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Reference Lab Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

Cath Lab Tech

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$720/wk

Job Reference #: 64427566 Our Client is currently seeking a Cath Lab Tech for a position in Alexandria, LA. 5x8 Days shift. You must hold a current, unrestricted State Licensure and possess at least ...

LCMS Technician

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories. It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal ...

Cath Lab Tech

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$720/wk

Cath Lab Tech Our client is currently seeking a Cath Lab Tech for a position in Alexandria, LA. 5x8 ... reference # in the title of the email. Compensation and benefits include estimated total gross ...

Travel Cath Lab Tech

Kenner, LA · On-site

$2.8K - $3.0K/wk

That includes developing your résumé, skills checklist and references. Travel Cath Lab Tech Weekly Gross Pay: $2849 - $3049 Location: Kenner, LA, United States Start date: 09-14-2026 Assignment ...

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 Aug 30, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reference laboratory technician?

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 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 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 does a reference lab do?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are often not available at standard labs. They process samples from healthcare providers, using advanced equipment and techniques, and typically require trained personnel and quality certifications to ensure accurate results.
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 11% 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.

Medical Technologist

Bunkie, LA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
JOB SUMMARY: Waived testing personnel are responsible for a variety of direct patient contact duties related to drawing blood via venipuncture or capillary stick which include proper patient identification, sample collection, and specimen labeling. Assisting with collection and sample processing of waived tests are included in daily duties. Reference lab specimens also must be prepared and processed daily including drug screen collections.
FUNCTIONS: Lab employees also assist the lab manager with various tasks such as inventory and ordering, and keeping temperature logs current. Laboratory personnel are responsible for collecting specimens at nursing homes and travel to these facilities may be necessary. Students for phlebotomy and MLT rotate through the lab. Laboratory personnel are responsible for their training.
Lab employees also acquire and maintain knowledge of related topics to include, but not limited to, infection control, disposal of biohazardous material, proper handling of requisition, interpersonal skills, communications, and dealing with difficult situations.
Nursing staff members who serve as waived-testing personnel are required to perform waived testing including urine pregnancy tests, urinalysis testing (dip only), rapid strep testing, influenza testing, rsv testing, glucose meter testing, and rapid drug screens. The nursing staff also, after proper patient identification, collects blood samples for testing in the laboratory occasionally. The collector of these samples is responsible for proper labelling of all samples submitted to the laboratory.
Waived-testing personnel are responsible for the collection and performance of waived tests including performing and documenting controls and patient results.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility, reaching, bending, talking, typing, sitting, carrying, standing, grasping, fine hand coordination, ability to hear, ability to read and write, and the ability to remain calm under stress. Ability to reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to occasionally life and/or move up to 30 pounds. Involvement in acute, critical and or life-threatening patient care areas and situations is required. May be required to assist in administering emergency life-sustaining procedures until such time as judgment and decision-making responsibilities may be assumed by a physician.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Hospital and nursing home facilities - exposure to infectious disease (OSHA Risk Category II. In some departments, this is a Risk Category I position). Must follow universal/standard precautions.
REPORTS TO: Laboratory Manager
SKILLS: Must be able to perform phlebotomy in addition to performing waived laboratory testing. Proficiency with computers is necessary as well as reading and writing legibly. Some lifting of reagent containers less than 30 pounds is required. Also may have to bend or stoop changing reagents on instruments or collecting patient samples.
COMPENSATION: Position is paid hourly.
Requirements
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS: MT/CLS and MLT/CLT state licenses are REQUIRED. CPR certification is required.