Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Sydney; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant in Sydney, Cape Breton. The role involves specimen processing and requires licensure and a medical lab assistant program. Candidates should have strong communication skills and attention to detail. Compensation ranges from $24.97 to $29.72 per hour, and successful applicants may be eligible for health benefits. The position promotes diversity and encourages qualified applicants to self-identify. Closing date for applications is December 19, 2025.

Benefits

Health and dental insurance

Travel insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Qualifications

• Candidates must have current registration with CSMLS.
• Access to reliable transportation as travel may be required.
• Ability to accurately number/label specimens and file slides/requisitions.

Responsibilities

• Perform specimen procurement/receipt/processing.
• Ensure positive patient identification and accurate specimen handling.
• Comply with safety and infection control procedures.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Manual dexterity to handle sharp instruments

Ability to adapt to operating procedures

Competencies in other languages

Education

Recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

Licensure with Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologist

Tools

Meditech experience

Job description

About The Opportunity

Under the direction of Management (or designator), 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 NSCMLT)
• 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 College of Medical Laboratory Technologist (NSCMLT)
• 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.

Hours

• Permanent, Part-Time / 60% / 45 hours Bi-Weekly

Compensation And Benefits

$24.97 - $29.72

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.

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. Employees are encouraged to view their seniority hours and dates in their SuccessFactors online profile. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units, or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

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.

Location

Eastern Zone, Cape Breton Regional Hospital

Posting Closing Date

19-Dec-25