MLA - Casual

Essentia Health; Kentucky; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life, anddisb

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible scheduling

Generous time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant for Ashland, WI. The MLA will support pre- and post-analytical tasks, promote patient safety in specimen collection, and perform waived testing per licensure requirements.

Responsibilities include specimen collection, processing, and assisting in training new staff, with day rotation and a focus on safety and quality in the laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate from Medical Laboratory Assistant Program.
• Completes an internal Medical Laboratory Assistant training within 1 year of hire.
• Phlebotomy or MLA ASCP certification preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Phlebotomy

Specimen collection

Laboratory experience

Education

Medical Laboratory Assistant Program graduate

Internal MLA training within 1 year of hire

Tools

ASCP certification

Job description

Building Location:

Ashland Clinic

Department:

2242010 GENERAL LAB - ASH

Job Description:

Essentia Health is searching for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our team at Ashland, WI Location. Become part of Essentia’s accomplished team where our mission guides us every day: We are called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. This calling resonates deeply for our caregivers and our colleagues working behind the scenes, who all bring high-quality, compassionate care to the patients we are privileged to serve.

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.

If Working in Pathology area:
This role will work in the Pathology office within the Laboratory Department performing a variety of administrative tasks to support the assigned clinical function. Additional tasks in preforming general work in the Laboratory Department may also occur.

Education Qualifications:

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

Educational Requirements:

• 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

Licensure/CertificationQualifications:

FTE:

0

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:

Day Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

Varies

Shift End Time:

Varies

Weekends:

Holidays:

No

Call Obligation:

No

Union:

DC USWA Ashland (DCUAS)

Union Posting Deadline:

09/7/2026

Compensation Range:

$18.06 - $26.31

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].