MEDICAL LAB ASSISTANT (FULL-TIME)

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center; Natchitoches, Northern (LA, KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant to provide professional laboratory services under supervision. The role covers chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology, with phlebotomy duties as needed. Strong attention to accuracy and documentation is essential.

The position reports to the Laboratory Manager or a Medical Technologist and requires a high school diploma and state licensure. Join NRMC’s Laboratory team committed to quality and patient care.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of lab procedures across hematology, chemistry, immunology/serology, and microbiology.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong reading, math, and technical comprehension skills.
• Flexible and able to prioritize multiple tasks for lab efficiency.
• Fluent English communication (reading/writing/speaking).
• Discretion handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical laboratory examinations on body fluids using automated methods.
• Conduct chemistry, immunology, and hematology tests and quality control.
• Oversee phlebotomists and trainees; maintain required documentation.
• Perform pre-analytical testing in microbiology and related studies.
• Assist in updating policies for specimen collection and handling.
• Operate LIS/HIS and document testing requests.
• Set up and maintain laboratory instrumentation and perform maintenance.

Skills

Lab procedures

Independent work

Problem solving

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Time management

LIS usage

HIS usage

Education

High School Diploma

State licensure as Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Tools

LIS

HIS

Job description

Job Type: Full-time
Location: Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
Department: LABORATORY

The Medical Laboratory Assistant provides professional clinical laboratory science services, including performance of clinical laboratory examinations, proficiency testing, quality control, instrument maintenance and validation, testing validation, testing management, and other functions toward the attainment of these goals under the direct supervision of a medical technologist. Areas of sample analysis are limited to moderate complexity testing platforms. This position oversees the work of phlebotomists and trainees. All work is performed under supervision by the Laboratory Manager or a Medical Technologist.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Performs clinical laboratory examinations on body fluids and exudates utilizing

quantitative, qualitative, or automated methods:

a) performs chemistry, immunology, and hematology tests (excluding manual differentials) to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease including proficiency testing, quality control, and validation studies(excluding compatibility testing and immunohematological clinical laboratory examinations)

b) performs microbiological clinical laboratory pre-analytical testing procedures and studies;

c) performs clinical laboratory examinations on patients of all ages

d) performs quality control checks and evaluates quality control data, completing documentation as required. Laboratory Assistant responsibilities may include phlebotomy duties, pre-analytical specimen processing, testing procedures, and receptionist/clerical duties.

2. Additional duties may include processing bacteriology specimens for referral and assisting in positive blood culture preliminary work-ups

3. assist in review and updating policies and procedures concerning specimen collections and handling

4. assist in data collection and review of quality control including IQCP plan assessments

5. miscellaneous duties as deemed appropriate and when assigned by supervisors or manager.

6. Sets up and adjusts laboratory instrumentation as required;

7. performs and completes defined equipment and instrument maintenance protocols

8. performs instrument setup prior to testing following the recommended manufacturer and

9. troubleshoots and resolves instrument malfunctions to assure real time availability of equipment

10. after training, operates any scientific instrument and performs any required procedure.

11. Performs test reporting of critical values and stat values

12. recognizes and resolves problem scenarios and handles difficult situations with little supervision

13. reviews departmental testing logs for completeness of testing requests communicates with medical professionals

14. recognizes and resolves out-of-control scenarios; receives written or electronic requests from physicians for routine or special laboratory tests

15. interacts with and uses laboratory information system (LIS) and/or hospital information system (HIS) computer functions as they relate to testing and reporting

16. performs clerical duties in any area of the laboratory for which appropriate training and competency has been demonstrated.

17. performs phlebotomy duties as warranted

18. performs therapeutic phlebotomies as warranted

19. performs inventory checks and restocks work area as needed

20. performs special projects and miscellaneous duties as deemed appropriate and when assigned by manager.

1. Knowledge of laboratory procedures in multiple departments to include hematology, chemistry, immunology/serology, and microbiology.

2. Ability to use problem solving skills in handling difficult situations without direct supervision.

3. Ability to work independently.

4. Good technical reading skills.

5. Ability to be flexible.

6. Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks for greatest laboratory efficiency.

7. Good organizational skills.

8. High degree of accuracy.

9. Knowledge and comprehension of medical and technical material.

10. Knowledge of basic computer operation and programs.

11. Good mathematical skills.

12. Good reasoning skills.

13. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate effectively in English.

14. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.

Requirements:

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma

2. State licensure as Clinical Laboratory Assistant.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. 2 years Clinical Laboratory experience preferred.

Although Natchitoches Regional Medical Center has earned many awards for quality and service, the greatest honor NRMC holds is the trust of our patients and their families. Record numbers of families across Natchitoches, Winn, and Sabine parishes are making NRMC their first choice for healthcare and choosing NRMC for their health journeys.

As a result, NRMC has become intricately woven into their life stories and family histories. Each day, they share stories of lifesaving care in the emergency room, surgery and medical units, as well as, the many joyful moments of recoveries and births. These remarkable moments are at the heart of all that NRMC Associates do. Our core purpose is and always will be to care for our community.

At NRMC, Associates, our Board, Physicians, and Volunteers are succeeding in creating a Zero Harm culture where everyone is positive, proactive, and accountable. NRMC is a learning organization where yesterday’s events and efforts serve as a baseline for today’s improvements; where people think about people and how best to serve; and where professionals acknowledge and address not only successes, but also any failures, so improvements are made each and every day.

In addition to offering competitive medical, dental, and vision plans for our associates, their spouse, and/or child(ren), NRMC offers other unique benefits such as:

• Health Insurance with 90% coverage when using NRMC services
• 50% off of medical bills from NRMC physician services
• Free generic prescriptions at our pharmacy
• Free and priority access to our Walk-In Clinic
• Health plan premium discounts with annual wellness compliance
• Employer paid long term disability and life insurance policy
• Flexible spending accounts (health care and dependent care)
• Medical Expense Reimburse Account (MERP)