Medical Laboratory Assistant - Office Assistant

essentiahealth; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant - Office Assistant to join St Josephs Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. You will collect, label, process, and prepare patient specimens for testing, and perform waived testing in a patient-facing lab setting.

The 0.8 FTE role includes day rotation with weekends and holidays. Eligible candidates include graduates of an MLA program or those completing internal training within 1 year, with preferred ASCP certification and basic computer skills.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant program or complete internal training within 1 year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Collect, label, process, and prepare patient specimens for testing or transport in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform waived laboratory testing while adhering to accreditation standards, state licensure requirements, and organizational policies.
• Greet and assist patients, providers, nursing staff, and other healthcare personnel in a professional and courteous manner.
• Answer and direct telephone calls and respond accurately to laboratory-related inquiries.
• Enter, verify, and maintain patient and specimen information in laboratory and electronic medical record systems.
• Order and process laboratory requisitions, including faxed and electronic orders.
• Maintain accurate records and support timely specimen tracking and result distribution.
• Prepare paperwork and documentation to support efficient laboratory workflow.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory supply inventory and work areas.
• Assist with patient scheduling, registration, and check-in as needed.
• Follow all safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and healthcare teams to ensure accurate communication and timely service.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Phlebotomy certification

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program diploma

Internal training program within 1 year of hire

Job description

Building Location:

St Josephs Medical Center

Department:

4002010 GENERAL LAB - SJMC

Job Description:

Essentia Health is searching for a Medical Laboratory Assistant - Office Assistant to join our team at St Josephs Medical Center in Brainerd, MN.

Education Qualifications:

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

OR

• 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

• Collect, label, process, and prepare patient specimens for testing or transport in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform waived laboratory testing while adhering to accreditation standards, state licensure requirements, and organizational policies.
• Greet and assist patients, providers, nursing staff, and other healthcare personnel in a professional and courteous manner.
• Answer and direct telephone calls and respond accurately to laboratory-related inquiries.
• Enter, verify, and maintain patient and specimen information in laboratory and electronic medical record systems.
• Order and process laboratory requisitions, including faxed and electronic orders.
• Maintain accurate records and support timely specimen tracking and result distribution.
• Prepare paperwork and documentation to support efficient laboratory workflow.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory supply inventory and work areas.
• Assist with patient scheduling, registration, and check-in as needed.
• Follow all safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and healthcare teams to ensure accurate communication and timely service.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a commitment to providing exceptional service to patients, providers, and laboratory staff.

Licensure/CertificationQualifications

FTE:

0.8

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:

Day Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

Days

Shift End Time:

Days

Weekends:

Yes

Holidays:

Yes

Call Obligation:

No

Union:

Union Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range:

$17.63 - $26.45Employee 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].