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Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Pullman, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Medical Lab Technologist is responsible for performing routine and complex ... LIS). * Assist in quality assurance programs, including proficiency testing and equipment ...

Pathology Lab Assistant information

See Pullman, WA salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do pathology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology lab assistant in Pullman, WA is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pathology Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

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.

Is it hard to become a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a pathologist assistant requires completing a master's degree in pathology assistant studies or a related field, along with gaining certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. The process involves specialized education and training, making it a competitive and demanding career path for those interested in laboratory and medical work. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with medical terminology are essential skills for success in this role.

Where do pathology assistants make the most money?

Pathology assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare professionals, such as large metropolitan areas or states with advanced medical facilities. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of the laboratory environment.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a pathology lab assistant, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory technology or related fields. Strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work with laboratory equipment are also important.

What are Pathology Lab Assistants?

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 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.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Pathology Lab Assistant, and how do they support the work of pathologists and laboratory technologists?

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 do pathology lab assistants do?

Pathology lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing and processing tissue, blood, and other samples for analysis. They assist with specimen collection, maintain lab equipment, and ensure proper documentation, often working under the supervision of pathologists or lab technologists. Attention to detail and knowledge of lab safety protocols are essential in this role.
What job categories do people searching Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Pullman, WA are:
What cities near Pullman, WA are hiring for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Pullman, WA with the most Pathology Lab Assistant job openings:
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) PRN

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) PRN

ScionHealth

Lewiston, ID • On-site

Part-time, Per diem

Posted 11 days ago


ScionHealth rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

744th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho-where nationally recognized quality meets small-town heart. We're proud to be recognized for excellence and patient safety, including an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, inclusion in Becker's list of "Great Community Hospitals," and U.S. News & World Report accolades for maternity care.
Here, you'll find a teamwork-first culture, leaders who support you, and coworkers who genuinely have your back. New grads are welcome-we're committed to training, mentoring, and helping you build confidence as you grow. And because we know great care starts with taking care of our people, we offer competitive benefits and a workplace you can feel good about.
If you're looking for a place to do meaningful work, build a career, and feel proud serving your community-you belong at St. Joe'
The work location for this position is Lewiston, Idaho
This is a PRN position (On-Call - No Benefits) - you will receive an additional 15% PRN pay in lieu of benefits
Hours: Hiring for day, evening & night shifts
Position Summary:
A Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician is responsible for performing diagnostic tests on biological samples to provide medical information that assists medical professionals to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. They must have excellent organizational skills, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills. The Medical Technologist or Technician must work comfortably under pressure while multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment and can effectively react to emergency situations.
Primary (Essential) Duties:
  • Performs all complexity testing in the clinical laboratories.
  • Possesses skills to operate, calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot analyzers and other lab equipment.
  • Demonstrates competence in all laboratory procedures sufficient to perform at a satisfactory level.
  • Uses good judgement and decision making to ensure accuracy and quality of laboratory tests
  • Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment or instruments.
  • Performs troubleshooting procedures as needed.
  • Recognizes test inconsistencies and takes appropriate corrective action. Provides assistance to laboratory co-workers in resolution with similar problems. Seeks assistance from Supervisory/Lead Tech, Director of the Laboratory, or Pathologist
  • Promotes good patient Provider, and all organizational department relations as demonstrated by positive interaction.
  • Coordinates workflow/workload as necessary to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results.
  • Reviews and adheres to all policies and procedures.
  • Performs proficiency testing (PT) as required.
  • Assists with maintenance of procedure manual and communication of changes to testing staff.
  • Assists in gathering data for validations and other laboratory compliance.
  • Assists with activities to support the Laboratory Information System and software changes.
  • Assists with maintaining an adequate inventory supply.
  • Assists in the training and competency of all laboratory assistant and technical staff.
  • Assists in quality assurance and proficiency testing activities.
  • Uses knowledge of quality control to review and evaluate test or instrument performance.
  • Assists with gathering quality control data for periodic review and troubleshooting
  • Reviews quality control data as requested by managerial staff.
  • Performs all Phlebotomy duties when needed.
  • Performs all additional duties assigned

Scion Health considers a consistently positive, cooperative, self-motivated, courteous, and professional attitude to be an essential function of every position. While different positions have different primary areas of responsibility, everyone needs to work as a team, and we expect all employees to roll up their sleeves and pitch in as necessary to get the job done.
Employees must be able to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) can get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extremes, (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond appropriately to constructive feedback from a supervisor.
While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g., emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.
Qualifications
Required Education:
  • A bachelor's or associate degree from an accredited college or university in Medical Technology, related science field, or equivalent Military training.

Required Licenses and/or Certification
  • ASCP or AMT certification or eligible

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Knowledge of MS office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Email software. Is able to operate basic office equipment such as telephones, computers, fax, and copy machines. Must have experience with electronic health records and laboratory information systems.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions.
  • Language Ability:Ability to read and interpret documents and instructions. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

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