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Reference Lab Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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$21

$38

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Georgia is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is a Reference Lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI technology can assist lab technicians by automating routine tasks such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace them. Lab technicians' expertise in handling complex procedures, troubleshooting, and ensuring quality control remains essential in laboratory settings. AI tools are intended to augment human work rather than replace skilled professionals entirely.

What does it mean to be a reference lab?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are not available in standard clinical labs. Employees in a reference lab typically handle high-volume testing, use advanced equipment, and follow strict quality control protocols to ensure accurate results for healthcare providers and patients.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In a reference laboratory setting, roles such as senior laboratory technician or specialized medical technologist can potentially earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require technical skills, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and adherence to safety protocols, but may not always require a traditional college degree depending on the employer and region.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In a reference laboratory, the highest paid roles are often senior pathologists or laboratory directors, who typically hold medical degrees and board certifications. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance, with salaries frequently exceeding six figures annually.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.
What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Georgia? For Reference Lab jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Reference Lab job openings:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Georgia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,344 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

MT preferred /MLT Nightshift

Appling Healthcare

Baxley, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Medical Technologists/Medical Laboratory Scientists analyze patient specimens through technological and manual testing to assist in determining diagnosis and treatment plans based on findings. Medical Technologists/Medical Laboratory Scientists also supervise and lead Medical Laboratory Technicians.
MT preferred/ MLT Nightshift Hours:6p-6a Thursday - Saturday
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Qualification Requirements:
  • Successful completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.
  • MT/MLS certification through a Board of Certification Accreditation Program

Experience:
  • 2 years of previous experience preferred.

Language Skills:
  • Ability to read and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Additional languages preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing in the Laboratory.
  • Operates, calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots analyzers and other laboratory equipment as needed.
  • Performs venipunctures (using syringe, butterfly, and evacuated tube methods), heel sticks, finger sticks, urine, and other specimen collections.
  • Completes proper procedures for urinalysis collection.
  • Performs manual diagnostic testing procedures.
  • Performs drug screen specimen collections for facility employees.
  • Ensures collections meet volume requirements and test specifications.
  • Determines normal and abnormal components of body fluids by conducting chemical analysis of blood, urine, spinal fluid, gastric fluid, swabs, and other specimens for testing.
  • Analyzes blood cells by counting and identifying cells, while exhibiting proficient microscopic techniques and procedures.
  • Prepares blood, plasma, and platelets for transfusion by testing for compatibility.
  • Compares hand-written labels on specimen containers with the EHR label before labeling the specimen.
  • Resolves any discrepancies.
  • Processes specimens and prepares them for transportation and laboratory testing (labeling vials, accurately matching specimens to patients, etc).
  • Prepares specimens for reference laboratory dispatch and testing.
  • Utilizes centrifuge correctly to prepare specimens.
  • Ensures specimen processing is timely and specimen integrity is maintained. Ensures specimens are stored appropriately for future analysis.
  • Responsible for being alert to specimen integrity issues or that may impact patient results.
  • Resolves ambiguous and/or unusual test orders by contacting appropriate individuals for further clarification.
  • Receives and identifies specimens.
  • Cancels orders and documents in the EHR system if a specimen cannot be performed.
  • Understands criteria and procedures for specimen rejection.
  • Assesses patient needs, reviews patient history, and determines reason(s) for drawing blood.
  • Provides diagnostic notes to physicians and/or other medical staff as needed.
  • Takes orders directly from providers as needed.
  • Faxes patient results to providers and/or departments as needed.
  • Check EDTA and Sodium Citrate specimens for clots or fibrin strands.
  • Professionally and respectfully provides customer service to patients and other employees on the phone, in person, and in written form.
  • Supervises Phlebotomists in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • Responsible for Quality Control (QC) and carries out appropriate action if QC is not within expected range.
  • Provides guidance by answering questions and requests related to medical technology.
  • Prepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.
  • Maintains medical records.
  • Cleans, maintains, and calibrates laboratory equipment.
  • Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels.
  • Performs other job-related duties as requested.
  • Familiar with the 24 hour urine collection procedure and instructs patients.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of drug screen collection procedures for the AHCS system and other drug screen clients and knows where to find this information.
  • Understands GTT policies and collection procedures.
  • Processes blood and other body fluids to insure that specimen type and volume requirements are met.
  • Reviews blood transfusion services and all potential blood transfusion reactions.
  • Processes blood and other body fluids to ensure that specimen processing is timely and specimen integrity is maintained.
  • Assesses specimen integrity issues or problems that may impact patient results.
  • Demonstrates proper blood culture collection to reduce the possibility of contaminates.
  • Receives specimens and is able to cancel orders and documents in Meditech if a specimen cannot be performed.
  • Understands the actions required in taking orders directly from providers.
  • Receives and identifies specimens brought to the lab for testing.
  • Prepares samples to be sent to the reference laboratory, including the required reference lab paperwork if needed.
  • Competent in contacting service for the respective instruments and able to carry out the instructions that service provides.
  • Provides leadership and support to the manager in oversight of phlebotomy activities.
  • Calls critical results to providers and/or departments and documents in Meditech in the correct field.
  • Draws outpatients as needed in order to help Phlebotomists and ensure patients aren't waiting unnecessarily.
  • Puts up supplies when they are delivered and puts receive dates on each item.

EOE STATEMENT
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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