Medical Laboratory Assistant - Outreach

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

Job summary

Essentia Health in Brainerd, MN is seeking an Outreach Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to perform offsite phlebotomy and basic lab work for community clients who cannot travel to a clinic. The role supports multiple care settings, including nursing facilities and hospitals outside Essentia Health.

You will collect specimens by venipuncture or skin puncture, assist with pre- and post-analytical tasks, and help train new staff while adhering to safety, licensure, and accreditation standards.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytical and post-analytical tasks in Essentia Health Laboratories.
• Collect specimens by venipuncture or capillary skin puncture and other miscellaneous specimens.
• Promote patient safety while performing specimen collection and handling.
• Perform waived laboratory testing following accreditation and licensure requirements.
• Participate in training of new employees, students and other personnel as appropriate.
• Adhere to Essentia Health policies and safety guidelines when handling specimens and equipment.

Skills

ASCP certification

Medical terminology

Basic computer skills

Valid driver’s license

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program

Internal MLA training within 1 year of hire

Job description

Job Description

The Outreach MLA position provides phlebotomy and laboratory services through offsite specimen collection. This service supports community clients whose residents are unable to travel to a clinic, including non Essentia Health hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care settings.

Building Location

St Josephs Medical Center

Department

4002040 PHLEBOTOMY - SJMC

Job Description

The Outreach MLA position provides phlebotomy and laboratory services through offsite specimen collection. This service supports community clients whose residents are unable to travel to a clinic, including non Essentia Health hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care settings.

Education Qualifications

OR

• 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

0.6

Shift Rotation

Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time

Day/Eve Rotation

Shift End Time

Day/Eve Rotation

Weekends

No

Holidays

Yes

Call Obligation

No

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].