What Is a Medical Lab Assistant and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a medical lab assistant, you typically work in a hospital or clinical/medical laboratory. This role is slightly different than a lab tech position in that you have less responsibility. As a lab assistant, it’s your job to assist technologists and technicians with lab tests. Depending on the specific position, your duties may include preparing specimens, managing their storage, and keeping track of the results. Other everyday tasks involve keeping the lab equipment clean, maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies, and placing orders as needed. You may also have administrative duties, like billing and filing.

To become a medical lab assistant, you need a high school diploma. Some employers prefer candidates who are certified and have gained the necessary experience for the job. In fact, some states require you to be certified. Most medical lab assistants gain certification through an accredited agency, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. Additional qualifications include excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a cohesive team. This career requires you to be very detail-oriented.