This document provides a detailed overview of the Laboratory Assistant role at Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL).
It covers job responsibilities, compensation, union affiliation, required education and registration, opportunities for career growth, and the collaborative work environment.
The document also includes resources and links for those interested in pursuing a Laboratory Assistant career, as well as information about APL and related organizations.
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Laboratory Assistant Overview
Laboratory Assistants work under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists, pathologists, or combined laboratory & x-ray technologists.
They assist with and perform routine laboratory procedures, ensuring the smooth operation of the laboratory.
Responsibilities may include administrative tasks such as covering reception, completing reports on lab activities, and performing routine testing procedures.
Duties also involve collecting and sorting specimens, supporting laboratory operations, and maintaining workflow.
Laboratory Assistants may work in various settings, including hospitals, diagnostic testing laboratories, clinics, and research centres.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly wage for Laboratory Assistants ranges from $22.73 to $30.99.
Employees receive additional benefits; more details are available through the provided benefits link.
Positions are unionized under the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA), which provides representation and collective bargaining for employees.
Other benefits may include health coverage, paid leave, and access to employee support programs.
Qualifications and Registration
A high school diploma is required for this role.
Candidates must also have a medical laboratory assistant certificate.
Registration with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Services (CSMLS) is required or recommended, supporting professional standards and ongoing development.
Ongoing education and certification may be necessary to maintain registration and stay current with industry standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Collect blood specimens using both macro and micro phlebotomy techniques.
Collect and sort specimens, and perform limited testing procedures such as loading analyzers, specialized plating, and urinalysis.
Transport and receive specimens to and from various locations within the laboratory or healthcare facility.
Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments to ensure accurate results and efficient workflow.
Assist with inventory management, reporting, quality control, and daily laboratory activities.
Input and analyze data to support laboratory operations and patient care.
Perform administrative tasks, such as covering reception and completing reports on laboratory activities.
Impact and Collaboration
Laboratory Assistants help patients, physicians, and other health professionals obtain the information needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
They contribute to ongoing health management and assist in preventative and pre-emptive treatment of diseases.
Data collected by Laboratory Assistants supports public health surveillance and broader healthcare initiatives.
The role involves working both independently and collaboratively with laboratory assistants, technologists, scientists, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals.
Laboratory Assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, diagnostic testing laboratories, clinics, and research centres.
Career Growth Opportunities
Career advancement options include roles such as research technician, teaching and training other staff, healthcare leadership, and health system administration.
Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) is the sole provider of laboratory services in Alberta and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHS, offering a range of career opportunities within the province.
Opportunities for professional development and advancement are available through additional training, education, and experience.
Resources and Further Information
Job postings for Laboratory Assistant positions are available through the APL job board.
Additional information about the career, including detailed occupation profiles, can be found through Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS).
For more details about Alberta Precision Laboratories and available opportunities, visit the APL website.
Registration and professional standards information is available through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Services (CSMLS).
The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) provides information on union representation and collective agreements.
For further details on compensation and benefits, refer to the provided benefits booklet link.
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