Medical Laboratory Assistant - Processing

Essentia Health; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant for St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

The role offers casual hours with shifts that vary, and requires MLA program completion or an internal training within 1 year of hire. Preferred qualifications include phlebotomy or ASCP certification, recent specimen preparation experience, a valid driver’s license, and knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or complete internal MLA training within 1 year of hire.
• ASCP certification is preferred.
• Experience with specimen preparation and processing is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-analytical and post-analytical processes in Essentia Health Laboratories.
• Collect specimens via venipuncture or capillary puncture, ensuring patient safety.
• Process specimens and prepare them for testing according to testing requirements.
• Perform waived lab tests following accreditation and licensure standards.
• Assist in training new staff, students, and other personnel.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Medical terminology

Basic computer skills

Education

MLA program

ASCP certification

Tools

Job description

Building Location:Building B - St Marys Medical CenterDepartment:2992010 GENERAL LAB - ILJob Description:Essentia Health is searching for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our team at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN. This position is casual hours and shifts can vary.Education Qualifications:Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant ProgramORCompletes an internal Medical Laboratory Assistant training program within 1 year of hirePreferred Qualifications:Phlebotomy or Medical Laboratory Assistant American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certificationRecent specimen preparation and processing experiencePossession of a valid motor vehicle operators’ licenseKnowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skillsKey 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 testingPerform laboratory testing, when applicable, per accreditation and licensure requirementsParticipate in training of new employees, students, and other personnel as appropriateFollow Essentia Health rules and policies while handling specimens and equipment to ensure safety and qualityLicensure/Certification Qualifications:FTE:0Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:Shift Rotation:Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America)Shift Start Time:Day/Evening RotationShift End Time:Day/Evening RotationWeekends:YesHolidays:YesCall Obligation:NoUnion:USWA Technical Workers SMMC (UTECH)Union Posting Deadline:07/2/2026Compensation Range:$19.57 - $29.02Employee 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].