Medical Laboratory Assistant

Essentia Health; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentia Health’s Virginia Clinic in Virginia, MN seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant to support pre- and post-analytic functions in our laboratories. The MLA will collect specimens, process samples, and perform waived testing under accreditation and licensure standards.

The ideal candidate will have MLA program completion, internal training within 12 months, and may hold ASCP certification. Valid driver’s license and familiarity with medical terminology are preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program.
• Completes an internal Medical Laboratory Assistant training program within 1 year of hire.

Responsibilities

• The Medical Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing tasks to support pre-analytical and post-analytical functions within Essentia Health Laboratories.
• The MLA will promote patient safety while performing specimen collection and processing.
• This position will also perform waived lab testing following standards of accreditation agencies and state licensure requirements.
• Collect specimens through venipuncture or capillary skin puncture and other miscellaneous specimens (Urine, swabs, etc.)
• Perform specimen processing and handling according to testing requirements to support clinical laboratory testing
• Perform laboratory testing, when applicable, per accreditation and licensure requirements
• Participate in training of new employees, students, and other personnel as appropriate
• Follow Essentia Health rules and policies while handling specimens and equipment to ensure safety and quality

Skills

Phlebotomy

Specimen collection

Laboratory testing

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program

Internal MLA training program within 1 year of hire

Tools

ASCP certification

Laboratory instrumentation basics

Job description

Building Location: Virginia Clinic Department: 2322010 GENERAL LAB - VIR CLIN Job Description: Essentia Health is searching for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our team at our Virginia Clinic in Virginia, MN. Become part of Essentia's accomplished team where our mission guides us every day: We are called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. This calling resonates deeply for our caregivers and our colleagues working behind the scenes, who all bring high-quality, compassionate care to the patients we are privileged to serve.

Education Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program
• Completes an internal Medical Laboratory Assistant training program within 1 year of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Assistant American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification
• Recent specimen preparation and processing experience
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operators’ license
• Knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills

Key Responsibilities

• The Medical Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing tasks to support pre-analytical and post-analytical functions within Essentia Health Laboratories.
• The MLA will promote patient safety while performing specimen collection and processing.
• This position will also perform waived lab testing following standards of accreditation agencies and state licensure requirements.
• Collect specimens through venipuncture or capillary skin puncture and other miscellaneous specimens (Urine, swabs, etc.)
• Perform specimen processing and handling according to testing requirements to support clinical laboratory testing
• Perform laboratory testing, when applicable, per accreditation and licensure requirements
• Participate in training of new employees, students, and other personnel as appropriate
• Follow Essentia Health rules and policies while handling specimens and equipment to ensure safety and quality

Licensure/Certification Qualifications

• FTE: 0.8
• Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
• Shift Rotation: Day Rotation (United States of America)
• Shift Start Time: Days
• Shift End Time: Days
• Weekends: No
• Holidays: No
• Call Obligation: No
• Union: DC AFSCME Local 3454 Virg Clinic (DCAVA) Union
• Posting Deadline: 09/16/2026
• Compensation Range: $18.39 - $24.37

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health

At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at [phone].

Essentia Health seeks employees who embrace our commitment to patient- and family-centered care in communities both large and small.

We’re looking for people who are committed to making patients and their families feel known and understood. People who understand what it means to be Here with you. People who are willing to use their strengths to help others.

Our Values

Quality | Hospitality | Respect | Joy | Justice | Stewardship | Teamwork

Equal Opportunity / Affindicative Action Statement

Essentia Health is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. Essentia Health does not discriminate in employment because of age, color, creed, culture, disability (physical or mental), ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, language, local Human Rights Commission activity, national origin, military service, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or public assistance status. Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of post-offer screenings. Screenings includes verification of your legal right to work in the United States, a health screening and immunization review, verification of applicable licensure, certifications, education, and experience, and background checks including criminal, urine drug screen and MVR where required.