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Pathology Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Medical Lab Assistant

Midland, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Summary Laboratory assistants work under the direct supervision of the medical technologist (Medical Laboratory Specialist) and a pathologist or other qualified physician, performing pre-, post, and ...

The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan is ... The practice consists of seven pathologists, three pathologist assistants, and additional support ...

Demonstrates gross pathology protocol and procedures to new residents. Prepares fine needle ... Works open pathologist assistant shifts across multiple laboratory sites, including Harper ...

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Pathology Laboratory Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do pathology laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology laboratory assistant in Michigan is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pathology laboratory assistant do?

A Pathology Laboratory Assistant supports pathologists and laboratory scientists by preparing, processing, and organizing specimens for analysis. Their duties include labeling samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring samples are properly stored and documented. They also assist with data entry, supply management, and keeping the lab environment clean and safe. This role is essential for the smooth operation of pathology labs and helps ensure accurate diagnostic results for patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pathology laboratory assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pathology Laboratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and basic scientific principles, often supported by a relevant associate degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), staining techniques, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining sample integrity and supporting accurate diagnostic results in pathology labs.

What are some common challenges faced by pathology laboratory assistants, and how can they be managed?

Pathology Laboratory Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy under time pressure, handling biohazardous materials safely, and managing large volumes of specimens. Staying organized and following strict protocols helps prevent errors and ensures the safety of both staff and patients. Regular communication with pathologists, technologists, and other team members is essential for smooth workflow and addressing any issues promptly. Ongoing training and attention to detail are key to successfully managing these challenges.

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

AspectPathology Laboratory AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory support, assisting with specimen collection and processingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, and operating lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

Pathology Laboratory Assistants typically support laboratory operations through specimen handling and basic tasks, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in diagnostic labs, but Medical Laboratory Technicians usually require formal post-secondary education and certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pathology Laboratory jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Pathology Laboratory jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Pathology Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Pathology Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Pathology Laboratory Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,706 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Medical Lab Assistant

MyMichigan Health

Midland, MI • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform pre-, post-, and analytical tasks in histology, cytology, microbiology, and general laboratory settings under supervision.

  • Prepare specimens, assist with inventory management, and operate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, incubators, and analyzers.

  • Identify specimens, perform specimen processing, and ensure proper labeling, storage, and transport according to laboratory policies.


