Medical Lab Scientist

About the role

The Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist performs a variety of laboratory tests of varying complexity to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Caregivers in this role will gain valuable experience and knowledge to help prepare them for workplace and career advancement. The Registered Med Tech/MLS performs testing in various departments of the clinical lab such as Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology and Transfusion and more. These scientists act as technical experts to clinical staff, co-workers, and other departments. They are critical to patient diagnosis and care, ensuring accurate results through quality control, proficiency testing, calibrations, record review, instrument maintenance, and results/analyzer troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Conducting a variety of tests on blood, tissue, and other body fluids to help diagnose medical conditions.
• Interpreting and analyzing test results to provide accurate and reliable data for patient diagnosis and treatment.
• Using and maintaining sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments, ensuring they are properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
• Implementing and monitoring quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Collecting, preparing, and handling biological samples following proper protocols to avoid contamination and degradation.
• Accurately recording test results and preparing detailed reports for healthcare providers.
• Adhering to safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe and sterile laboratory environment.
• Identifying and resolving technical problems with laboratory equipment.
• Working closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to discuss test results and assist in patient care decisions.

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Active Listening
• Quality Control Analysis
• Operations Monitoring
• Science
• Time Management

Qualifications

Registered Medical Lab Scientist

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory/medical technology science or chemical, physical, biological, or equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants with chemical, physical, biological science or equivalent bachelor’s degree will be subject to education verification which may include transcript/credit evaluation by Laboratory Services Quality Assurance leadership.
• Completion of course work and internship requirements in a qualified MLS program and eligibility to sit for the BOC. Certification must be completed and documented within 6 months of hire to remain in the registered MLS role.
• Medical Technologist / Medical Lab Scientist ASCP certification or equivalent certification as approved by Manager and Human Resources. Certification must be maintained to remain in job.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts that may include weekends, holidays, nights and on-call.
• Montana applicants must have state licensure or temporary state licensure.
• Foreign applicants must submit a foreign transcript evaluation by an acceptable agency approved by Laboratory Quality Assurance.
• Basic Life Support certification (BLS) for healthcare providers at sites that require certification.

Unregistered Medical Lab Scientist

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory/medical technology science, or chemical, physical, biological, or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts that may include weekends, holidays, nights and on-call.
• Bachelor’s degree within 30 days of hire. Must meet CLIA requirements for high complexity testing.
• Montana applicants must have state licensure.
• Military training and experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree.
• 1 year of lab experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, identify equipment and supplies.
• Frequent interactions with patient care providers, patients, and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient care, accessing needed information, medication preparation, etc.
• Expected to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients. Will also bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment. Typically includes items of varying weights, up to and including heavy items.
• Need to walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients and obtaining and distributing supplies and equipment. This includes pushing/pulling gurneys and portable equipment, including heavy items. Often required to navigate crowded and busy rooms (full of equipment, power cords on the floor, etc.)
• May be expected to stand in a stationary position for an extended period of time.

Pay

• Registered Medical Lab Scientist: $35.60–$54.93 per hour based on experience.
• Unregistered Medical Lab Scientist: $29.43–$45.39 per hour based on experience.

Schedule

• Shift: 7:30 am–6:00 pm, Monday & Tuesday (1st week), Monday & Friday (2nd week).
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts that may include weekends, holidays, nights and on-call.

Benefits

We care about your well-being – mind, body, and spirit – which is why we provide our caregivers a generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.

Sign On Bonus

• Up to a $2,500 sign-on bonus.