Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Travel insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Pension plan

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to support Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in pre- and post-analytical testing. Responsibilities include specimen procurement, processing, data entry, and clerical duties with a focus on accuracy and safety.

The role requires CSMLS/CAMPLR registration, NSRMLS licensure, and strong communication skills. Some travel and rotation across shifts may be required; on-site work at Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Qualifications

• Recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or equivalent (as determined by NSRMLS).
• CSMLS/CAMPLR examinations completed with current CSMLS registration.
• Licensure with NSRMLS in Nova Scotia.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-analytical testing tasks, including specimen handling and processing.
• Data entry and specimen numbering/labeling accuracy and filing of slides/requisitions.
• Supply management, troubleshooting and customer service activities as needed.
• Adhere to safety and infection prevention procedures and dress code policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Basic computer skills

Meditech experience

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program

CSMLS/CAMPLR registration

NSRMLS licensure

Tools

Meditech

Job description

Req ID: 226146

Location: Eastern Zone, Cape Breton Regional Hospital

Department: OPEZ PLM Str Lab Business Case Specialty

Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 1

Union: UNIFOR Healthcare Position

Posting Closing Date: 17-Sep-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 full-time position; 75 hours biweekly

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.

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.