MyMichigan Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

572nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
Laboratory assistants work under the direct supervision of the medical technologist (Medical Laboratory Specialist) and a pathologist or other qualified physician, performing pre-, post, and analytical tasks in histology, cytology, microbiology, and the general laboratory.
Responsibilities
(75%) * SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL TESTING (Duties are dependent upon site)
?Executes waived testing, including result reporting
?Histology/Cytology: Prepares tissue specimens (along with information entry into the laboratory information system) for technical personnel and the Pathologist. Assists with inventory management.
?General laboratory (Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Blood Bank): Prepares urine specimens for testing. Prepares analyzers for testing: Monitors inventory, loads supplies and specimens, and empties waste.
?Microbiology: Prepares and stains slides for bacteriologic study; Properly plates specimens on specified media. Prepares specimens for testing. Assists with inventory management. Prepares analyzers for testing.
?Keeps accurate temperature, quality control and various other required records.
?Assists with pending logs.
(25%) * SPECIMEN PREPARATION AND PROCESSING
-Identifies specimens properly; uses basic tools of the laboratory proficiently, including centrifuges, incubators and balances; prepares specimens for processing; and performs venipunctures
-Registers patients and accurately enters data into the hospital and laboratory information systems.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Adheres to all laboratory policies and procedures.
Maintains confidentiality of all medical information.
Follows patient registration, billing and coding procedures where required.
Demonstrates competency in Infection Prevention and Control practices and policies.
Performance, operation, and reporting of waived and point?of?care testing (e.g., glucose, pregnancy tests, urine dipsticks, coagulation tests) .
Performance and interpretation of quality control; critical values and STAT results; result retrieval and reporting.
Preparation, labeling, and staining of slides; microbiology setup and plating.
Processes related to reagents, standards, and controls; analytical instrumentation (loading, test initiation, error recognition and reporting, specimen dilution, and calibrations).
Review, clarification, and verification of physician orders.
Follows strict identification policies to accurately identify specimens and perform specimen labeling.
Determines acceptability of specimen for testing, specimen prioritization and distribution, specimen storage, transport, and special handling considerations (time, temperature, and light).
Specimen processing including, but not limited to, centrifugation and aliquoting.
Adheres to all Federal CLIA, CAP, and OSHA regulations.
Regulations; safety and infection control; waste disposal; laboratory equipment; professionalism and ethics; and laboratory information system (LIS)
Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation, and peer feedback for patients who range in age from birth to 100+ years.
All other duties as assigned.
Certifications and Licensures
Credential:MLA (ASCP): Medical Laboratory Assistant
Equivalent Experience: Required within 12 months of hire or transfer into role.
Qualification Source:
Essential: true
Required Education
Education: HIGH
Equivalent Experience: One of the following combinations as outlined by ASCP must be met.1. High School Diploma or equivalent AND one of the following: a. Successful completion of NAACLS approved Clinical Assistant program with in the last five years OR b. Successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course in the last ten years ORc. 2 years of full-time clinical laboratory experience OR2. High School Diploma or equivalent and must satisfy both a. AND b.a. Associates degree or 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) from a regionally accredited college with a minimum of 6 semester hours (9 semester hours) of each chemistry and biology. ANDb. 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experienceOR3. High School Diploma or equivalent and must satisfy both a. AND b.a. Valid PBT (ASCP) certification. AND b. 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experienceOR4. High School Graduation or Equivalent and must satisfy both a. and b.a. Successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured medical laboratory assistant program within the last 5 years that consists of classroom training and clinical laboratory training.b. 6 months of full-time clinical laboratory experienceCLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE: To fulfill the experience requirement for the Medical Laboratory Assistant examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the timeframe required in ALL of the following areas: • Specimen Preparation and Processing • Support for Clinical Testing • Laboratory Operations.
Education Specialization:
Essential: true
Other Information
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:
Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.
MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft• Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Six (6) months experience in a clinical or microbiology laboratory and/or one (1) year experience in handling biological specimens preferred.
Medical terminology, knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and protocols are preferred. Knowledge of MISYS LIS, HIS and admitting policies and procedures are preferred.
Job shadow in the laboratory department may be required commensurate to experience in the department.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as trauma, grief and death.
Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
Able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
Overall vision and hearing are necessary with or without assisted device(s).
Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education)
Education: HIGH
Equivalent Experience: One of the following combinations as outlined by ASCP must be met.1. High School Diploma or equivalent AND one of the following: a. Successful completion of NAACLS approved Clinical Assistant program with in the last five years OR b. Successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course in the last ten years ORc. 2 years of full-time clinical laboratory experience OR2. High School Diploma or equivalent and must satisfy both a. AND b.a. Associates degree or 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) from a regionally accredited college with a minimum of 6 semester hours (9 semester hours) of each chemistry and biology. ANDb. 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experienceOR3. High School Diploma or equivalent and must satisfy both a. AND b.a. Valid PBT (ASCP) certification. AND b. 1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experienceOR4. High School Graduation or Equivalent and must satisfy both a. and b.a. Successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured medical laboratory assistant program within the last 5 years that consists of classroom training and clinical laboratory training.b. 6 months of full-time clinical laboratory experienceCLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE: To fulfill the experience requirement for the Medical Laboratory Assistant examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the timeframe required in ALL of the following areas: • Specimen Preparation and Processing • Support for Clinical Testing • Laboratory Operations.
Education Specialization:
Essential: true
Other Comments
Credential:MLA (ASCP): Medical Laboratory Assistant
Equivalent Experience: Required within 12 months of hire or transfer into role.
Qualification Source:
Essential: true

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