Medical Laboratory Assistant - Laboratory Services

Nova Scotia Health Authority; Waterford; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Travel benefits

Defined benefit pension

Job summary

Nova Scotia Health Authority invites applicants for the Medical Laboratory Assistant position in the Western Zone, Digby General Hospital. The MLA will support PLM by handling specimens, data entry, and preparing reagents, with potential off-site or LTC rotations as needed.

Candidates should have an MLA program or equivalent, CSMLS/CAMPLR certification with CSMLS registration, and NSRMLS licensure, plus strong communication and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Recognition of Medical Laboratory Assistant program or equivalent as determined by NSRMLS.
• CSMLS/CAMPLR examinations passed and CSMLS registration current.
• Licensure with NSRMLS as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-analytical testing tasks including specimen handling, data entry, reagent preparation, and loading specimens on analyzers.
• Maintain safety and infection prevention protocols and ensure accurate patient identification.

Skills

Communication

Medical terminology

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Accuracy

Procedural updates

Meditech familiarity

Transportation access

Multilingual (French)

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program or equivalent

CSMLS/CAMPLR examinations and CSMLS registration

NSRMLS licensure

Tools

Meditech

Job description

Location: Western Zone, Digby General Hospital

Department: OPWZ PLM Laboratory Services Digby

Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly PT (50%) x 1

Union: CUPE Healthcare Position

Posting Closing Date: 21-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

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) 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

Hours

• Permanent part-time position; 37.5 hours biweekly

Compensation And Benefits

$25.63 - $30.60 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.