Laboratory Assistant Technical
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : San Augustine, TX, 75972
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 16.83-23.77 HOUR
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary / Purpose
Primarily works in the lab technical departments. Assists with technical procedures within regulatory guidelines. Assists with telephone calls and other departmental clerical duties. If allowed by local and state regulations, may perform CLIA-waived and moderate complex testing as necessary for the dept organization. May also perform phlebotomy support.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Practices positive patient identification at all times, in all job functions. Receives and prepares various specimens for analysis. Properly labels and aliquots.
- Performs department specimen intake, processing and organization for the technical testing area.
- Performs department support functions, ie culture plating, histology staining, specimen loading on instruments depending upon department needs and organization.
- Reviews pending test lists to assist with department turnaround time.
- Assists in solving problems, investigates specimen issues and customer inquiries. Provides information regarding specimen and testing status as appropriate.
- Monitors and stocks department supplies and reagents. Logs reagents and supplies, following department protocols.
- Performs and documents calibrations linearity, and/or instrument comparisons under the direction of medical technologist/technician.
- Performs routine equipment maintenance and maintains records. Displays competency operating, trouble-shooting and maintaining equipment.
- May perform phlebotomy. Follows blood collection procedures, performs venous and capillary punctures on all age groups of inpatient and outpatient populations, including blood bank collections. Utilizes appropriate collection techniques to obtain quality samples and adheres to appropriate volume requirements.
- As allowed by local and state regulations, may perform CLIA waived and moderately complex laboratory testing following written technical policies and procedures. Evaluates and releases test results under the direction of a Clinical Lab Scientist. Evaluates result validity considering quality control results, instrument performance, specimen integrity and prior patient results.
Job Requirements
Required Education and Experience:
High School Diploma/GED
Preferred Certifications:
Phlebotomy program certificate
Lab Assistant Program certification
Preferred Experience:
6 months experience in an acute care facility
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training:
Excellent customer service and time management skills
Where You'll WorkCHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial paves the way for quality, innovative health care in East Texas and provides more than a quarter of a million patient services each year. With hospitals in Lufkin, Livingston, and San Augustine, CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial provides millions of dollars in charity care and community support each year.
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Frequently asked questions
San Augustine's healthcare sector is gradually increasing its need for laboratory technical assistants, especially in hospital settings like Catholic Health Initiatives. With growing patient volumes, this role is becoming more essential, reflecting opportunities for steady employment in local clinical labs and diagnostic departments.
Certifications such as phlebotomy and lab assistant program certificates are highly valued in East Texas. These credentials enhance credibility and compliance with local regulations, making candidates stand out for positions in facilities like CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial and similar regional healthcare providers.
Effective laboratory technical assistants excel in specimen handling, equipment maintenance, and time management, alongside strong communication skills. Mastery in specimen processing and troubleshooting testing issues under supervision also differentiates top performers in clinical lab environments.
Daily tasks often include specimen reception and preparation, assisting with lab tests, maintaining instruments, and managing inventory. They support technical procedures and handle clerical duties, ensuring smooth workflow in diagnostic labs, particularly in hospitals serving diverse patient populations.
At Catholic Health Initiatives in San Augustine, the role integrates patient interaction, specimen management, and adherence to strict regulatory standards within a community-focused healthcare system. The position also emphasizes teamwork and community service, reflecting CHI’s commitment to compassionate care.
Challenges include managing high specimen volumes across multiple departments, ensuring compliance with CLIA regulations, and supporting both inpatient and outpatient services. The role demands adaptability to varied testing procedures and the ability to troubleshoot equipment promptly to maintain lab efficiency.
Laboratory technical assistants in San Augustine typically earn between $32,000 and $42,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This aligns with regional healthcare pay scales for entry to mid-level lab support roles, reflecting local cost of living and healthcare industry standards.
Terminology varies by region and employer; 'assistant lab technician' often surfaces in searches due to broader recognition or alternative job titles used by some facilities. This diversity in phrasing helps job seekers capture more listings and better match their skills with available roles.
Yes, starting as a Laboratory Technical Assistant can lead to roles like medical technologist or laboratory specialist. Gaining certifications and experience in acute care environments, especially within organizations like Catholic Health Initiatives, supports career advancement in clinical diagnostics.
Local healthcare culture in San Augustine emphasizes patient-centered care and community support, influencing laboratory assistants to prioritize accuracy and compassion. CHI’s values foster a collaborative environment where technical roles contribute directly to improving regional health outcomes.