Roles and Responsibilities

• Medical laboratory assistants have a long list of responsibilities in the laboratory. They gather the test results from laboratory testing and files them in the proper files. They also send them to the appropriate clinics or hospitals, who share the test results with patients. Some medical laboratory assistants are responsible for collecting and preparing specimens before they are tested by laboratory technicians. Once the testing is complete, the assistant may also be responsible for disposing any contaminated supplies and sterilizing and cleaning laboratory equipment or instruments. In addition, the laboratory assistant handles administrative tasks, like answering the telephone and handles billing.
  
  

Education and Certification

• Medical laboratory assistants are educated and trained professionals. The qualifications often include a postsecondary degree in medical assistance or laboratory assistance. These types of degree programs prepare the student to work in a medical setting by teaching human anatomy, medical terminology, sciences, office and business administration and laboratory safety and procedures. In addition, a certificate can be obtained by the student if desired. It is not required to get a proper job as a medical laboratory assistant. Some employers will value this addition and it could leave to a higher salary. Students can get certification from the Association of Medical Technologists.
  
  

Procedures and Terminology

• Since medical laboratory assistants often interact with senior laboratory technicians in testing and handling specimens, they must be familiar with laboratory procedures and terminology. This can include taking additional medical or laboratory terminology courses or completing training specific to the laboratory in question. The assistant must be familiar with procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all laboratory workers.
  
  

Salary

• Medical laboratory assistants are paid an average of $14 per hour as of May 2008. However, the wage can be less or more depending on the laboratory in question and the qualifications of the laboratory assistant. This means that the annual salary can range anywhere from $20,000 per year to $40,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.