Medical Technologist I - 40 hours (Day Shift)

Under the general direction of the Technical Supervisor, provides ancillary support for clinical activities by performing and appropriately interpreting moderate and high complexity clinical laboratory tests as defined under CLIA ‘88.

Responsibilities

• Performs moderate and high complexity tests and interprets them after specialized training and required experience.
• Acts as a resource and interprets tests for laboratory users consistent with level of training and knowledge.
• Reviews testing and/or procedures performed by other staff to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies when qualified by the section supervisor.
• Prioritizes STAT and routine samples.
• Ensures accurate specimen identification and labeling consistent with section and departmental standard operating procedures.
• Ensures appropriateness of sample for requested testing, obtains approval for deviations from standard operating procedures, and follows up with notification to patient care units with documentation in LIS.
• Ensures sample testing is performed within defined time periods based on specimen viability as outlined in departmental and section-specific policies.
• Initiates appropriate action and documents steps taken to resolve mislabeled/unlabeled or inappropriate specimens.
• Informs/alerts other laboratory sections about patient identification or medical record number problems and special specimen requirements.
• Ensures prepared samples are stored according to standard operating procedures (e.g., refrigerated, frozen, incubated).
• Ensures aliquotting and processing of specimens is performed within established time limits.
• Accessions all required tests according to standard operating procedures as needed.
• Performs instrument and equipment maintenance as defined by each section's policies.
• Recognizes instrument, equipment, or methodology problems and brings them to the Assistant Supervisor or Manager’s attention with documentation; notifies coworkers during management absence.
• Performs QC procedures and assesses Quality Control data according to section policy.
• Recognizes technical and non-technical problems/discrepancies in laboratory operations and reports them to the Assistant Supervisor or Manager; notifies coworkers during management absence.
• Performs analytic testing and assesses the validity of results according to departmental and section policies.
• Maintains clear, concise, accurate, and legible records of test performance (e.g., electronic work cards, communication logs, problem logs).
• Reviews patient results, recognizes problems/discrepancies, investigates, performs additional testing, documents activities, and notifies the Assistant Supervisor or Manager.
• Transcribes results/information accurately into the LIS system, including critical alert values, corrected reports, cancellations, and required documentation.
• Appends appropriate coded comments as required by section standard operating procedures and LIS policy.
• Reviews entered LIS codes for transcription accuracy prior to completing processing or reporting test results.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of all Critical Alert Values and required callbacks according to department/section procedures.
• Maintains proficiency in all designated LIS functions as outlined in section-specific policies.
• Provides proper documentation of receipt, quality control performance, and implementation of reagents/lots/materials.
• Ensures adequate blood inventories are maintained according to standard operating procedures (Blood Bank only).
• Ensures all work is completed by the end of shift and/or accounted for at shift change hand-off.
• Assists other laboratory sections as needed when directed by supervisory staff, including cross-training.
• Participates in Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement activities according to Department policies.
• Maintains active participation in completing initial, semi-annual, and annual competency documentation.
• Maintains self-documentation of continuing education and attends scientific, service-related, and/or departmental continuing education classes.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings or accepts responsibility for reading staff communications if unable to attend.
• Supports education of Medical Technology students, Pathology residents, new and existing staff through teaching activities.
• Participates in Sectional or Departmental committees or task forces as requested by the manager.
• Communicates via telephone and other methods according to professional courtesy standards and departmental policy.
• Works cooperatively with other laboratory staff and takes initiative to determine where assistance is needed.
• Reports all incidents, safety hazards, or accidents to appropriate personnel within the shift.
• Completes mandatory safety education sessions per BMC and Departmental policy.
• Abides by HIPAA policies and respects patient and employee confidentiality, including during social media use and public conversations.
• Keeps equipment and work area neat, orderly, and well-stocked; puts supplies away when received.
• Performs assignments with a minimum of direction after successful completion of training and competency.
• Plans and prioritizes tasks and adjusts to variable workloads.
• Maintains open communication with section leadership, including Assistant Supervisors, Managers, and Medical Directors.
• Restocks work station after each shift and assesses inventory; notifies management of supply needs.
• Adheres to Boston Medical Center’s values as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the institution’s mission of exceptional care without exception.
• Follows established Hospital and Laboratory Infection Control and Safety procedures, including no cell phone use in the laboratory, and maintains knowledge of changing criteria during declared emergencies.
• Follows BMC and Departmental Dress Code policy, including appropriate PPE.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college in applied science, Medical Technology, or Clinical Laboratory Science, including successful completion of a supervised clinical internship in an approved hospital laboratory.
• Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in applied science or another discipline with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technician, with combined coursework sufficient to meet scientific requirements for employment in a CAP-accredited laboratory.

Qualifications

• Certification by American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or equivalent agency as a Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or specialty certification is preferred. Equivalent agencies include but are not limited to ASCP, NCA, American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), Health Education and Welfare (HEW), and American Society of Microbiologists (ASMT).
• Entry-level position; no prior experience required.
• Knowledge of clinical laboratory science and standards necessary to perform high complexity testing as defined by CLIA.
• Analytic abilities to perform highly complex testing, interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate instruments, and review testing performed by others.
• Ability to maintain compliance with regulatory agency requirements (e.g., JCAHO, CAP, FDA, AABB).
• Manual/visual dexterity necessary to prepare specimens, solutions, screen specimens, and operate computer software systems.
• English verbal and written language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians and interact with other technologists.

Schedule

40 hours (Day Shift)

Pay

Compensation range: $26.92 - $37.74 per hour. This range is based on minimum job qualifications and considers factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications/licensures, business needs, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Geographic location may modify this range.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy benefits
• Discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) savings matches
• Paid time off
• Career advancement opportunities
• Resources to support employee and family well-being