Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Halifax; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits package

Dental coverage

Travel insurance

Long-term disability

Pension plan

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority is seeking Medical Laboratory Assistants to support the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine team. You will perform pre- and post-analytical duties, handle specimens, perform data entry, and assist with preparation and sterilization.

Roles require flexibility for shifts, potential off-site work, and travel between sites. Strong communication, attention to detail, and accuracy are essential for high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or equivalent.
• CSMLS/CAMPLR examinations or equivalent.
• Licensure with NSRMLS.
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Manual dexterity for sharp instruments and small objects.
• Ability to number/label specimens and file slides/requisitions.
• Ability to adapt to updates in procedures.

Responsibilities

• Procure/receive/process specimens and assist in analytical workflow.
• Perform data entry and clerical duties.
• Prepare media/reagents/smears and assist with sterilization.
• Support supply management and troubleshooting.
• Provide customer service and interact with stakeholders.
• Travel to other sites as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Independent worker

Customer service

Education

MLA program or equivalent

CSMLS/CAMPLR exams

NSRMLS licensure

Professional liability insurance (PLI)

Job description

Req ID

• Req ID: 226200
• Location: Central Zone,
• Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 14
• Union: Healthcare Position
• Posting Closing Date: 28-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) or equivalent (as determined by NSRMLS)
• Licensure (Active) with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NSRMLS)
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)
• 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

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

Hours

• Three (3) permanent part time positions; 37.5 hours biweekly; Central Specimen Accessioning/Blood Collection- QEII
• One (1) permanent part time positions; 37.5 hours biweekly; St. Margarets Bay Blood Collection
• One (1) temporary full time position; 75 hours biweekly; 18 month term; Bayers Road Blood Collection
• One (1) temporary part time position; 60 hours biweekly; 12 month term; Clinical Laboratory, Dartmouth General
• Three (3) permanent part time positions; 37.5 hours biweekly, Clinical Laboratory, Dartmouth General
• One (1) permanent full time position; 75 hours biweekly; Bayers Road Blood Collection
• One (1) casual relief positions; no guaranteed hours; St. Margarets Bay Blood Collection
• Three (3) casual relief positions; no guaranteed hours; Central Specimen Accessioning/Blood Collection- QEII

Travel to other sites or throughout the province required. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

Compensation And Benefits

$25.64 - $30.61 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. (Permanent/Long Assignments Only)

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.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.

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.