ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Reference Lab Jobs in Saint Paul, MN (NOW HIRING)

Talencia

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Blaine, MN · On-site

$23.66 - $33/hr

Prepares and packages samples for reference lab. * Stocks, rotates, and requests supplies as needed. * Performs waived/moderate lab tests per policy for diagnosis, treatment, and quality checks.

Mercy

Medical Technologist I -PRN

Anoka, MN · On-site

Evening, Night, Holiday, Weekend Main/Reference Lab Department Minimum Qualifications Education: Associate's degree. Certifications: MLT or MLS certification or obtained within 6 months of hire OR ...

American Family Care

Medical Assistant

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

American Family Care

Medical Assistant .5 FTE

MN · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Saint Paul, MN

Reference Lab information

See Saint Paul, MN salary details

$9

$25

$45

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Saint Paul, MN is $25.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $28.22 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 Saint Paul, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,114 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Talencia

Blaine, MN • On-site

$23.66 - $33/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Medical Laboratory Technician
Facility: North Memorial Health Clinic - Blaine
Address: 4181 108th Ave, Blaine, MN 55449
Contract: Permanent
Shift: Day - 8 hours 
Hourly Range: $23.66 - $33.00 (Based on years of experience in actual role title)
 

As a Laboratory Technician, you will be responsible for the collection and processing of customer specimens and the performance and evaluation of a range of clinical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of customer treatment.  Customers may include infants, children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Collects and processes specimens using universal precautions, safety protocols, and established procedures.
  • Assesses and reacts effectively to unique customer needs.
  • Troubleshoots specimen/test order issues, documents problems, and applies corrective action.
  • Performs computer data entry and receipt of specimens.
  • Prepares and packages samples for reference lab.
  • Stocks, rotates, and requests supplies as needed.
  • Performs waived/moderate lab tests per policy for diagnosis, treatment, and quality checks.
  • Identifies and documents test errors with corrective actions.
  • Analyzes results considering patient-specific factors.
  • Validates, documents, and reports results per procedures.
  • Performs and documents instrument maintenance.
  • Conducts quality control and verifies results.
  • Troubleshoots instrument issues and contacts service as needed.
  • Maintains competency through annual testing and assessments.
  • Maintains lab orderliness and cleanliness.
  • Accepts additional duties supporting organizational goals.
  • Follows North Memorial's Code of Conduct.
  • Respects privacy and accesses information only as required.
  • Reports concerns via proper channels.