How Much Does a Medical Laboratory Assistant Make Per Hour?

If you’re considering a career as a medical laboratory assistant you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average hourly wage for this occupation in the United States

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What is a medical laboratory assistant?

A medical laboratory assistant is a professional who works in a medical laboratory, helping to carry out tests and experiments.

MLAs usually work under the supervision of a medical laboratory technologist or a pathologist. They may also be responsible for running some tests themselves, and for cleaning and maintaining the laboratory equipment.

In terms of pay, Medical laboratory assistants usually earn an hourly wage. The exact amount will vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the country in which they work.

In the United States, the median hourly wage for MLAs was $17.36 in May 2019. This means that half of all MLAs earned less than this amount, and half earned more.

What are the responsibilities of a medical laboratory assistant?

A medical laboratory assistant (MLA) is a vital member of the medical laboratory team. They are responsible for collecting and processing patient specimens, as well as performing basic lab tests. MLAs work under the supervision of a medical technologist or pathologist and must be able to maintain a high level of accuracy and precision in their work.

In addition to specimen collection and processing, MLAs may also be responsible for:
-Maintaining equipment and supplies
-Preparing reagents
-Cleaning glassware and instruments
-Performing quality control tests
-Entering data into computer systems
-Assisting with patient care duties (e.g., taking vital signs drawing blood)

What are the educational requirements for a medical laboratory assistant?

In order to become a medical laboratory assistant, one must complete an accredited postsecondary program that lasts for about one year. These programs are available at many community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals. Many of these programs include an internship in order to give students real-world experience in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take a certification exam, though this is not always required by employers.

What are the job outlook and salary prospects for a medical laboratory assistant?

The job outlook for medical laboratory assistants is good, and the salary prospects are excellent. The median hourly wage for medical laboratory assistants is $17.00, and the median annual wage is $35,240. Medical laboratory assistants who are employed in hospitals tend to earn slightly more than those who work in private clinics or labs.

What are the working conditions for a medical laboratory assistant?

Medical laboratory assistants typically work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and blood banks. They may also work in medical offices, clinics, or research facilities. Most medical laboratory assistants work full time. Some works night shifts, weekends, or holidays.

What are the challenges faced by a medical laboratory assistant?

There are many challenges that a medical laboratory assistant faces on a daily basis. They must be able to work well under pressure, as they are often working with time-sensitive material. They must also be able to maintain a high level of accuracy, as even a small mistake can have serious consequences. In addition, they must be able to work quickly and efficiently in order to keep up with the demands of the laboratory.

What are the career advancement opportunities for a medical laboratory assistant?

The career landscape for medical laboratory assistants is very good. Many positions are available and the field is growing rapidly. There are many opportunities for advancement, and medical laboratory assistants can typically expect to earn more money as they gain experience.

What are the skills required to be a successful medical laboratory assistant?

Medical laboratory assistants are vital members of the medical team who provide support to medical professionals by performing a variety of tasks associated with the collection and processing of laboratory specimens. They must be able to perform their duties accurately and efficiently in order to maintain the high standards of patient care that are expected in the medical field. The skills required to be a successful medical laboratory assistant include:

– Strong organizational skills: Medical laboratory assistants must be able to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines at any given time. They must be able to prioritize their work in order to ensure that all specimens are processed in a timely manner.
– Detail oriented: Medical laboratory assistants must pay close attention to detail in order to accurately process specimens. They must be able to follow instructions carefully and pay close attention to detail in order to minimize errors.
– Good communication skills: Medical laboratory assistants must be able to communicate effectively with both medical professionals and patients. They must be able to explain procedures clearly and answer any questions that patients may have.
– Physical stamina: Medical laboratory assistants may be required to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects. They must have the physical stamina to perform their duties without causing injury to themselves or others.

How can I become a medical laboratory assistant?

In order to become a medical laboratory assistant, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete a medical laboratory assistant training program that is approved by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCALP). After you have completed your training, you will be able to take the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certification Examination.

What are the top medical laboratory assistant programs?

Medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working with medical laboratory technologists to collect and process patient samples. As the demand for qualified MLAs grows, so does the need for accredited programs that can train students for this rewarding career.

So, what are the top medical laboratory assistant programs? Here are four of our favorites:

1. Pima Medical Institute MLA Program
With campuses in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Washington State Pima Medical Institute is one of the leading providers of medical laboratory assistant training in the country. The school’s accredited MLA program can be completed in as little as 12 months, and prepares students for a variety of positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

2. Keiser University MLA Program
Keiser University’s MLA program is offered at campuses throughout Florida and online, giving students the flexibility to complete their studies on their own schedule. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and an externship component, allowing students to gain real-world experience before they graduate.

3. Herzing University MLA Program
Herzing University’s accredited MLA program can be completed online or at one of the school’s campuses in Wisconsin or Ohio. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to medical lab work, including anatomy and physiology, clinical microbiology, and hematology. Students also have the opportunity to complete an externship prior to graduation.

4. Southwestern College MLA Program
Southwestern College’s MLA program is offered at the school’s campus in Chula Vista, California. The program includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on training in Southwestern College’s state-of-the-art medical lab facilities. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared to take on a variety of roles in the healthcare industry.