Laboratory Assistant
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Long Beach, CA
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 27.78-33.22 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks that lead to a high level of customer satisfaction in the most cost-effective manner with respect and dignity. Under the direction of the Director of Laboratory Services and Laboratory Supervisor or other designated CLS licensed personnel, the Laboratory Assistant is assigned the responsibility of various duties associated with clinical laboratory functions which are technical and clerical in nature such as answering telephones, charting, computer housekeeping. This position will be responsible for preliminary specimen processing prior to analysis and for accurate input of specimen collection information into the Laboratory Information System.
Additionally, the Laboratory Assistant may be responsible for accurately admitting outpatients into the Hospital Information System and for the distribution and delivery of patient reports. Special emphasis will be placed to ensure that specimens received in the laboratory are processed promptly and delivered to the appropriate departments for analysis. The Laboratory Assistant will demonstrate excellent communication skills when interacting with patients, nursing staff, physicians, physicians' office staff and laboratory personnel. The employee will assist the supervisor in checking bills from the reference laboratories and outside vendors. This position may be assigned responsibility of blood specimen collection for the clinical laboratory using proper and approved techniques for either venipuncture or capillary methods.
Job Requirements
- One year laboratory clerical and/or phlebotomy experience in an acute care facility.
- High School diploma or equivalency.
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
- Phlebotomy training must meet needs of newborn through geriatric populations.
- California Phlebotomy Certificate required for blood collection.
- Current CPR Certificate is required for employees that draw blood and have patient contact.
Founded in 1923, Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center is a 389-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Long Beach, California. Serving over 50,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II Trauma Center, Level III NICU, heart care, and orthopedics.
Additionally, St. Mary Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and was named as a 2024-2025 High Performing Hospital for Heart Attacks by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/stmarymedical for more information.
CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
In Long Beach, California, a valid California phlebotomy certificate is essential for Laboratory Assistants involved in blood collection. Additionally, maintaining a current CPR certification is often required, especially if patient interaction and venipuncture are part of the responsibilities.
Catholic Health Initiatives, part of CommonSpirit Health, attracts many applicants due to its reputation and comprehensive care network. The Long Beach area has moderate competition for Laboratory Assistant roles, with a preference for candidates holding phlebotomy certification and acute care experience.
Daily tasks involve specimen processing, data entry into laboratory information systems, patient specimen collection, and communication with healthcare staff. Balancing clerical duties with technical responsibilities ensures smooth laboratory operations and timely delivery of patient results.
Starting as a Laboratory Assistant offers exposure to clinical lab processes and phlebotomy skills, which can pave the way toward becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician or Technologist. Gaining certifications and experience in specialized areas enhances advancement opportunities.
While prior training is expected, Catholic Health Initiatives supports ongoing professional development, including compliance with clinical standards and updates on laboratory technologies, fostering a learning environment for Laboratory Assistants.
Laboratory Assistants in Long Beach typically earn between $38,000 and $48,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Catholic Health Initiatives offers competitive compensation aligned with regional healthcare market standards.
Catholic Health Initiatives integrates a community-focused approach emphasizing compassionate care and inclusivity, including recognition as an LGBTQ+ healthcare equality leader, which shapes a unique workplace culture for Laboratory Assistants.
High patient volumes and urgent specimen processing demands require Laboratory Assistants to maintain accuracy under pressure. Strong organizational skills and effective communication with clinical teams are crucial to manage workflow efficiently.
Computer literacy is vital for tasks such as specimen data entry and managing laboratory information systems. Proficiency ensures accuracy in patient records and timely communication across departments, which is critical in a hospital setting.
Long Beach traffic patterns and proximity to major freeways influence commute times. Prospective employees often evaluate public transit options and parking availability when considering a Laboratory Assistant role in this location.