Clinical Lab Assistant II at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant. In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting laboratory operations by performing various technical and clerical tasks to facilitate the analysis of patient specimens and ensure accurate and timely test results. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a commitment to quality and safety, and a passion for contributing to patient care through laboratory services. Key Responsibilities:

Receive, accession, and prepare patient specimens for analysis, including labeling, centrifugation, aliquoting, and distribution to appropriate laboratory sections or testing platforms. Assist with the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including calibration, quality control checks, and troubleshooting minor issues under the guidance of laboratory technologists or supervisors. Perform basic laboratory tests and procedures under direct supervision, following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines, to support clinical laboratory testing workflows. Prepare reagents, solutions, and media as needed for laboratory testing, ensuring accuracy, sterility, and proper storage conditions. Monitor inventory levels of laboratory supplies and reagents, and assist with ordering, receiving, and stocking materials to maintain adequate stock levels and support uninterrupted laboratory operations. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory work area, including benches, equipment, and storage areas, in compliance with regulatory standards and infection control protocols. Assist with data entry and documentation of laboratory test results, quality control data, and other pertinent information in laboratory information systems (LIS) or electronic health records (EHR) as required. Participate in proficiency testing, quality assurance, and quality improvement activities to ensure accuracy, precision, and reliability of laboratory test results. Follow established safety procedures and protocols, including proper handling and disposal of biohazardous materials, chemical substances, and sharps, to minimize risks to laboratory personnel and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Collaborate effectively with laboratory staff, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality, patient-centered laboratory services and support patient care initiatives.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $16.50-$23.92 per hour.

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.

• Minimum one-year experience as a Phlebotomist, 3 months experience as a clinical laboratory assistant or clinical laboratory assisting with a minimum of 6 months of on the job training
• Phlebotomist Certification preferred

• Basic Life Support (BLS) issued from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
• Competent in processing specimens safely and effectively within legal limits certifications and practice policies and procedures
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians
• Ability to use laboratory computer programs and able to type at least 25 WPM

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals, and specimens and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently per shift lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
• Frequently exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
• Frequently exposed to chemicals and reagents used in the processing of laboratory specimens

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.