Our In Demand Career Spotlight Series will focus on careers in the medical and dental industries where demand for skilled workers outpaces supply. At ACI Medical & Dental School, you can be certified for these in demand careers in just four months, with the hands-on training, skills and credentials you’ll need for your new career.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the Medical Lab Assistant position.
What Does a Medical Lab Assistant Do?
A Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) is a healthcare professional who plays a supportive role in medical laboratories, working under the supervision of lab technologists, technicians, or pathologists. They handle various essential tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the lab, particularly in collecting, processing, and handling samples for diagnostic testing. They have a vital role in maintaining efficiency and quality in medical laboratories, directly impacting the accuracy and speed of patient diagnoses.
The responsibilities of a Medical Lab Assistant include:
- Specimen Collection: Collecting blood, urine, and tissue samples from patients, often through techniques like phlebotomy (drawing blood).
- Sample Preparation: Preparing samples for analysis, which includes labeling, organizing, and sometimes centrifuging samples to separate blood components.
- Data Entry and Documentation: Accurately recording patient data, test results, and other information in laboratory databases or patient records.
- Equipment Maintenance: Cleaning, sterilizing, and calibrating laboratory equipment, and ensuring all tools are functioning correctly for accurate testing.
- Quality Control: Monitoring and maintaining quality standards to ensure tests are performed accurately and consistently.
- Inventory Management: Tracking supplies, ordering materials, and ensuring the laboratory is stocked with the necessary items.
- Support in Diagnostic Testing: Assisting in performing simple diagnostic tests or preparing samples for more complex tests performed by laboratory technicians and technologists.
What is the Job Outlook for Medical Lab Assistants?
Like many careers in the healthcare field, the Medical Lab Assistant position is growing quickly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that by 2033 there is an expected 5% increase in job growth for Medical Lab Assistants.
How Much Does A Medical Lab Assistant Make in New Jersey?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an MLA in New Jersey is $42,755, and the average hourly rate is $21 an hour. This can range depending on experience, location, and skill level.
What Is The Difference Between A Medical Assistant And A Laboratory Assistant?
A Medical Assistant (MA) and a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) have different roles in healthcare:
Medical Assistant (MA)
- Where They Work: Mostly in doctors’ offices or clinics.
- Main Duties: Directly helping patients by taking vital signs, preparing them for exams, assisting doctors, and handling some paperwork.
- Skills Needed: Good communication with patients, basic medical tasks, and office skills.
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
- Where They Work: Primarily in labs within hospitals or diagnostic centers.
- Main Duties: Collecting and preparing lab samples, like blood, for testing, keeping lab equipment clean, and organizing data.
- Skills Needed: Attention to detail, handling lab samples safely, and organizing lab data.
In short, MAs work directly with patients, assisting with their care and handling some office tasks, while MLAs work behind the scenes in labs, focusing on preparing samples and managing lab operations.
Contact ACI Medical & Dental School Today
By completing our Medical Assistant Certification Program, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to take on the responsibilities of a lab assistant in just four months.
Classes are starting soon! To learn more about this exciting new career opportunity and take the next step towards an in demand job in a growing industry, contact ACI Medical & Dental School today.
