of eligible employment
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Student loan forgiveness

Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Lexington Health to provide equal opportunity of employment for all individuals, and to remain compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Lexington Health strives to provide a discrimination-free environment, and to recruit, select, on-board, and employ all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including but not limited to, lactation. Lexington Health endeavors to upgrade and promote employees from within the hospital where possible and consistent with the employee's desires and abilities and the hospital's needs.

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