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Specimen Processing Jobs in Vancouver, WA (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Processor I

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

LabCorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in Portland, OR. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday with possible rotating weekends ...

Specimen Processor I

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

LabCorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in Portland, OR. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with possible rotating weekends every ...

Specimen Processor I

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

LabCorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Processing and Accessioning team in Portland, OR. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 3rd Shift: 10pm - 6:30am Weekend ...

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Specimen Processing information

See Vancouver, WA salary details

$14

$18

$23

How much do specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing in Vancouver, WA is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is specimen processing?

Specimen processing refers to the preparation, labeling, and organization of biological samples—such as blood, urine, or tissue—collected for laboratory analysis. Professionals in this role receive, verify, and log specimens, ensure they are correctly identified, and prepare them for testing or transport. This process is critical for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring accurate laboratory results. Specimen processors may also handle basic data entry and follow strict safety and quality protocols to prevent contamination.

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

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode labeling, and specimen handling procedures is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, time management, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen identification, timely processing, and support overall laboratory efficiency and patient safety.

What are some common challenges faced in a specimen processing role, and how can they be managed?

Specimen Processing professionals often handle a high volume of samples and must adhere to strict protocols to ensure accuracy and prevent contamination. Common challenges include managing time effectively during peak hours, maintaining attention to detail when labeling and documenting specimens, and communicating clearly with laboratory staff to resolve discrepancies. Staying organized, following standard operating procedures, and utilizing checklists can help manage these challenges and maintain the quality of work.

What is the difference between Specimen Processing vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen ProcessingLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification varies by specialty
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, clinicsLaboratories, hospitals, research facilities
Job FocusPreparing and labeling specimens for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining equipment
Common UsageSpecimen handling and preparationConducting laboratory tests and procedures

While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Specimen Processing primarily involves preparing and handling samples for testing, whereas Laboratory Technicians perform the actual testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the healthcare and laboratory industry.

How do you become a specimen processing?

To become a specimen processing technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue post-secondary training or certification in laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, and familiarity with specimen handling and processing tools. On-the-job training is common, and some roles may require certification from professional organizations.

What are the duties of a specimen processing?

A specimen processing technician is responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory analysis. They follow strict safety and quality protocols, operate laboratory equipment, and ensure proper storage and documentation of specimens to support accurate testing results.

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processing jobs in Vancouver, WA?

For Specimen Processing jobs in Vancouver, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Specimen Processing jobs in Vancouver, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Specimen Processing jobs in Vancouver, WA are:

What cities near Vancouver, WA are hiring for Specimen Processing jobs?

Cities near Vancouver, WA with the most Specimen Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Specimen Processing job openings in Vancouver, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,235 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Specimen Processing Specialist

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$25.38 - $34.35/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
OHSU is Oregon's only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health - and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland's largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.
The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for patient care activities in the laboratory by
performing data entry, billing, client services, sample processing, resulting, filing, and laboratory procedures. The major duty is to prepare patient specimens for laboratory testing, which includes determining specimen acceptability, answering telephone inquires, and multi-tasking while working quickly and accurately. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which will best serve the clients of the department, OHSU, and outside the organization.
Function/Duties of Position
Specimen receipt and processing
  • Loads specimens onto automation line for processing.
  • Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers.
  • Accurately measures specimens, records volumes, and determines if sample quality and quantity is sufficient for testing.
  • Directs samples to technologists and testing areas either manually or using the automation lines, or stores samples for future testing.
  • Makes slides for staining.
  • Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work is received.
  • Determines acceptability of specimens received and calls ward or physician to clarify orders or advise of unacceptable samples.

Performs data entry for samples received for testing
  • Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions, labels.
  • Performs computer entry in Epic HIS system.
  • Handles and processes samples for many labs on and off campus.
  • Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers.
  • Is responsible to see that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner.

Coordinates and prepares samples to be shipped to outside labs for patient care and drug study testing
  • Enters test requests into dedicated referral lab computer.
  • Fills out paperwork carefully and thoroughly to ensure accurate testing.
  • Packs infectious shipping samples per IATA standards.
  • Utilizes electronic systems provided by referral labs to transmit orders

Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses, plus one year of college math or computer courses OR
  • High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience OR
  • High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant Training program including clinical lab experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Two years in a clinical laboratory including sample receipt, sample processing, customer service, multi-line phone use.
  • Training or experience demonstrating proficiency with healthcare/lab information systems.

Additional Details
Positions in the laboratory and environments may require working flexible schedules including nights
weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887