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Reference Lab Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

RN - Cardiac Cath Lab

Bossier City, LA · On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

Cardiac Cath Lab RN Our client is currently seeking a Cardiac Cath Lab RN for positions in Bossier ... Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or specialty certifications * 2 current clinical references

Travel Cath Lab Tech

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

Cath Lab Technologist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 08/10/2026 * Duration ... Two professional references required for consideration * Copy of driver's license and Social ...

Travel Cardiac Cath Lab RN

Bossier City, LA · On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

... clinical references • Competitive pay rates • Health/Dental Benefit package • License ... Cardiac Cath Lab,09:00:00-17:00:00 About ADN Healthcare ADN Healthcare has thousands of contract ...

Showing results 21-40

Reference Lab information

See Louisiana salary details

$8

$21

$38

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Louisiana is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $23.85 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.

What does a reference laboratory do?

A reference laboratory performs specialized testing and analysis on biological samples to confirm diagnoses, support patient care, and ensure test accuracy. These labs often handle complex or high-volume tests and require skilled technicians and quality control procedures.

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 highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest-paying careers are often senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the healthcare and laboratory fields, senior roles such as laboratory directors, chief medical officers, or specialized pathologists can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and often certification or licensing, with salaries influenced by location, employer size, and responsibilities.
What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Louisiana? For Reference Lab jobs in Louisiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Louisiana look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Louisiana are:
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Louisiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,908 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
BLS Environmental Lab Technician - Coordinator 1

BLS Environmental Lab Technician - Coordinator 1

The University of New Orleans

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

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


Job description

Thank you for your interest in The University of New Orleans.
Once you start the application process, you will not be able to save your work, so you should collect all required information before you begin. The required information is listed below in the job posting.
You must complete all required portions of the application and attach the required documents in order to be considered for employment.
Department
OPH-Bureau of Lab Services
Job Summary
Job Description
  • Performs support functions in the Environmental Department for the Bureau of Lab Services (BLS) within the Office of Public Health (OPH)
  • Maintains responsibility, when required, for acid fixing samples, checking the turbidity of samples, logging samples, making media, salinity checks and ensuring that samples meet acceptance criteria.
  • Uses the laboratory information management system (LIMS) to log samples, track samples, enter sample results, and to release reports to Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Engineering Services or other appropriate end users.
  • Participates in annual and quarterly quality control and proficiency testing as needed.
  • Performs routine daily, weekly, and monthly quality control and quality assurance duties.
  • Reports all quality failures to the laboratory supervisor, manager, and/or quality assurance officer.
  • Completes a non-conformance report and root cause analysis for quality control failures as needed.
  • Maintains awareness and understanding of laboratory safety and security including following good chemical and biological hygiene practices when handling samples and chemical reagents.
  • Reports unsafe conditions to the laboratory supervisor.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree, or Associate's degree plus 3 years of professional experience, or 6 years of professional work experience.
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; effective organizational and time management skills.
  • Great attention to detail and follow up.
  • Ability to manage projects, assignments, and competing priorities.
  • Proficient in the use of Zoom, Teams, and Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, and Excel.

DESIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in biological, environmental, or chemical science.
  • Advanced degree.
  • Minimum 1 year professional experience working as a laboratory assistant, laboratory technical assistant, laboratory technician.
  • Minimum 1 year professional experience with the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
  • Valid Laboratory Technician or related license/certification.

Required Attachments
Please upload the following documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section.
  • Detailed resume listing relevant qualifications and experience;
  • Cover Letter indicating why you are a good fit for the position and University of Louisiana Systems;
  • Names and contact information of three references;

Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered.
Posting Close Date
This position will remain open until filled.
Note to Applicant:
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the University of New Orleans may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
The University of New Orleans is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected Veteran status, age if 40 or older, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.