The UVA Earn While You Learn Trainee Program provides structured coursework and paid on-the-job-training as a full-time, benefitted employee.
We are currently reviewing applications for October 2026. All Earn While You Learn programs are based in Charlottesville, VA and surrounding counties.
Join a culture that encourages growth, teamwork, diversity, pride, efficiency, and exceptional patient care. Whether you are starting your very first job or want to start a new career in healthcare, the Earn While You Learn training programs could be the place for you.
The UVA Earn While You Learn Trainee Program provides structured coursework and paid on-the-job-training as a full-time, benefitted employee. Minimum requirements are a high school diploma or GED; no experience is required. If you are seeking a career that is rewarding and makes a difference, join one of the nation’s premier academic health systems.
Find more information on program career paths and training here: https://hr.virginia.edu/careers-uva/job-openings/earn-while-you-learn
If you are interested in being considered for any of the training programs, please apply to this posting. You will be contacted by a Recruiter to schedule an interview via Microsoft Teams.
Compensation:
During training: $16.00/hour + benefits
Upon successful completion of training: $19.15/hour + benefits
You will be paid a total of 40 hours/week. All course fees will be paid for by UVA Health in return for 1 year FULL-TIME commitment as an employee at UVA Health once course is completed.
Specimen Management Technician – Earn While You Learn Program
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Work in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment where every day is different and your work directly supports patient care.
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Learn a wide range of laboratory processes, including specimen receiving and verification, test ordering, specimen processing, aliquoting blood and other body fluids, and identifying various specimen collection tubes.
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Follow established laboratory procedures and quality standards to ensure accurate specimen handling and testing.
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Spend your day actively moving between work areas, alternating between standing, sitting, and walking while handling specimens, answering phone calls, collaborating with team members, and resolving issues as they arise.
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Work collaboratively with a team dedicated to ensuring specimens are processed accurately and delivered on time.
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Develop strong problem-solving, customer service, and communication skills while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
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Demonstrate reliability, adaptability, and a commitment to following policies and procedures in a safety-focused environment.
Schedule & Work Expectations
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Laboratory operations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including rotating weekends and holidays.
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Employees may be designated as essential personnel during severe weather or emergency events and are expected to report to work as scheduled.
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When unexpected staffing needs arise, additional shifts may occasionally be assigned through the laboratory's staffing process after volunteer coverage has been considered.
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As the laboratory expands, this position may relocate to the North Fork Research Park in Fall 2027.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent
Experience: No experience required
Licensure: None required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Job requires sitting, standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling, and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive); Repetitive motion: computer data entry. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, heat, cold, noise, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.
Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Certification and education support
Generous Paid Time Off
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
