Medical Laboratory Assistant 1 - Specimen Control

Government of Northwest Territories; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health authority in Yellowknife is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant 1 to support patient care at Stanton Territorial Hospital. This role involves collecting, processing, and distributing laboratory samples, maintaining patient records, and working with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Successful applicants will need certification and registration with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science, as well as strong attention to detail and effective communication skills. This position offers the chance to work in a dynamic clinical setting.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Accreditation Canada–recognised Medical Laboratory Assistant Program.
• Certification and active registration with CSMLS.
• Proof of immunization in accordance with public health practices.
• Completion of required certifications like WHMIS and Infection Control.
• Criminal records check is required.

Responsibilities

• Collect blood samples from patients of all ages.
• Conduct ECGs and prepare specimens for analysis.
• Maintain accurate patient records using lab information systems.
• Support quality assurance activities.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and inventory.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Adaptability

Prioritization

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant Program certificate

Certification from CSMLS

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant 1 - Specimen Control

Department: Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) offers challenging and exciting careers in health and social services delivery and administration in Canada’s North. The Territorial Authority has service locations in communities across the territory and a staff of more than 1,600 serving over 43,000 residents of the NWT and 5,900 residents of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut.

Job Information

Build your healthcare career in Yellowknife, where meaningful work meets a unique northern lifestyle. Join the team at Stanton Territorial Hospital (STH) and play an important role in supporting patient care across the Northwest Territories.

The Medical Laboratory Assistant 1 (MLA1) plays an important role in supporting patient care at Stanton Territorial Hospital (STH) in Yellowknife. As part of the laboratory team, the MLA1 is responsible for collecting, processing, and distributing laboratory samples, ensuring accurate and timely results are available to healthcare providers across the Northwest Territories. Working within established policies and procedures, this role directly contributes to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment that supports hospitals, health centres, and clinics throughout the territory.

In this role, you will perform a range of duties including blood collection for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients, conducting ECGs, preparing and packaging specimens for analysis and transport, and performing routine point of care testing. You will also maintain accurate patient records using laboratory information systems, support quality assurance activities, and assist with equipment maintenance and inventory. Strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritize tasks, and a commitment to confidentiality and safe work practices are essential.

The MLA1 works closely with a multidisciplinary healthcare team and is expected to provide respectful, culturally safe care in all interactions. This position involves direct patient contact in a dynamic clinical setting, requiring adaptability, professionalism, and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

• Completion of an Accreditation Canada–recognised Medical Laboratory Assistant Program at a minimum of a certificate level.
• Certification and active registration with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) as a Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant.
• Proof of immunization in accordance with current public health practices.
• Completion of required certifications (e.g., WHMIS, Infection Control, Cultural Awareness, etc.).
• Criminal records check (highly sensitive position).