Medical Lab Scientist I

Position Summary

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. This position serves as a department resource and is responsible for assisting with department compliance with all pertinent laboratory accrediting agency and regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA ’88, JCAHO, CAP, OSHA).

Core Functions

• Performs testing in an accurate and timely manner according to established policies and performance standards with a knowledge level determined for that testing.
• Responsible for startup, calibration and accuracy of procedures and instrumentation.
• Actively participates in problem solving activities within the department, using advanced level of decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of all computer systems used in the department.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of theory and clinical relevance testing.
• Affords assistance in ensuring compliance with accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates ability to assume lead responsibility in absence of on-site departmental leadership personnel.
• Recognizes, ensures validity, and assists in monitoring abnormal patient and/or QC results of testing.
• Ensures accuracy of test results.
• Participates in detecting and documenting occurrences that deviate from defined procedures.
• Recognizes need and participates in department and LSA/SQL System process improvement and quality assurance activities, including assisting with monitoring of department indicators of productivity and quality.
• Maintains and controls inventory and assists in providing financial data for the department.
• Active in contributing to additional department/System projects.
• Active in training of department employees.
• Actively participates on at least one committee or team or is involved in at least one special project identified with department management.
• Exhibits awareness of medical/legal consequences of professional actions.
• May assist in new employee orientation, training and competency.
• Provides input for competency and annual assessments for employees in appropriate time frames.
• Completes training module for newly hired/transferred personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science/medical technology, ORBachelor’s degree in chemical or biological science (transcripts may be reviewed to determine eligibility), AND EITHERCertification (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 the state of Nevada or California are required to maintain their certification throughout their time in position.
• Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation) or other nationally recognized credentialing agency for review to determine eligibility.
• For certain specialty disciplines ONLY (Toxicology, HLA, HCTT, etc.) where no certification is available from a certifying agency, 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 knowledge of medical terminology.
• Previous experience with phlebotomy and processing.