How To Become An Accessioner: What It Is and Career Path

What is an accessioner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

An accessioner, also called a processor, is responsible for processing laboratory samples. They work with other laboratory employees to catalog patient specimens, like blood, urine, or tissue, for analysis. They mostly work with blood. Lab professionals carry out diagnosis and treatment based on the samples received. An accessioner checks a specimen's information, enters it into a record book, and ensures the right department receives the specimen and information. They are also responsible for recording the test results.

Anyone can be an accessioner with a high school diploma. However, advanced degrees and certifications increase your chances of being hired. For example, a clinical laboratory technician needs a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree. A clinical lab technologist may also require a bachelor's degree. Accessioners work full time and may be required to work extra hours to meet patient needs.

ScoreAccessionerUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,627

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

9.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 11.85%

Black or African American 12.55%

Hispanic or Latino 16.69%

Unknown 5.09%

White 53.02%

Gender

female 74.36%

male 25.64%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

9.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

8.7

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an accessioner

Explore accessioner education requirements

Most common accessioner degrees

Bachelor's

36.9 %

Associate

22.4 %

High School Diploma

17.4 %

Start to develop specific accessioner skills

Skills	Percentages
Laboratory Specimens	26.47%
Laboratory Analysis	9.91%
Lab Tests	7.39%
Specimen Handling	7.16%
Patients	6.57%

Complete relevant accessioner training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New accessioners learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an accessioner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real accessioner resumes.

Research accessioner duties and responsibilities

Achieve PHLEBOTOMY duties utilizing proper infection control techniques and perform a variety of laboratory tests.
Manage microbiology processing, customer care accounts, frozen splits, send outs and cytology processing.
Detail data entry base on patients requisitions and assist with various administrative functions.
Prepare specimens for FedEx shipments.

Prepare your accessioner resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your accessioner resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an accessioner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Accessioner Resume templates

Build a professional Accessioner resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Accessioner resume.

Apply for accessioner jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an accessioner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do accessioners rate their job?