Lab Assistant

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Barrie; Hybrid; CAD 47,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, ON seeks a part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pre-analytic to support pre-analytic processes in the Pathology & Laboratory department. The role involves assisting in setup, specimen handling and preliminary testing, with a focus on accuracy and patient safety.

The position requires MLA/MLPAO certification, knowledge of medical terminology, and phlebotomy experience.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.
• Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification from Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential.
• Phlebotomy collection experience with patients in a variety of health care conditions essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Medical Laboratory Technologist in setting up testing/tasks in assigned area using safety procedures.
• Receive, sort and process specimens; prepare, handle and dispense reagents, media and solutions.
• Prepare specimens referred out to other sites; perform report handling and related clerical duties.
• Assist with inventory and supply control.
• Assist with pipette calibration.
• Organize workload to ensure efficient lab operation with cost awareness.
• Perform procedures as outlined in manuals for specific functions.
• Maintain quality assurance and equipment in the lab area.

Skills

Medical terminology knowledge

Phlebotomy experience

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Grade XII or equivalent

MLPAO certification

Tools

Meditech

LIS

MS Office

Job description

Job Title

Program & Department

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre -> Pathology & Laboratory -> Lab Bacteriology

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Full / Part Time

Part-Time

Temporary End Date (Anticipated)

Union

OPSEU

Requisition Close Date

13 October 2026

Salary Plan / Job Grade

$34.32 - $39.24 ( OP_03 )

Job Posting Reason

Current Vacancy

Job Summary & Requirements

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pre-analytic

By providing exceptional service, the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) supports the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) strategic plan and MY CARE philosophy which includes the:

Vision – Making Each Life Better. Together.

Mission – Exceptional Care is Our Passion. Safety is Our Promise

Values – Team Up. Be Kind. Do Great Things. Inspire Trust. Be Bold.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• assisting the Medical Laboratory Technologist in setting up testing/tasks in assigned area using accepted safety procedures, e.g., urine analyzer maintenance and quality controls, urinalysis, rapid testing set-up, and Group A Strep antigen, and planting positive blood cultures.
• receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines; preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, media and solutions, as required.
• preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites, performing report handling and other associated clerical duties.
• assisting in inventory and supply control.
• assisting with pipette calibration.
• organizing workload among technical team to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory demonstrating financial accountability for time, resources and supplies
• performing laboratory procedures as outlined in the procedure manuals for discipline - specific functions.
• ensuring the maintenance of quality assurance and equipment within assigned area of the laboratory.
• maintaining an inventory management system for the efficient utilization and distribution of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• maintaining a system for detecting, documenting and reporting discrepancies/errors and taking appropriate action(s) as required.
• reading and signing off on new and/or revised procedures, protocols and performance standards in collaboration.
• providing feedback to the appropriate leadership for improvements or corrections for policies and procedures
• liaising with other Laboratory and RVH staff, external laboratories, hospitals and physicians’ offices
• participating in initial and refresher training for new and current staff
• participating in staff and patient experience and feedback initiatives, professional development, teaching/ educational activities, safety and quality improvement programs to ensure excellence in the provision of services.
• observing and understanding RVH and departmental policies and procedures, adhering to RVH and departmental mission and vision statements while maintaining patient confidentiality; performing other related duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned, requested, or required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics program preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies within the field.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at a time in a cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
• Demonstrated excellent conflict resolution and change management skills.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification from Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) required.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum one (1) year recent (within 3 years) laboratory experience in a pre-analytic role preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential
• General knowledge of all areas of the laboratory preferred
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices of laboratories procedures, automated instruments/equipment and special techniques preferred
• Working knowledge of ACCREDITATION CANADA - DIAGNOSTICS requirements
• Meditech and LIS knowledge and experience an asset
• Phlebotomy collection experience with patients in a variety of health care conditions essential

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION

Membership and participation in other relevant professional organizations an asset.

Equity & Inclusion

RVH is committed to recruitment and selection practices anchored in principles of equity and inclusion that contribute to an anti-oppressive, respectful, and culturally safe workplace.

We invite applications from individuals who belong to groups that have been historically marginalized on the grounds identified by the Ontario Human Right Code, including but not limited to race, disability, age, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, family or marital status, and status as a First Nation, Métis, or Inuk person.

Accommodations

RVH is dedicated to ensuring every applicant has a fair and equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout our recruitment and selection process. We are continuously working to create an accessible, barrier-free process, and recognize each applicant’s needs are different.

We encourage applicants with a disability or circumstance that could be supported with an accommodation to contact People Recruitment at [e-mail].

RVH does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.

To learn about how RVH is taking steps to create and sustain an equitable, inclusive, accessible and culturally-safe environment, please visit: https://www.rvh.on.ca/about-rvh/equity-inclusion/