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Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Matteson, IL (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The lab focuses on the combined effects of CD4 and CD8 T cells and has contributed to a number of ... Job Summary In the Schreiber Laboratory in the Department of Pathology, the employee will be ...

Phlebotomist

Olympia Fields, IL · On-site

$17.28 - $25.03/hr

... assist lab specialty in sorting out samples for analysis and put away samples, assist pathology, inventory, replenish supplies, order supplies, mail pick up/ delivery, faxing, answering phone ...

Showing results 41-60

Pathology Lab Assistant information

See Matteson, IL salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do pathology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology lab assistant in Matteson, IL is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $22.84 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 cities near Matteson, IL are hiring for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Matteson, IL with the most Pathology Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Pathology Lab Assistant job openings in Matteson, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,645 per year, or $20 per hour.

$34.89 - $50.63/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: RML General Microbiology

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00AM - 3:00PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $34.89 - $50.63 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
The Medical Laboratory Scientist 3 responsible for performing all assigned laboratory testing and reporting for the testing area. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Demonstrates proficiency in identifying and resolving process issues that affect the laboratory's ability to perform laboratory testing. Serves as an expert within the assigned field of responsibility. Instructs students, residents, and new employees. Evaluates their performance within established deadlines. Participates in presenting case studies or in-services. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Must adhere to the Rush code of Conduct and Rush ICARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, executing these values with compassion.

Other information:
•Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant science required, minimum of five years of high-complexity clinical laboratory-related experience required. Some lab divisions may require more.
•Acceptable credentials (can vary depending on the laboratory section):
oMedical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) via the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
oMedical Technologist (MT) via the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
oBlood Bank (BB) via the ASCP
oChemistry (C) via the ASCP
oCytogenetics (CG) via the ASCP
oCytotechnologist (CT) via the ASCP
oHematology (H) via the ASCP
oMicrobiology (M) via the ASCP
oMolecular Biology (MB) via the ASCP
oSpeciality in Cytometry (SCYM) via the ASCP
oTechnologist in HLA (CHT) or Specialist in HLA (CHS) via ACHI
•Employees in this job classification are qualified to perform moderate and high complexity testing. Employees' education and/or laboratory experience meet the requirements delineated in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1996.
•Affective behavior: Interacts effectively and respectfully with everyone encountered at the medical center.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
•Master of Science degree in relevant discipline preferred.
Physical Demands:
•Able to work in fast pace, often stressful, computerized environment. Able to lift 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions. Works in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious and hazardous materials.
Disclaimer:
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities:
1.Demonstrates proficiency in all duties as defined in the role of Medical Technologist II.
2.Serves as an expert within the assigned field of responsibility.
3.Instructs students, residents, and new employees. Evaluate their performance within established deadlines
4.Participates in presenting case studies or in-services.
5.Required to oversee and maintain a clean, clutter-free and well-organized area of responsibility.
6.Required to prepare and present one inter-laboratory continuing education presentation per year.
7.Participates in, prepares, and presents quality improvement initiatives accomplished in the laboratory – 1) Inventory Management; 2) Key facilitator for an instrument or workflow process; 3) Quality or Safety Officer; 4) Mentoring and training MLS1 and MLS2; and 5) Assist in inspection preparation.
8.Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area. Labels and processes specimens properly. Performs all laboratory procedures efficiently and effectively and serves as a technical expert for other laboratory staff. Ensures all testing is performed following Rush approved Policies and Procedures.
9.Performs required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation. Recognizes QC problems, shifts, drifts, or discrepancies, determines root cause, and can resolve them. Notifies the appropriate supervisor or designee regarding QC problems or discrepancies according to the established procedure. Easily determines when escalation is needed.
10.Performs basic and advanced troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents action, and notifies appropriate personnel, for example, supervisors, of problems all of the time. Demonstrates troubleshooting proficiency and therefore rarely needs to seek additional help.
11.Keeps work area neat, clean, organized, and well-stocked at all times. Disinfect area at the beginning and end of each shift. Required to oversee and maintain a clean, clutter free and well-organized area of responsibility.
12.Accepts no inappropriate specimens. Notifies the appropriate person of specimens that must be drawn or collected again and documents the notification.
13.Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift. Monitors the pending list periodically to ensure the turnaround time of all samples.
14.Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete. Completes work without incurring overtime. Assists fellow workers in finishing shift tasks. Adheres to the defined allotted time for breaks and lunch.
15.Required to obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education per year. Required to prepare and present a minimum of 15 minutes of continuing education within the department. Required to prepare and present one inter-laboratory continuing education presentation per year. Prepares and presents quality improvement initiatives accomplished in the laboratory.
16.Accepts and/or volunteers for method evaluations and new procedure development or other special projects and completes them within an agreed-upon time frame. Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students. Required to identify, participate, and lead in process improvement projects.
17.Required to perform the duties of the tech-in-charge for specified periods. Oversees operations according to departmental guidelines. Understands when to defer issues to appropriate personnel, for example, a supervisor or director, and does so.
18.Reviews lab results as required and takes appropriate action before verification and release. Recognizes and calls critical results within defined time frames. Reviews paper-generated results and transcribes them accurately into the Lab Information System. Review of others' results.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


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