Laboratory Assistant

Job Description

UP Health System Marquette

Lab Assistant (MLA)-General Laboratory

This is a USW Union Position

Schedule: .8 FTE 32hrs/ Varied Shifts

Your experience matters

UPHS Marquette is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Medical Laboratory Assistant joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

How you'll contribute

A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) who excels in this role:

• Review providers' orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.
• Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to all collections.
• Obtain blood specimens via venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick; collect urine, throat, and nasal specimens per policy.
• Label specimens with at least two identifiers plus date/time and collector initials; ensure specimen integrity and proper handling/transport.
• Perform chain-of-custody urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol testing per policy.
• Coordinate therapeutic drug-monitoring collections with nursing to align dose and draw time.
• Resolve unusual/unclear test orders by contacting the ordering provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference lab; escalate unresolved issues to the supervisor.
• Process specimens and distribute to appropriate internal lab sections or ship to reference laboratories according to policy.
• Maintain par levels and assist with weekly departmental inventory of supplies.
• Participate in performance improvement and required education; perform other duties as assigned.

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits : Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO : Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth : Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being : Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development : Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Valid Drivers License
• Basic Life Support Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)
• Basic math, interpretive and analytical skills are required.
• Information collection and management, attention to detail, along with the ability to work under pressure are required in this position.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

More about UP Health System Marquette:


People are our passion and purpose. Come work where you are appreciated for who you are not just what you can do. UPHS - Marquette is a 222 bed hospital and houses the region's only Level II Trauma Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We also provide outreach with programs like annual health and safety fairs, health screenings for the entire family and more to keep our community healthy!


Where We Are:
In Marquette our fascinating history, rural landscape, abundant recreational opportunities, and welcoming people make the Upper Peninsula someplace special. From a thriving culinary scene to charming shops to historic lighthouses and museums, there is something for everyone in this beautiful lakeside gem.


EEOC Statement

"UP Health System Marquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. UPHS Marquette is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."