Medical Laboratory Assistant - Processing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible scheduling

Generous time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant at St. Marys Medical Center in Duluth, MN. This casual position involves varied shifts and responsibilities across pre- and post-analytical lab functions.

The role requires MLA program completion or an internal training pathway within one year of hire, plus preferred certs and specimen handling experience. Day/evening shifts and weekend work are included. Union affiliation noted.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program.

Responsibilities

• Support pre-analytical and post-analytical functions in Essentia Health Laboratories.
• Promote patient safety during specimen collection and processing.
• Perform waived lab testing following accreditation and licensure requirements.
• Collect specimens via venipuncture or capillary puncture and other specimens.
• Process and handle specimens to support clinical testing.
• Perform laboratory testing per accreditation and licensure requirements.
• Assist in training of new staff and students as appropriate.
• Adhere to Essentia Health policies to ensure safety and quality.

Skills

Phlebotomy

ASCP certification

Specimen preparation

Medical terminology

Computer skills

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant program

Internal MLA training within 1 year

Job description

Building Location:

Building B - St Marys Medical Center

Department:

2992010 GENERAL LAB - IL

Job 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 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:

• 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/CertificationQualifications:

FTE:

0

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:

Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

Day/Evening Rotation

Shift End Time:

Day/Evening Rotation

Weekends:

Yes

Holidays:

Yes

Call Obligation:

No

Union:

USWA Technical Workers SMMC (UTECH)

Union Posting Deadline:

07/2/2026

Compensation Range:

Compensation Range:

$19.57 - $29.02

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].