Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Travel insurance

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Defined benefit pension

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant for the Western Zone at Valley Regional Hospital. The MLA will support PLM with pre- and post-analytical testing tasks, specimen handling, data entry, and clerical duties across rotating shifts, including possible off-site work.

Qualifications include an MLT program or NSRMLS-determined equivalence, CSMLS/CAMPLR exams or NSRMLS equivalence, active NSRMLS licensure, and PLI.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated program in Medical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent.
• CSMLS/CAMPLR exams or NSRMLS-determined equivalent.
• Active NSRMLS licensure required.
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI).
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Accurate specimen numbering/labeling and filing.

Responsibilities

• Specimen procurement, receipt and processing.
• Data entry and clerical duties.
• Media and reagent preparation.
• Sterilization and handling of specimens.
• Loading specimens on analyzers and QA support.
• Supply management and troubleshooting as needed.
• Customer service and stakeholder interactions.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comms

Strong attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Adapt to procedures updates

Basic medical terminology

Education

Recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or equivalent

CSMLS/CAMPLR certification/exams

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

Req ID: 228407
Location: Western Zone, Valley Regional Hospital
Department: OPWZ PLM Lab Specimen Procurement AVH
Type of Employment: PermanentHourly FT (100%) x 1
Union: CUPEHealthcarePosition
Posting Closing Date: 3-Nov-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

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• 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

• Permanent full-time position; 75 hours biweekly

Compensation and Benefits

$25.64 - $30.61 hourly

$31.68 hourly with 25 years' service with employer

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.