Laboratory Assistant

Geisinger; Danville (PA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

401(k) with Geisinger contributions

Up to $5,000 tuition reimbursement per

Generous PTO

MyHealth Rewards wellness program

Adoption and fertility assistance

Care.com membership with backup care

Job summary

Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania seeks a Laboratory Assistant I/II to assess, access, and process patient specimens for testing. The role ensures accurate matching of orders and specimens, safe handling of infectious materials, and timely delivery to testing areas.

Ideal candidates have a HS diploma or GED, with preferred an associate/bachelor in clinical science or enrollment in related programs. ASCP MLA certification is advantageous, and the position includes multiple shifts within

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required for Lab Assistant I.
• Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical or related science field preferred.
• Enrollment with two semesters completed of related science studies acceptable.
• ASCP MLA certification recognized.

Responsibilities

• Assesses, accession, and processes patient specimens for testing.
• Safely handles potentially infectious materials per regulatory standards.
• Matches order information with specimen information for accuracy and safety.
• Delivers prepared specimens to testing areas in a timely manner.

Education

HS diploma or GED

Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical or related science field

Enrollment with minimum two semesters completed of an associate or bachelor’s degree in clinical or related science field

ASCP Certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant MLA

Job description

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine

• Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, body tissues, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens.
• Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
• Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
• Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling.
• Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Applies laboratory programs to store specimens and to locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
• Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
• Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate.
• Assists in the training and orientation of new employees.
• Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required.
• Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, specimen archives.
• Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems.
• Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, notifies supervisor when inventory is low.
• Completes departmental continuing education requirements.
• Successfully completes initial and periodic competency assessments for all assigned job functions.
• As appropriate, performs testing processes within scope of laboratory assistant duties. Completes related training and maintains competency to perform assigned testing processes.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Laboratory Assistant I - less than 1 year of experience; HS diploma or GED

Laboratory Assistant II – Minimum 1 year of experience or one of the following will be accepted in lieu of required experience:

Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical or related science fieldOR Enrollment with a minimum of at least two semesters completed of an associate or bachelor’s degree in clinical or related science field that includes introductory classes in biology or chemistryOR ASCP Certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC)

Full time

Days

7a-330p or 8a-430p, weekend and holiday rotations

Microbiology

• Benefit Highlights:
• Full benefits (health, dental and vision) starting on day one
• Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents
• Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
• Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly
• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive
• Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life and pet and legal insurance