Lab Assistant

Description

Join St. Francis-Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women's care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Lab Assistant performs technical and clerical duties across various laboratory functions including specimen collection, processing, data entry, and communication of results. This role ensures accurate labeling, handling, and processing of specimens while supporting laboratory staff through administrative and clinical tasks in alignment with safety and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions

• Collects, receives, identifies, labels, processes, and transports specimens
• Performs clerical duties including answering phones, filing, scanning, and data entry into EMR/LIS
• Verifies patient identification and specimen accuracy
• Performs waived testing and ensures proper specimen storage and submission
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of work area and equipment
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and proper documentation
• Communicates test results to providers and supports reporting processes
• Applies infection control standards and universal precautions
• Assists in training new staff and supporting laboratory quality improvement efforts
• Participates in lab meetings, in-services, and compliance with safety protocols

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Critical thinking and sound judgment under minimal supervision
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and efficiency
• Proficient in EMR, LIS, and office software systems
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of basic lab techniques and equipment
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, walking, reaching, and manual dexterity tasks
• Able to function in environments with biohazards, chemicals, and various patient populations
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA and regulatory standards

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role. (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• None required

Experience

• One (1) year of laboratory or phlebotomy experience - Preferred
• Completion of a clinical rotation or phlebotomy program - Preferred
• Certain facilities may require prior laboratory experience based on operational needs, staffing models, or complexity of services provided.