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Specimen Collection Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Mission Hospital

LA Specimen Processor

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria * Demonstrates proficiency in venipunctures and/or finger sticks on ...

Mission Hospital

Complex Specimen Processor

Largo, FL · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection, storage, transportation, and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria * Assesses specimen requirements for testing and ...

Grand Strand Health

Complex Specimen Processor

Largo, FL · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection, storage, transportation, and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria * Assesses specimen requirements for testing and ...

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Specimen Collection information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen collector?

To thrive as a Specimen Collector, a strong understanding of specimen handling, collection techniques, and basic medical knowledge is essential, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and collection tools such as swabs and vacutainers is required. Attention to detail, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills help ensure accurate collection and a positive patient experience. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining sample integrity, ensuring patient safety, and supporting reliable laboratory testing.

How do I become a certified specimen collection specialist?

To become a certified specimen collection specialist, individuals typically need to complete a training program in specimen collection procedures and pass a certification exam, such as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or similar credential. Certification requirements vary by state or employer but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent and hands-on training in specimen collection techniques. Maintaining certification may require continuing education and periodic renewal.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in specimen collection, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in specimen collection often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or difficult patients, ensuring accurate labeling and documentation, and maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols. Managing these challenges requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to ongoing training in safety procedures. Building rapport with patients and staying organized can help minimize errors and make the collection process smoother and more efficient.

What is the difference between Specimen Collection vs Phlebotomist?

AspectSpecimen CollectionPhlebotomist
CertificationsOften requires training in specimen handling and safety protocolsTypically requires certification as a phlebotomy technician
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, laboratories, outpatient facilitiesHospitals, clinics, blood donation centers
Job RoleCollects various specimens (blood, urine, tissue) for testingPrimarily focuses on blood draws and venipuncture
Industry UsageUsed broadly across healthcare and diagnostic labsSpecialized role within laboratory and healthcare settings

While both roles involve specimen collection, a Specimen Collector may handle a variety of samples and work in diverse settings, whereas a Phlebotomist specializes mainly in blood draws and venipuncture, often requiring specific certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is specimen collection?

Specimen collection jobs involve obtaining samples such as blood, urine, saliva, or other bodily fluids from patients for laboratory testing and analysis. Professionals in these roles, often called specimen collectors or phlebotomists, ensure proper labeling, storage, and transportation of specimens to maintain sample integrity and patient safety. They follow strict protocols to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results, often working in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, or mobile collection sites.

What does a specimen collection do?

A specimen collection worker collects biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue from patients for laboratory testing. They follow proper procedures to ensure sample integrity and safety, often working in healthcare or laboratory environments. Certification and attention to detail are important in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Collection jobs in Florida? For Specimen Collection jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Collection jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Collection jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Specimen Collection jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Specimen Collection job openings:
Specimen Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Collection job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

LA Specimen Processor

Mission Hospital

Gainesville, FL • On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Mission Hospital (Asheville) rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

778th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital 6500 Newberry Road Gainesville, FL 32605
Do you want to join an organization that invests in you as a(an) Phlebotomist? At HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, you come first. HCA Healthcare has committed up to $300 million in programs to support our incredible team members over the course of three years.
Lab Assistant / Phlebotomist performs any three of the following non-technical functions under the supervision of the department supervisor, manager or director. They collect specimens, process specimens, submit and monitor specimens submitted to the referral laboratories and patient registration. Performs duties consistent with written procedures and regulatory requirements. Supports the department in achieving department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, healthy work environment, and integration of intra and inter-departmental activities.
What you will do in this role:
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria
  • Demonstrates proficiency in venipunctures and/or finger sticks on pediatric, neonatal, adults and geriatric patients 3. Demonstrates proficiency in heel sticks on infants (as patient population requires)
  • Utilizes supplies appropriately
  • Follows established procedures for patient identification and specimen collection-based test orders
  • Completes appropriate specimen collection documentation
  • Educates patient and/or family regarding specimen collection procedures prior to obtaining specimen
  • Uses computer information system relative to job functions
  • Responsible for clerical duties (i.e., faxing, phones, pneumatic tube system, reports)
  • Demonstrates ability to deal with priorities first and plans for completion of duties
  • Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending specimen collections/accessioning issues; takes action as appropriate
  • Receives laboratory specimens into the laboratory information system
  • Performs registration and order entry procedures, as requested, with accuracy, and in a timely manner
  • Labels specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and according to testing ordered
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria
  • Centrifuges and aliquots specimens appropriately, based on specimen type and tests ordered.
  • Prepares specimens to be ready for courier pick-up and includes special instructions as requested by physician orders
  • Discards laboratory specimens according to established schedule
  • Performs periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned
  • Collects chain-of-custody drug collections according to establish policy (as laboratory may require)
  • Keeps appropriate records/documentation relating to specimen problems and other problems encountered, takes corrective action as necessary to ensure validity and accuracy of testing
  • Cleans the area upon emergency spills of specimens
  • Assesses specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement and/or referral testing specimen or order entry issues.
  • Processes, sorts, and prepares specimens for submission to referral laboratories for testing in accordance with specimen requirements for tests ordered.
  • Regularly monitors and reviews the status of referred testing to assure that results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times.
  • Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending referral testing issues; takes action as appropriate
  • Communicates and troubleshoots any problem specimens in a timely manner.
What Qualifications you will need:
  • Ability to interact with co-workers in a team environment, promoting a harmonious and cooperative working environment.
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service practices in all interactions.
  • Effectively communicate with all personnel to exchange accurate and timely technical information.
  • May assist in communication to customers, floors, physicians regarding problem and/or pending specimens.
  • Requires 2 + years' experience performing registration, clerical duties, and sending out of specimen processing 6. Follows safety policies and procedures
  • Protects sensitive and confidential information by actively participating in the Privacy & Security Awareness program
  • Adheres to company policies and standards regarding security
  • Completes assigned courses and training on an annual basis
  • Available to work during disasters
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Vocational/Technical Degree Preferred
  • 1-3 years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
  • Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic or EMT certification preferred.
Benefits
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:
  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
  • Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
  • Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
  • Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
  • Additional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.
HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services is a full-service provider of clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, providing hospitals, physicians, and clients with timely diagnostic information for patient care. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital-based rapid-response laboratories present in four HCA Healthcare divisions in Florida. Our core laboratories support more than 250 acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers, and commercial accounts.
HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in costs for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.
"Good people beget good people."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder
We are a family 270,000 dedicated professionals! Our Talent Acquisition team is reviewing applications for our Phlebotomist opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your resume today to join our community of caring!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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