Medical Laboratory Assistant - Office Assistant

Essentia Health; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentia Health seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant - Office Assistant to join the General Lab team at St. Josephs Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. The role includes collecting and processing specimens, performing waived tests, and assisting patients and staff with professionalism.

Preferred candidates may have ASCP certification, phlebotomy experience, and familiarity with medical terminology and basic computer skills. 0.8 FTE, day shift, on-site with potential remote/hybrid options.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or complete internal MLA 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

Phlebotomy

Medical terminology

Basic computer skills

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

ASCP certification (preferred)

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.

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: Yes
• Holidays: Yes
• Call Obligation: No
• Union: Union
• Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range

$17.63 - $26.45

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 Commitment

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/Affirmative Action Employer

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.

Post Offer Screenings

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.