Medical Technologist I-40 hrs Days, Chemistry Lab

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.
• Ensures sample testing is performed within defined time periods based on specimen viability as outlined in section-specific policies.
• Initiates appropriate action and documents steps taken to resolve mislabeled, unlabeled, or inappropriate specimens.
• Identifies labeling problems or discrepancies and informs other laboratory sections about patient identification or medical record number issues.
• 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 specimens according to standard operating procedures.
• Performs instrument and equipment maintenance as defined by each section's policies.
• Recognizes instrument, equipment, or methodology problems and reports them to the Assistant Supervisor or Supervisor with documentation.
• Performs QC procedures and assesses Quality Control data according to section policy.
• Recognizes technical and non-technical problems in laboratory operations and reports them to the Assistant Supervisor or Supervisor.
• Performs analytic testing and assesses the validity of results according to section policy.
• Maintains clear, concise, accurate, and legible records of test performance.
• Provides proper documentation and records of all test procedures performed.
• Reviews patient results, recognizes problems, and performs additional testing to resolve issues; documents activities and notifies supervisors.
• Transcribes results accurately into the LIS system and appends appropriate coded comments as required.
• Uses LIS to promote clarity and correct interpretation of laboratory results.
• Reviews entered LIS codes for transcription accuracy prior to reporting test results.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of all Critical Alert Values and documents them in LIS as required.
• Notifies appropriate personnel of all required call-backs of results and provides complete documentation.
• Maintains proficiency in all designated LIS functions as outlined in section-specific policies.
• Provides proper documentation of receipt and implementation of reagents, lots, and materials.
• Ensures adequate blood inventories are maintained according to standard operating procedures (Blood Bank only).
• Ensures all work is completed and accounted for according to section policy.
• Assists other laboratory sections as needed when directed by supervisory staff.
• Participates in Quality Advancement/Quality Improvement activities according to department policies.
• Maintains initial and annual competency documentation as outlined in section policies.
• Maintains age-specific competency for all tests/procedures performed as required by regulatory agencies.
• Attends departmental continuing education classes and participates in scientific or service-related continuing education.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings or reads meeting minutes if unable to attend.
• Supports education of Medical Technology students, Pathology residents, new staff, and others through teaching activities.
• Supports technical training of departmental staff, including new employees and cross-training on new procedures.
• Participates in Sectional, Departmental, or Hospital committees or task forces as available.
• Communicates important laboratory information (e.g., inventory, testing status, instrument status) to fellow staff members.
• Answers the telephone according to departmental policy and responds to inquiries/requests.
• 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.
• Attends mandatory safety education sessions to stay informed of changes regarding safety issues.
• Respects patient and employee confidentiality.
• Keeps equipment and work area neat, orderly, and well-stocked; puts supplies away when received.
• Performs assignments with a minimum of direction and assists others as needed.
• Maintains open communication with Supervisors and Medical Directors.
• Plans and prioritizes tasks and adjusts to variable workloads.
• Assesses inventory weekly in assigned work area and notifies Supervisor of supply needs.
• Utilizes Medical Center’s values as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the division’s mission.
• Follows established Hospital Infection Control and Safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned or 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

• Preferred: Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or equivalent agency as a Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, or specialty certification. 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 (AMT).
• Entry-level position.

Skills

• Knowledge of clinical tests and standards necessary to perform highly complex tests as defined by CLIA and accurately report results.
• 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., JC, CAP, FDA, AABB).
• Manual and visual dexterity necessary to prepare specimens, solutions, screen specimens, and operate computer software systems.
• Interpersonal and English verbal and written language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians and interact with other technologists.
• Ability to perform venipuncture techniques.

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, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, discretionary annual bonuses, merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.

Schedule

Full Time - 40 Hours, Days.