Pathology Lab Assistant

CommonSpirit Health; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

CommonSpirit Health is seeking a Pathology Technical Lab Assistant in Tennessee. This full-time role supports the Anatomic Pathology department with specimen setup, supply management, and instrument handling to ensure accurate diagnostics. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for daily operations.

You will prepare specimens, manage laboratory supplies, and assist with instrument maintenance, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of pathology workflows.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 6 months clinical laboratory experience required.
• Demonstrated organizational and detail-oriented abilities to support pathology operations.

Responsibilities

• Interprets provider lab requests and determines specimen requirements; correctly labels patient samples.
• Performs duties with accuracy per Laboratory policies.
• Records gross descriptions of cytology specimens and selects specimen preparation methods.
• Maintains quality control records.
• Prevents cross contamination between specimens.
• Manages department workflow to meet turnaround time goals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Specimen handling

Education

High School Graduate

GED General Studies

Job description

Job Summary And Responsibilities

Full Time: Days

As our Pathology Technical Lab Assistant, you will assist the Anatomic Pathology department with a diverse range of tasks involved in specimen setup, supply management, and instrument handling. Your contributions will be fundamental to the smooth functioning of our lab.

Every day, you will meticulously prepare specimens for analysis, manage and organize laboratory supplies to ensure continuous operation, and assist with instrument maintenance and readiness. You will provide other crucial services that support the efficient and effective operation of the entire pathology department, directly contributing to accurate diagnostic processes.

To be successful in this role, you will possess a high degree of organization, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting laboratory operations. Your ability to effectively manage supplies, prepare specimens, and maintain instrument readiness will be essential in ensuring the pathology department operates with optimal efficiency and supports precise diagnostic work.

• Correctly interprets provider laboratory requests and determines specimen requirements. Correctly labels and identifies patient samples submitted to the pathology lab.
• Performs duties assigned with accuracy and precision, meeting the standards of the Laboratory policies.
• Records gross descriptions of cytology specimens and selects appropriate specimen preparation methods for the type of specimen received.
• Maintains quality control records.
• Follows all protocols established to prevent cross contamination between specimens.
• Takes responsibility for the department workflow and expected turnaround time goals.

Job Requirements

Required

• High School Graduate General Studies and 6 months clinical laboratory experience , upon hire or
• High School GED General Studies and 6 months clinical laboratory experience , upon hire and
• None, upon hire

Preferred

• Associates Other in biological or chemical science, upon hire

Where You'll Work

CommonSpirit Memorial is an award-winning, not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization dedicated to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care, from preventative and primary care to acute hospital services specializing in cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and orthopedic services. Our commitment to excellence has earned us top prestigious recognition repeatedly from U.S. News and World Report, PINC AI, CMS, Healthgrades, Leapfrog, and most recently as one of the Best Places to Work in Tennessee. We are proud to serve Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with the expertise of 4,700 employees and nearly 500 affiliated physicians.

Pay Range

$17.67 - $24.96 /hour