Medical Laboratory Assistants - Various Locations Throughout the Province

Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health·Surrey, British Columbia

CA$26 - CA$31/hrFull Time Temporary On Site 0-2 yrs

Medical Laboratory Assistants - Various Locations Throughout the Province · CA$26 - CA$31/hr

How this role compares

Computed from live listings

-38% vs. median posted rate for healthcare roles in Surrey, British Columbia (CA$41.42/hr, n=311)

16 days median time this employer’s postings stay open (last 90 days)

CA$18.00/hr · p10p90 · CA$72.00/hr

this role: CA$25.64/hrmedian CA$41.42/hr

Shaded band: the middle 50% of 311 posted healthcare roles in Surrey, British Columbia rates. This role sits in the 15th percentile.

About the role

Pay for this role is about 38% below the Surrey, British Columbia median for similar positions.

The Medical Laboratory Assistant supports Pathology and Laboratory Medicine by performing pre and post-analytical testing functions. Key duties include specimen processing, data entry, reagent preparation, and maintaining strict safety and infection control procedures.

Req ID

223648Location: Various
Sites and
Community-based
Locations
Throughout
Nova
ScotiaDepartment:
Services and
Programs
Throughout
Nova
Scotia
HealthType of
Employment:
Permanent,
Assignments, and
Casual
Relief
Opportunities
AvailableUnion: Based on Bargaining Unit and Constituent Union/Non-Union Position How You Make an Impact Under the direction of Management (or designate), the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) works in collaboration with and supports all members of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PLM) by performing various functions relating to the pre and post-analytical phases of testing.
These functions can include: specimen procurement/receipt/processing, data entry, media/reagent/smear preparation, sterilization, clerical duties, and loading specimens on an analyzer.
Additional responsibilities may include: supply management, troubleshooting, and customer service activities. Positive patient identification and accurate specimen handling are essential to the job. Duties vary based on the operational requirements of the laboratory site/division/area/community in which the MLA is employed. The MLA may be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and/or holidays, work off-site including long term care (LTC) facilities, communities or private homes dependent on the need. The MLA may also be required to interact with various stakeholders and clients. Incumbents must adhere to all applicable NSH/PLM policies and procedures. Strict adherence to safety and infection prevention and control procedures is required. MLAs must be able to work independently, use good judgment, maintain a professional appearance (adhering to dress code policy) and demonstrate excellent customer service.Work Hours & Pay $25.64 - $30.61 Hourly

Various permanent, assignments (temporary), and casual relief (no guarantee of hours), opportunities available in various locations throughout Nova Scotia.

What We Offer

Virtual Health Access

Get convenient, on-demand care through Telus Health, in partnership with Nova Scotia Health — giving you and your family peace of mind wherever you are.
Paid
Vacation: Start your journey with three weeks of paid vacation each year, so you can relax, recharge, and do more of what you love.
Parental
Leave
Top-Up: We proudly support growing families with a parental leave top-up, helping you focus on what matters most during life’s biggest moments.
Exclusive
Corporate
Discounts: Enjoy access to a wide range of corporate discounts, saving you money on products, services, and experiences.
Comprehensive
Benefits
Package: Eligible candidates can take advantage of a robust benefits program through Nova Scotia Health, including:

Health & dental coverage Travel insurance Long-term disability protection Life insurance A defined benefit pension plan

Your Must Haves We would love to hear from you if you have the following

Recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant Program or equivalent (as determined by NSRMLS) Candidates must have successfully completed the Medical Laboratory Assistant examinations of the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)/Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professional Regulators (CAMPLR) and have current registration with CSMLS. Licensure with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NSRMLS) What Makes You Stand Out

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Basic understanding of medical terminology.

Strong attention to detail Manual dexterity to handle sharp instruments and small objects.

Must be able to perform procedures with a high degree of accuracy Ability to accurately number/label specimens and file slides/requisitions Ability to adapt to updates/changes in operating procedures Basic computer skills, Meditech experience is preferred Access to reliable transportation as travel may be required Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning.

Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself.

At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer.

Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.

Once You've Applied Thank you for your interest in this position.

A Recruiter will reach out to you to explore whether your qualifications and skills match an opportunity.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve.

We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.

Requirements

Candidates must have a recognized Medical Laboratory Assistant program completion and current registration with CSMLS. Licensure with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NSRMLS) is required.

professional certificate
Written Communication
Verbal Communication
Customer Service
Data Entry
Attention To Detail
Computer Skills
Medical Terminology
French Language
Manual Dexterity
Sterilization
Meditech
Specimen Procurement

Benefits

Life Insurance
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave Top-Up
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Corporate Discounts
Travel Insurance
Health & Dental Coverage
Virtual Health Access
Long-term Disability Protection

Posting details

Employment type: Full Time, Temporary
Work arrangement: On Site
Experience: 0-2 yrs
Salary: CA$26 - CA$31/hr
Locations: Surrey, British Columbia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; Nova Scotia; Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Inverness, Nova Scotia; Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia; Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia; Berwick, Nova Scotia; New Minas, Nova Scotia; Truro, Nova Scotia; Antigonish, Nova Scotia; Amherst, Nova Scotia; Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; Kentville, Nova Scotia; New Glasgow, Nova Scotia; Yarmouth, Nova Scotia; Bedford, Nova Scotia; Lunenburg, Nova Scotia; Elmsdale, Nova Scotia; Barra Head, Nova Scotia; Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia; Beechville, Nova Scotia; Windsor, Nova Scotia; Seabrook, Nova Scotia; Cooks Brook, Nova Scotia; Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia; Nictaux, Nova Scotia; Pictou, Nova Scotia; North Sydney, Nova Scotia; Fall River, Nova Scotia; West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia; Churchover, Nova Scotia; Freeport, Nova Scotia; Glace Bay, Nova Scotia; Cheticamp, Nova Scotia; Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia; Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia; Westville, Nova Scotia; New Waterford, Nova Scotia; Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia; Lequille, Nova Scotia; Springhill, Nova Scotia; Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia; Mount Pleasant, Nova Scotia; Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia; Mira Road, Nova Scotia; Tickle Road, Nova Scotia; Camp Aldershot, Nova Scotia; South Pugwash, Nova Scotia; Weaver Settlement, Nova Scotia; Diligent River, Nova Scotia; Baddeck, Nova Scotia; Roslin, Nova Scotia; Robinsons Corner, Nova Scotia; Lockeport, Nova Scotia; Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia; Barronsfield, Nova Scotia; East Preston, Nova Scotia; Eskasoni First Nation, Nova Scotia; Evanston, Nova Scotia; Harmony Mills, Nova Scotia; Lower Economy, Nova Scotia; Margaree Centre, Nova Scotia; Meteghan Centre, Nova Scotia; Neils Harbour, Nova Scotia; Noel, Nova Scotia; North Preston, Nova Scotia; Upper Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia; Upper Nappan, Nova Scotia; Waughs River, Nova Scotia
Posted: Aug 7, 2026
Closes

Medical lab assistant roles in demand

Medical Laboratory Assistant roles in British Columbia are typically driven by ongoing need in hospital and community diagnostic services, especially across multiple locations. Competition can be strong because employers usually look for recognized MLA training, current CSMLS registration, and the stated NSRMLS licensure, while benefits such as pension coverage, paid vacation, and leave top-up can make postings more selective. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your credentials and location flexibility before applying.