Medical Technologist I - Hematology

Location: Chicago, IL USA • On-site • Full-time (1.0 FTE) • Night shift • Rotational weekends

About UI Health

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital, outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity.

About the Role

The Medical Technologist I performs a variety of moderately or highly complex tests on patient samples and ensures quality control for hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, stool, and body fluid procedures. This role involves both manual methods requiring technical and scientific interpretation skills, and automated analyzers requiring troubleshooting and maintenance. The Hematology Laboratory includes the following discipline-specific areas:

• Complete Blood Counts Testing
• Manual Differentials Testing
• Hemostasis Testing
• Urinalysis Testing
• Body Fluid Analysis Testing
• Automated, High Volume Testing
• Miscellaneous manual Hematologic and Hemostasis Methods Testing

The Medical Technologist I also assists in training laboratory personnel, new employees, medical residents, and students in the principles and techniques of medical technology.

Responsibilities

• Performs moderately and highly complex tests by various analyzers and/or manual methods on specimens such as blood, urine, body fluids, and stool using established procedures and policies.
• Reviews test results before reporting, using technical and scientific knowledge to verify result validity and clinical relevance.
• Follows laboratory procedures and policies, notifying approved caregivers of critical results while adhering to compliance and HIPAA standards.
• Performs quality assurance procedures, including quality control testing, instrument function checks, and calibrations; maintains documentation and reports irregularities to supervisor.
• Operates, troubleshoots, and resolves technical problems with instruments, documenting corrective actions.
• Responds to error flags for critical results, delta checks, required dilutions, and result patterns; notifies physicians of life-threatening results.
• Assesses accuracy and validity of test results by applying knowledge of relevant scientific principles; identifies critical changes in patient care and probable causes for irregular findings.
• Receives and prepares a wide variety of patient specimens for testing or referral to other laboratories.
• Maintains a neat, orderly, and safe working environment, adhering to OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Control Act guidelines.
• Adheres to customer service guidance, interacting professionally with physicians, patients, staff, visitors, and customers via telephone and in person.
• Participates in CAP proficiency testing, internal and external proficiency testing, and quality assurance monitoring as determined by department policy.
• Completes Quality Assurance Reports and participates in the laboratory Continuing Education (CE) program annually.
• Performs resulting, verification, confirming, and other LIS-related functions through the UI Hospital LIS and automation middleware information system, including instrument checks and basic maintenance.
• Assists in training laboratory personnel, new employees, medical residents, and students in the principles and techniques of medical technology.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1489.
• Bachelor’s degree in Science that meets CLIA requirements to perform high complexity testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of correct procedures for handling potentially infectious specimens to prevent contamination of self, coworkers, or the work area.
• Ability to identify technical and/or clinical problems and refer them to senior or supervisory staff in a timely manner.
• Complete understanding of theoretical applications in Hematology, including cell identification.
• Ability to examine slides and concentrate for long periods using a microscope; normal color perception and physical ability to perform microscopic examinations.
• Ability to make accurate observations and independently plan and complete work.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of quality control and safety procedures.
• Ability to maintain productive communication with peers, supervisors, healthcare staff, and visitors.
• Understanding of the function of medical laboratories in the healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of the importance of flexibility in work performance, professional appearance, and attitude within the laboratory setting.
• Understanding of laboratory quality assurance programs and procedures.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Pay

$35.01–$62.90 hourly (final salary determined by market data, internal equity, candidate experience/qualifications, and budget).