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Reference Lab Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The position is ideal for a science graduate with hands-on manufacturing lab experience who enjoys ... Proven ability to work independently, as verified by references or prior experience. * Strong ...

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Reference Lab information

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota? For Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Reference Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician

Fairview Health Services

New Brighton, MN

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Fairview Health Services rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Overview

Fairview is looking for a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) at M Health Fairview Clinic - New Brighton. This position may also help support at M Health Fairview Clinic - Riverside, M Health Fairview Clinic - Highland Park and M Health Fairview Clinic - Roselawn. Primary hours will be 8:00-4:30pm Monday-Friday at New Brighton Clinic, hours and location may vary based on business needs. This position includes one weekend shift (Saturday or Sunday) at an Urgent Care site (M Health Fairview Highland Park Urgent Care, M Health Fairview Urgent Care - Maplewood or M Health Fairview Urgent Care - Woodwinds), every fourth weekend. 

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) plays an important role in providing quality, proficient and professional laboratory services to diverse populations within an ambulatory healthcare environment. The MLT performs waived or moderate complexity testing following standard operating procedures (SOP), correlates data-based knowledge of technical and instrumental conditions affecting testing results and performs quality control procedures within established parameters. The MLT may also be involved in laboratory specimen collection, safe and secure specimen handling, ensuring efficient workflow and may schedule tests and provide results as appropriate. The MLT works independently under general supervision.
Responsibilities

  • Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens, perform waived, moderate, or high complexity testing and report results.
  • Collects and processes biological specimens with appropriate technique following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
  • Properly verifies patient identity.
  • Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
  • Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
  • Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
  • Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing:
  • Performs waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88 according to SOP in an efficient, cost effective manner. Any combination of the following areas may be included: Hematology, Coagulation, Microbiology, Serology, Immunology, Immunohematology, Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Urinalysis, Phlebotomy, EKG.
  • Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
  • Performs and documents maintenance procedures plus maintains adequate supplies.
  • Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them:
  • Seeks assistance appropriately for problem or unusual situations. Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
  • Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
  • Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention:
  • Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
  • Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
  • Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
  • Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
  • Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
  • Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs:
  • Documents deviations and actions taken.
  • Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks.
  • Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed the QC decision levels.
  • Takes action to resolve issues and consults with supervisor as needed.
  • Participates in the lab Performance improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results, and implementing action step recommendations.
  • Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.
  • Demonstrates competency and compliance with all regulatory agency policies.
  • Orients and mentors’ new employees and students:
  • Orients individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
  • Checks work prior to release.
  • Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
  • Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.


Required Qualifications

  • Associate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes to qualify as moderate complexity testing personnel as specified in CLIA’ 88.
  • • Associate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medial laboratory technology from an accredited institution; Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided. or
  • • Associate or higher degree or 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college/university with 6 semester hours in biology and 6 semester hours in chemistry; Transcript must be provided. or
  • • Completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course and an associate or higher degree or 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college/university with 6 semester hours in biology and 6 semester hours in chemistry. Transcript must be provided.
  • Applicant should possess or be eligible to receive appropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory certification. • ASCP, ASCPi, AMT, or AAB – MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) within 1 Year
  • Basic Life Support (American Heart Assoc or Red Cross) within 90 Days

Benefit Overview

Fairview offers a generous benefit package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages, and more! Please follow this link foradditional information: https://www.fairview.org/careers/benefits/noncontract


Compensation Disclaimer
An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization prioritizes pay equity and considers internal team equity when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.
EEO Statement
EEO/Vet/Disabled: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any lawfully protected statusQualifications:$27.88- $39.36 HourlyEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About Fairview Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Fairview Health Services is an industry-leading, award-winning nonprofit that offers an entire network of healthcare services. Fairview is one part of M Health Fairview, a partnership between the University of Minnesota, M Physicians and Fairview Health Services. Together, we combine the University's deep history of clinical innovation and training with Fairview's extensive roots in community medicine. Our care portfolio includes community hospitals, academic hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, senior facilities, facilitated living centers, rehabilitation centers, home health care services, counseling, pharmacies and benefit management services.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1906