Lab Assistant - Specimen Management

PeaceHealth; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA is hiring a Lab Assistant in Specimen Management. This full-time, day-shift role supports laboratory testing by collecting, labeling, and preparing specimens, and by ensuring accurate data entry and timely distribution within the LIS workflow.

You will help maintain specimen integrity, coordinate with caregivers across the hospital, and assist with waived testing and processing steps, contributing to timely patient care and a positive patient

Qualifications

• WA MA-Phlebotomy Certification required at hire or within 180 days.
• MA-C license at hire is acceptable alternative.
• Ability to communicate professionally with patients and healthcare teams.
• Strong organization and accuracy in fast-paced settings.
• Ability to learn and use laboratory information systems.

Responsibilities

• Collect, label, and prepare specimens for testing.
• Receive, sort, process, package, and distribute specimens.
• Enter patient and test orders into LIS accurately.
• Maintain specimen quality and integrity throughout testing.
• Deliver and retrieve materials following safety standards.
• Answer calls and provide specimen requirements guidance.
• Prepare documentation and complete processing steps.
• Perform waived testing as assigned and follow procedures.
• Collaborate with lab professionals to support patient care.
• Provide clear information and compassionate service to patients.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Independent work with guidance

Laboratory information systems

Education

WA Medical Assistant – Phlebotomy Certification

MA-C license or equivalent

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Lab Assistant - Specimen Management

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center | Vancouver, WA
Full Time | 1.00 FTE | Day Shift
Pay Range: $22.61 - $33.94 per hour

The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement. There may be more than one opening on this posting.

Help patients get answers that matter.

Behind every lab specimen is a person waiting for clarity, treatment, reassurance, or a next step in their care. If you're looking for a role where your attention to detail directly impacts patient outcomes, this is an opportunity to be a trusted and valued part of the healthcare team at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

Why PeaceHealth? Why Now?

• Your work has a direct impact. The specimens you collect, process, and manage help clinicians make critical care decisions every day.
• Be more than a number. Join a collaborative laboratory team where your contributions are visible, appreciated, and essential to patient care.
• Variety keeps the day moving. You'll interact with patients, coordinate with caregivers across the hospital, and support a wide range of laboratory operations.
• Grow your healthcare career. Gain hands-on experience in a respected healthcare organization with opportunities for learning, development, and advancement.
• Join a mission-driven team. At PeaceHealth, we believe every role contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.

What You'll Do

As a Lab Assistant in Specimen Management, you'll help ensure laboratory testing starts accurately, efficiently, and safely.

You will:

• Collect, label, and prepare specimens for laboratory testing.
• Receive, sort, process, package, and distribute specimens to the appropriate testing areas.
• Enter patient and test order information accurately into laboratory information systems.
• Help maintain specimen quality and integrity throughout the testing process.
• Deliver and retrieve laboratory materials while following safety and regulatory standards.
• Answer calls from patients, providers, and caregivers and provide guidance regarding specimen requirements and laboratory services.
• Support laboratory operations by preparing documentation and completing required processing steps.
• Perform waived testing as assigned and follow established procedures when results require additional attention.
• Work closely with laboratory professionals and other caregivers to support timely patient care.
• Help create a positive experience for patients by providing clear information, professionalism, and compassionate service.

What You'll Bring

Required

• WA State: Medical Assistant – Phlebotomy Certification is either required at the time of hire or the application must be submitted within 14 days of hire with the active credential in place within 180 days of hire. Medical Assistant (MA-C) license, current at hire is an acceptable alternative.
• Ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to stay organized and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to learn and utilize laboratory information systems and department procedures.

Preferred

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous laboratory, healthcare, specimen processing, or patient-care experience.

Nice to Have

We know the best candidates don't always meet every preferred qualification. If you're dependable, detail-oriented, enjoy helping people, and are excited about healthcare, we'd encourage you to apply even if your background looks a little different.

At PeaceHealth, we value potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn just as much as previous experience.

Why You'll Love Living and Working in Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver offers the perfect balance of career opportunity and Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Enjoy access to miles of trails, rivers, parks, local dining, farmers markets, and outdoor recreation, all while being minutes from Portland and a short drive from the mountains, coast, and Columbia River Gorge.

Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, exploring local coffee shops, or spending time with family and friends, Vancouver provides an exceptional quality of life and a welcoming community.

Our Culture at PeaceHealth

At PeaceHealth, our caregivers are united by a shared commitment to serving others with compassion, respect, and excellence. We believe healthcare is strongest when people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute.

You'll join a supportive team environment where collaboration matters, leaders are accessible, and your work is connected to a larger mission of improving the health of our communities.

Comprehensive Benefits

PeaceHealth is committed to supporting the physical, emotional, financial, social, and spiritual wellbeing of our caregivers. Benefits for eligible caregivers include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and matching opportunities
• Generous paid time off
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Wellness programs and resources
• Expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health benefits
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Frequent reaching, grasping, and fine motor tasks.
• Occasional bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
• Exposure to biohazardous materials, body fluids, airborne particles, and laboratory chemicals.
• Work performed in a healthcare and hospital environment.
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information in person, by phone, and electronically.

PeaceHealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusivity, respect for diversity, and cultural humility. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

See how PeaceHealth is committed to Inclusivity, Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility.