Medical Laboratory Assistant

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Town of Digby; On-site; CAD 34,426,000 - 41,101,000; Part time

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority is hiring a Medical Laboratory Assistant for the Western Zone, Digby General Hospital. The role supports PLM by performing pre- and post-analytical tasks, including specimen handling, data entry, and clerical duties.

The MLA may work rotating shifts, weekends, or holidays and may travel to LTC facilities or communities as required. The ideal candidate holds an MLA program, CSMLS registration, NSRMLS licensure, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Recognized MLA program or equivalent with NSRMLS registration.
• CSMLS/CAMPLR exams completed with CSMLS registration.
• Licensure with NSRMLS is current.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology.
• High attention to detail in specimen handling.
• Manual dexterity for handling sharp instruments.
• Ability to perform procedures accurately.
• Accurate labeling/numbering of specimens.
• Adaptable to updated procedures and workflows.
• Basic computer skills; Meditech experience preferred.
• Reliable transportation may be required.
• Additional language skills (French) are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Specimen procurement/receipt/processing and data entry.
• Media/reagent preparation and processing steps.
• Sterilization and clerical duties as needed.
• Loading specimens on analyzers and quality checks.
• Supply management and basic troubleshooting.
• Customer service and stakeholder interaction.

Skills

CSMLS registration

NSRMLS licensure

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Meditech experience

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program or equivalent

Tools

Meditech

Job description

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Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

Req ID: 227215
Location: Western Zone, Digby General Hospital
Department: OPWZ PLM Laboratory Services Digby
Type of Employment: PermanentHourly PT (50%) x 1
Union: CUPEHealthcarePosition
Posting Closing Date: 21-Oct-26

About the Opportunity

Under the direction of Management (or designate), the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) works in collaboration with and supports all members of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PLM) by performing various functions relating to the pre and post-analytical phases of testing. These functions can include: specimen procurement/receipt/processing, data entry, media/reagent/smear preparation, sterilization, clerical duties, and loading specimens on an analyzer. Additional responsibilities may include: supply management, troubleshooting, and customer service activities.
Positive patient identification and accurate specimen handling are essential to the job. Duties vary based on the operational requirements of the laboratory site/division/area/community in which the MLA is employed. The MLA may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and/or holidays, work off-site including long term care (LTC) facilities, communities or private homes dependent on the need. The MLA may also be required to interact with various stakeholders and clients. Incumbents must adhere to all applicable NSH/PLM policies and procedures. Strict adherence to safety and infection prevention and control procedures is required. MLAs must be able to work independently, use good judgment, maintain a professional appearance (adhering to dress code policy) and demonstrate excellent customer service.

About You

• Recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or equivalent (as determined by NSRMLS)
• Candidates must have successfully completed the Medical Laboratory Assistant examinations of the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)/Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professional Regulators (CAMPLR) and have current registration with CSMLS.
• Licensure with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NSRMLS)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology.
• Strong attention to detail
• Manual dexterity to handle sharp instruments and small objects.
• Must be able to perform procedures with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to accurately number/label specimens and file slides/requisitions
• Ability to adapt to updates/changes in operating procedures
• Basic computer skills, Meditech experience is preferred
• Access to reliable transportation as travel may be required
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Permanent part-time position; 37.5 hours biweekly

Compensation and Benefits

$25.63 - $30.60 Hourly
Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning. Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself. At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.

Job Segment: Medical Lab, Pathology, Data Entry, Infection Control, Clerical, Healthcare, Administrative