Laboratory Assistant
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Northridge, CA, 91328
Job Type : Part Time
Salary : 27.78-33.22 HOUR
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Northridge Hospital Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lab Assistant to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting our laboratory staff and ensuring the smooth operation of our laboratory. The lab assistant must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care relative to the patient's age-specific needs. This position will be required to work in the Emergency Room and will play a critical role in the Emergency Room schedule.
- Assist with specimen processing, including labeling, centrifuging, and aliquoting.
- Prepare reagents and solutions according to established protocols.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies to ensure cleanliness and proper functioning.
- Perform routine lab tasks such as washing glassware, sterilizing instruments, and preparing culture media.
- Assist with data entry and record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety protocols.
This position is represented by SEIU-UHW and is covered by the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma/GED required.
- One (1) year of laboratory clerical and/or phlebotomy experience in an acute care facility is required.
- Must know medical terminology
- Phlebotomy training must meet the needs of newborns through geriatric populations.
- California Phlebotomy Technician License (CPT) required.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification (AHA BLS) is required.
- Fire Safety Card must be obtained within 90 days of the hire date required.
Founded in 1955, Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit community hospital located in Northridge, California. The hospital offers a full complement of award winning services, including the Leavey Cancer Center, a cardiovascular center, stroke center, the Center for Assault Treatment Services, a pediatric medical center, and the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley. As a leading provider of compassionate, high-quality and affordable patient-centered care, we share a rich legacy with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. We are part of a 21-state network of nearly 9,000 physicians, 62,000 employees and more than 400 care centers. Visit here dignityhealth.org/northridgehospital for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
In Northridge's fast-paced ER environment, a Laboratory Assistant must efficiently label and process specimens under pressure while maintaining accuracy. Handling urgent samples requires strong organizational skills and familiarity with acute care protocols to support timely diagnostics at Catholic Health Initiatives.
Beyond the mandatory California Phlebotomy Technician License and AHA Basic Life Support certification, employers at Catholic Health Initiatives appreciate candidates with updated fire safety training and familiarity with medical terminology, ensuring compliance and patient safety within their laboratory teams.
Laboratory Assistants generally focus on specimen handling, reagent preparation, and equipment upkeep, whereas Laboratory Associates might engage more deeply in data analysis or specialized testing. Assistants ensure smooth lab operations, particularly in hospitals, by supporting technical staff and maintaining compliance.
Northridge’s hospital labs, including Catholic Health Initiatives, often deal with diverse patient populations and a high volume of emergency cases, requiring assistants to adapt quickly. Local regulations and collective bargaining agreements also shape working conditions distinctively.
Starting as a Laboratory Assistant in Northridge offers pathways into specialized clinical roles or supervisory positions within hospital labs. Gaining certifications like CPT and BLS boosts advancement prospects, while experience in emergency room settings adds valuable expertise.
Northridge's healthcare sector maintains steady demand for certified Laboratory Assistants due to its extensive hospital network. Competition varies, but possessing California CPT licensure and ER experience at places like Catholic Health Initiatives can significantly improve job prospects.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes patient-centered care and requires assistants to support emergency room operations, reflecting a dynamic environment. Their focus on collective bargaining and comprehensive training fosters a collaborative culture unique to this healthcare system.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, Laboratory Assistants are vital links between clinical staff and lab technologists, ensuring specimen integrity and accurate data entry. Their involvement in emergency room schedules highlights the trust placed in them to maintain seamless lab workflows.
Laboratory Assistants in Northridge generally earn between $38,000 and $48,000 annually, influenced by certifications like the California CPT license and experience in acute care settings. Catholic Health Initiatives likely offers competitive wages within this range reflecting regional healthcare standards.
Success as a Laboratory Assistant here requires precise specimen handling, knowledge of medical terminology, and proficiency in phlebotomy across all age groups. Attention to safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and accurate data management are also critical within this acute care facility.