Medical Laboratory Scientist - Molecular

Location: Medical Center – Fort Worth | Department: Lab-Molecular | Shift: First Shift | Standard Weekly Hours: 40

About the role

A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) uses education, experience and analytical judgment to perform clinical laboratory testing commensurate with the assigned specialty and subspecialty. Responsibilities include recognizing technical and process problems, ensuring test systems function properly and within expected parameters before reporting patient results. The MLS works independently to resolve technical problems within their scope of authority, escalating to management when necessary. Duties also include staffing assigned hours, rotating temporary on-call shifts as needed, and performing other tasks to meet laboratory, CCMC, and CCHCS goals. The schedule depends on patient and laboratory needs.

Laboratory and Corporate Compliance, as outlined by the OIG and CMS, is a critical aspect of the role. Each employee is expected to adhere to the Laboratory and Medical Center Compliance Plans. Patients served range from newborns to adolescents, with occasional adult cases. Specific instructions are provided in procedure manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology/Clinical or Medical Laboratory Science or an appropriate biological, chemical, or physical science, plus completion of a NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) program.
• Minimum six (6) months of experience performing laboratory testing in a clinical setting, including tests CLIA-classified as waived, moderate complexity, or high complexity. Clinical rotations during training may count toward this requirement.
• Pediatric experience preferred.
• Microbiology or Molecular experience preferred.

Note for applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Proof of U.S. education equivalency, evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service, must be provided at the time an offer is made.

Certification/Licensure

• Must be certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or an equivalent nationally recognized certifying agency, or be registry eligible.
• Registry-eligible candidates must pass the certifying exam within one year of graduation; failure to do so results in termination.
• Registry-eligible candidates without certification may perform waived or moderate complexity testing only.
• Equivalence of degree and certification is granted to employees meeting alternative qualifications outlined in CLIA standards §493.1489 or §493.1491 if met on or before February 28, 1992.

About Us

Cook Children’s Medical Center is the cornerstone of Cook Children’s Health Care System, offering advanced technologies, research, treatments, surgery, rehabilitation, and ancillary services designed specifically for children.