Laboratory Assistant -GMC - Full time - Days

Geisinger; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider seeks a Laboratory Assistant to assess and process patient specimens. The successful candidate will ensure accuracy and safety while maintaining logs and managing inquiries. This entry-level position offers a competitive salary and full benefits starting on day one, fostering a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Full benefits (health, dental, vision) starting on day one

401(k) plan with automatic contributions

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Laboratory Assistant I - less than 1 year of experience.
• Laboratory Assistant II - minimum 1 year of experience or equivalent education.
• ASCP Certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) accepted.

Responsibilities

• Processes patient specimens in preparation for testing.
• Handles potentially infectious specimens according to standards.
• Prepares specimens for testing by centrifugation and aliquoting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor degree in clinical or related field

ASCP Certification as Medical Laboratory Assistant

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.
• 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.
• Successfully completes initial and periodic competency assessments for all assigned job functions.

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.

Starting hours vary from 5am-10am, rotational weekends and holidays required.

Educational and other requirements:

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 chemistry
• OR 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 cares about not only its patients and members but also about you and your family. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to ensure that you and your loved ones can maintain good health, achieve financial stability, and excel both personally and professionally. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees can be their authentic selves. To learn more: https://jobs.geisinger.org/diversity

Benefits of working at Geisinger:

• 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) anda health savings account (HSA)
• 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