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Reference Lab Jobs in Little Rock, AR (NOW HIRING)

PTCOA Consulting LLC

Lab Technician I

Little Rock, AR

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Description SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES The position of Lab Technician I is responsible for ... Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference ...

Titan Medical (Nebraska)

Travel Cath Lab Tech

Benton, AR · On-site

$2.5K - $2.7K/wk

That includes developing your résumé, skills checklist and references. Travel Cath Lab Tech Weekly Gross Pay: $2556 - $2756 Location: Benton, AR, United States Start date: 08-17-2026 Assignment ...

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All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Little Rock, AR

Reference Lab information

See Little Rock, AR salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Little Rock, AR is $24.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $26.73 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 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 performs specialized diagnostic testing for healthcare providers, often handling complex or high-volume tests that are sent from other laboratories or clinics. They use advanced equipment and follow strict quality standards to ensure accurate results, which are critical for diagnosis and treatment planning.

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.
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Little Rock, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,371 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist I- PRN- Reference Lab

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR • On-site

$33.76/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

336th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students".
All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).
If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.


Closing Date:

09/04/2026
Type of Position:Clinical Staff - Medical Ancillary Support
Job Type:Temporary (Fixed Term)

Work Shift:
Shift Vary (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No
Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences


The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

  • Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
  • Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
  • Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
  • Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
  • Career Training and Educational Opportunities
  • Merchant Discounts
  • Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click theApply link/button.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at askrecruitment@uams.edu.


Department:ICE | LPSL CPATH Reference Lab


Department's Website:


Summary of Job Duties:This position sends out specimens to referral laboratories according to hospital and laboratory policies and in accordance with state and federal regulations. This position will also verify appropriate orders have been submitted and enter results from referral laboratories into the laboratory information system. This position will assist with inventory, quality control, and other laboratory duties as assigned.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences OR an approved ASCP discipline (30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the Bachelor's).

  • ASCP certification must be obtained within one year of employment.


Additional Information:

Responsibilities:

  • Performs testing of patient samples, interprets, reviews, and prepares patient test results for review by the Supervisor and/or Medical Director.

  • Maintains all aspects of quality control and quality assurance, assesses for acceptability, and takes corrective action as required.

  • Performs function checks on analyzers, lab equipment and automation equipment.

  • Completes machine maintenance, calibrations, and troubleshoots problems as required. Works with service representatives as needed to facilitate instrument repairs.

  • Interacts with staff from various departments to coordinate the proper acquisition, testing, and reporting of patient test results.

  • Conducts inventory counts on assigned areas, restocks supplies as needed, reports supplies to be ordered, and stores received supplies per storage requirements and regulations.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Salary Information:

$33.76 per hour


Required Documents to Apply:

List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)


Optional Documents:

License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), Proof of Veteran Status
Special Instructions to Applicants:


Recruitment Contact Information:

Please contact askrecruitment@uams.edufor any recruiting relatedquestions.


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.


Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Annual TB Screening, Criminal Background Check


This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.


Constant Physical Activity:Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Frequent Physical Activity:Reaching
Occasional Physical Activity:Crouching, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing
Benefits Eligible:No

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