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Specimen Collection Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens ...

Showing results 41-60

Specimen Collection information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$16

$19

How much do specimen collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen collection in Illinois is $16.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Specimen Collection jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Specimen Collection job openings:
Infographic showing various Specimen Collection job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,398 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$26.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Memorial Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

452nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Min USD $17.14/Hr. Max USD $26.56/Hr. Overview Registers, orders, labels specimens with appropriate barcode labels and receives all lab specimens arriving at MMC Lab for both inpatient, outpatient, and outreach services. Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens compared to routine testing. Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems to ensure billing ins accurate and results are provided to the ordering provider. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values. Qualifications Education: • High school diploma or equivalent preferred Licensure/Certification/Registry: • Experience: • Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: • Strong organizational skills. • Basic communication skills required. • Knowledge of insurance policy numbers and diagnosis coding definitions helpful. • Knowledge of Medical Terminology. • Knowledge of laboratory test codes and testing requirements. • Demonstrate the ability to type and use a keypad. • Moderate physical effort. Responsibilities
  • Interprets, orders, and generates barcode labels from the Lab LIS system and applies labels to appropriate specimen tubes and collection containers. Must be able to interpret many different physician orders and requests to include over 1800 lab tests and select the appropriate orderable code in the Lab LIS system.
  • Removes biological specimens from biohazard bags including blood, urine, bone marrow, body fluids, and tissue specimens. Understand all different types of collection media, preservatives, and risks of exposure to infectious agents. Handles both infectious A and B substances with appropriate CDC, and IDPH guidelines. Ability to determine if specimen was collected in appropriate collection container and media. Understands steps to resolve collection issues to ensure patient testing is performed or recollected.
  • Receives all calls arriving in the laboratory from providers, clients, nurses, management, and patients. Logs calls in tracking software, answers all questions pertaining to phlebotomy draws, specimen collection, transport of specimens, provides lab results, supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to management or technical departments when necessary if unable to resolve all question
  • Correctly enters outpatient and non-patient demographic, insurance, and diagnosis information into the hospital registration system, answering all questions in each field and updating any information that is not current. Understands insurance policy numbers and carrier codes including client account versus patient insurance billing. Recognizes valid diagnosis codes and follows appropriate resolution on any noncompliant codes.
  • Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:
  • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do. I take action to ensure the safety of others.
  • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect. I project a professional image and positive attitude.
  • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.
  • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.
  • Monitors the printing of physician reports for inpatients and outpatients. Separates lab reports for delivery to the correct ordering provider or client site to ensure providers receive lab results in a timely manner.
  • Communicates requests for specimen collection to phlebotomists in a timely and appropriate manner. Works closely with phlebotomy staff and managers to organize and facilitate inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy requests.
  • Inputs all faxed orders into the lab orders database, questioning any illegible order, calls physician's office with clarification of test order and patient demographics and order request (standing or one time). Follows all instructions on provider order including, add on testing and testing cancelations. Understands how to handle a verbal order request from a provider and documents correctly.
  • Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist is dispatched when clinician is ready to perform procedure.
  • Processes all slide and block requests for internal and external consultations, including preparing appropriate paperwork, requesting material, pathologist review and sign off, shipping, and material returns.
  • Assists with the preparation of slides and blocks for sendout testing.
  • Contribute to departmental operations by performing other related duties as may be required and/or assigned.
  • Monitors the laboratory computer system operations menu to ensure all operations are running and respond to the appropriate prompts to print daily reports. Notify appropriate computer operations staff concerning exceptions.
  • Maintains and scans patient records according to government regulations and accreditation guidelines.
  • Ensures that professional and personal activities conform to Memorial Medical Center strategic plan and philosophy regarding the Guest Relation Program.
  • Performs other related work as required or requested.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

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