Medical Lab Scientist I

Fallon, Nevada – Evening shift – Full-time

About the role

This position is responsible for a high level of technical knowledge and application of that knowledge to department testing, clinical relevance, and complex problem-solving skills. It serves as a department resource and assists with compliance for all pertinent laboratory accrediting agency and regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA ’88, JCAHO, CAP, OSHA). The role may also include the collection, receipt, and processing of biological specimens into the laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Performs testing accurately and timely according to established policies and performance standards.
• Responsible for startup, calibration, and accuracy of procedures and instrumentation.
• Actively participates in problem-solving activities within the department using advanced decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of all computer systems used in the department.
• Applies advanced knowledge of theory and clinical relevance in testing.
• Assists in ensuring compliance with accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements.
• Assumes lead responsibility in the absence of on-site departmental leadership.
• Recognizes, ensures validity, and assists in monitoring abnormal patient and/or QC results.
• Ensures accuracy of test results and participates in detecting/documenting deviations from defined procedures.
• Participates in department and LSA/SQL System process improvement and quality assurance activities.
• Monitors and controls inventory and assists in providing financial data for the department.
• Actively participates in process improvements to decrease costs, improve productivity, and enhance service.
• Contributes to additional department/System projects.
• Trains department employees and participates in new employee orientation, competency assessments, and annual evaluations.
• Completes training modules for newly hired/transferred personnel.
• Acts as a department resource by providing educational information to internal and external customers.
• Demonstrates advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Demonstrates preceptor and coaching skills, promoting a constructive learning environment.
• Processes and/or prepares patient samples, ensuring correct patient/specimen identification and integrity (includes specimen collection, general laboratory specimen processing, and referral laboratory processing).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science/medical technology, or
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical or biological science (transcripts may be reviewed to determine eligibility), and
• Certification (MLS or categorical) or a certificate of completion/letter of attestation on school letterhead documenting completion of any categorical or combination of categoricals from an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.
• Individuals working in Nevada or California must maintain certification throughout employment.
• Foreign-educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF or another nationally recognized credentialing agency.
• For specialty disciplines (e.g., Toxicology, HLA, HCTT) where no certification is available, a bachelor’s degree with one year of experience in that discipline is required.
• Demonstrated competency in phlebotomy in departments where applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• MLS/MT or categorical certification (ASCP, AMT, HEW, AAB).
• Basic knowledge of specimen requirements and medical terminology.
• Previous experience with phlebotomy and processing.
• Additional related education and/or experience.