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Specimen Collection Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Phlebotomist II

Shenandoah, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Clearly and courteously explain venipuncture and other specimen collection procedures to patients to help reduce anxiety and ensure understanding. * Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen ...

Actalent

Phlebotomist I

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Clearly and courteously explain venipuncture and other specimen collection procedures to patients, ensuring comfort and understanding. * Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes and ...

Actalent

Phlebotomist II

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Clearly and courteously explain venipuncture and other specimen collection procedures to patients to ensure understanding and comfort. * Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes and ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Phlebotomist II

Katy, TX · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly needles. * Fully understand all ...

Actalent

Phlebotomist II

Houston, TX

$18 - $20/hr

Explain the venipuncture and specimen collection process clearly and courteously to patients, ensuring they understand what to expect. * Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes to ensure ...

PathGroup

Patient Services Technician

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Properly explains in a clear but courteous manner the process of the venipuncture (blood drawing) and or other specimen collection (ex. urine or fecal) as required. Reduces patient anxiety by ...

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How much do specimen collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen collection in Houston, TX is $16.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 offered by a recognized certifying organization, such as the National Healthcareer Association or the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Certification demonstrates competence in proper collection techniques, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, and may require ongoing education to maintain certification status.

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 Houston, TX?

For Specimen Collection jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Specimen Collection jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Specimen Collection jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Specimen Collection jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Specimen Collection job openings:

Specimen Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Collection job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,899 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Houston, TX • On-site

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospitalexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

This full time position typically works five, 8-hour shifts per week, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend shifts primarily during daytime and evening hours, plus must be flexible to occasionally work night shift as needed for coverage.
At Houston Methodist, the Lead Specimen Collector/Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) position is responsible for the oversight and operational performance of specimen collection or processing sites at designated facility/ clinic(s), ensuring daily operations are carried out in an efficient, safe, systematic and reproducible manner. This position must assess potential improvements for flow when it is warranted. The Lead Specimen Collector/MLA position requires the ability to foster a team environment and should emphasize the need for all Houston Methodist staff to work together effectively and efficiently. This position is responsible for ensuring the sites are adequately staffed and troubleshoots patient care or technical issues as they arise. This position will train employees to perform all necessary functions to maintain the operation of the collection or processing sites and performs the role of Specimen Collector or MLA, as needed. The Lead Specimen Collector/MLA position involves reporting of data, appropriate escalation of issues, communication and focus on patient, visitors and employee's safety and satisfaction.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
  • Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas, which include but are not limited to: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotomist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE
  • Four years of related experience which must include data entry and specimen collection or handling
  • Previous experience leading a team preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology
  • Knowledge of donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the importance of infection control principles and best practices
  • Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic
  • Ability to adapt to change and manage multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
  • Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to show empathy and interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress
  • Critical thinking and sound judgment to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
  • Ability to consistently deliver excellent customer service
  • Strong training, leadership and mentoring skills
  • Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate multiple computer systems to include Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication and customer service skills, assisting in their development of such skills.
  • Orients, guides and mentors team members to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Assists in interviewing and hiring of new staff.
  • Organizes work schedules and ensures the collection or processing sites are adequately staffed.
  • Functions as the liaison with employees, patients, and visitors at the collection or processing sites.
  • Identifies trends and opportunities for improvement with employee engagement. Leads initiatives to improve employee participation and satisfaction.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Acts as the point-person and resource for collection or processing site needs, issues, etc. Performs functions of Specimen Collector or MLA, as needed. Performs various Laboratory Information System functions.
  • Follows established procedure for collecting and handling biological specimens; handles samples expediently. Performs special collections/procedures as directed and according to competency and policies/procedures.
  • Anticipates the needs of the patient population.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Performs interactive patient ID as needed. Identifies patient and labels specimen correctly 100% of the time using two patient identifiers as needed. Accurately processes, organizes, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing.
  • Recognizes and initiates action to resolve specimen labeling discrepancies. Recognizes problems, investigates the cause, takes remedial action, or escalates to management for follow-up.
  • Maintains a safe environment, following all policies and procedures for safety and infection control, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Provides leadership to staff on efficient utilization of time according to budgetary guidelines. Reviews team member’s time cards for accuracy and management approval.
  • Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently. Participates in inventory management by taking action to ensure supply levels are adequate.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
  • Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and activities. Follows up on action items to ensure completion of assignments.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: Yes
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
  • Must have a clinical education or training in one of the following areas, which include but are not limited to: Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA), Nursing Assistant, Nursing student, Graduate Nurse, Phlebotomist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

EXPERIENCE
  • Four years of related experience which must include data entry and specimen collection or handling
  • Previous experience leading a team preferred

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. We are committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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