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Sputum Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum. * Deliver messages, documents and specimens ... Perform clerical duties such as processing documents and scheduling appointments. * Restrain ...

Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon ... process of breathing. Assumes primary responsibility for respiratory care treatments, including ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum. * Deliver messages, documents and specimens ... Perform clerical duties such as processing documents and scheduling appointments. * Restrain ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

Nursing Assistant (MHO)

South Bend, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Obtaining specimens as directed including urine, stool, hemoccult, gastroccult, sputum and nasal ... Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. * Complies with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sputum Processing information

See salary details

$34K

$101.7K

$166.5K

How much do sputum processing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for sputum processing in the United States is $101,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sputum Processing vs Microbiologist?

AspectSputum ProcessingMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in lab proceduresBachelor's or higher in microbiology or related field; often advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentClinical laboratories, hospitals, diagnostic labsResearch labs, hospitals, public health agencies
Employer & Industry UsageDiagnostic testing for respiratory diseasesStudying microorganisms, disease research, diagnostics

Sputum Processing involves preparing and analyzing sputum samples to detect respiratory pathogens, focusing on sample handling and basic lab techniques. Microbiologists have a broader role, including studying microorganisms, conducting research, and interpreting complex data. While both roles require lab skills, microbiologists typically have higher education and work on a wider range of microbiological tasks.

What is sputum processing?

Sputum processing refers to the laboratory procedures used to prepare and analyze sputum samples, which are mucus and other matter coughed up from the respiratory tract. This process is crucial for diagnosing respiratory infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other lung diseases. Sputum is collected from the patient, treated with specific chemicals to liquefy and decontaminate it, and then examined under a microscope or cultured to identify pathogens. Proper sputum processing ensures accurate test results and guides appropriate treatment.

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

A common challenge in sputum processing is ensuring specimen quality while maintaining safety and preventing cross-contamination. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to biosafety protocols, and thorough training in specimen handling are essential strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, clear communication with clinical staff helps address issues such as inadequate samples or labeling errors, ensuring accurate diagnostic results and smooth workflow in the laboratory environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sputum Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sputum Processing Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, biosafety practices, and a background in microbiology or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, specimen handling protocols, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accuracy and collaboration. These competencies ensure reliable diagnostic results, maintain laboratory safety standards, and support efficient workflow in clinical settings.
Infographic showing various Sputum Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,733 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

Assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Also measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is impaired function. Administers treatment prescribed by a physician for the care of patients with abnormalities associated with the process of breathing. Assumes primary responsibility for respiratory care treatments, including oversight of respiratory therapy technicians. Weekends/ holidays/emergency team as required.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC004811 ORBG - Respiratory Therapy/Eeg

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-27

Scheduled Weekly Hours

30

Work Shift

Nights (United States of America)

Job Description

Assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Also measures the lung capacity of a patient to determine if there is impaired function. Administers treatment prescribed by a physician for the care of patients with abnormalities associated with the process of breathing. Assumes primary responsibility for respiratory care treatments, including oversight of respiratory therapy technicians. Weekends/ holidays/emergency team as required.

Additional Job Description

Education: AAS in Respiratory Care from an AMA approved School of Respiratory Therapy.

Credentials: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners of S.C; Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required

Work Experience: 6 months to 2 years

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent) Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that can not assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous) Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent) Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous) (Selected Positions)

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees