Medical Laboratory Technologist / Medical Laboratory Technician

Patient First•Laurel, MD

2d•$32 - $36

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Technologist / Medical Laboratory Technician provides rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results and supports patient care at Patient First. The role performs laboratory testing and specimen collection and processing, follows laboratory procedures and quality-control requirements, maintains instruments and records, and identifies or escalates issues that may affect test performance or results. It also assists Physicians, Extenders, and Nurses with patient treatment and care, including obtaining vital signs, triaging patients, and preparing patients for examinations and treatment. The position includes ordering supplies under authorized orders, operating and maintaining medical and office equipment, keeping work and treatment areas clean and stocked, and completing assigned checklists and maintenance duties. The employee must attend required training, continuing education, and staff meetings; work with colleagues and externs during training; and be willing to work at any center as staffing or operational needs require. Patient-care needs may interrupt breaks and mealtimes, and duties must be completed within the assigned shift.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
Minimum typing experience.
High school graduate or equivalent, and meet at least one of the following: 60 semester hours of college with related courses including chemistry, biology, and medical laboratory techniques; an associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology; one year of documented technician training in a formal program appropriate for the testing performed; or a 50-week military Medical Laboratory Procedures course and service in the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist, with written documentation of training.
Thorough knowledge of Medical Technology principles, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to perform a broad range of testing.
Knowledge of mathematical and statistical methods sufficient to calculate and convert analytical data to test results.
Ability to produce rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results during high-volume periods of 100 or more patients per day.
Knowledge and skill sufficient to use and maintain laboratory instrumentation.
Knowledge of related disciplines to integrate and correlate test results with other laboratory data and clinical information.
Understanding of laboratory science and its application to correlating laboratory results with patient symptoms and diagnoses.
Proficiency in venipuncture, fingerstick collections, and drug-screen collections.
Annual CPR certification.
Ability to hear pages, bells, and the phone system.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, possibly 4–7 hours at a time.
Ability to lift moderately heavy to heavy items weighing 20–50 pounds.
Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and take initiative in changing workloads and situations.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in clinical laboratory testing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results using appropriate analyses, procedures, equipment, and safety practices.
Follow laboratory procedures for specimen collection, handling, processing, test analyses, reporting, and recordkeeping.
Follow quality-control policies and document quality-control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance.
Order laboratory, x-ray, and medical supplies in the medical record system under written or direct verbal Physician orders.
Assist Physicians, Extenders, and Nurses with patient care, including locating patients, obtaining vital signs, triaging and assessing patients, and preparing patients for examinations and treatment.
Respond respectfully and promptly to requests from Physicians, Extenders, and Nurses.
Follow and document established corrective actions when test systems fall outside acceptable performance levels.
Identify and troubleshoot problems that may affect testing or reporting, correcting them when appropriate or notifying the Lab Supervisor, Lab Consultant, or Director of Laboratory Services.
Understand and perform all duties on the checklists associated with the position.
Use correct medical terminology and stay informed about new policies and procedures; implement policies and procedures as directed.
Sterilize and set up instruments; stock the laboratory and treatment area; handle laundry; and maintain cleanliness of the treatment area and other center areas as needed.
Attend mandatory training and continuing education, including CPR and code-drill classes, and attend staff meetings as directed.
Work at any center when needed because of staffing needs, emergencies, or reductions in work.
Be available to assist as needed, including when patient care or center operations interrupt breaks or mealtimes.
Use the medical record system to process patients, order and report laboratory tests, manage medical records, and address hardware or software problems.
Work with employees and externs during on-the-job training.
Complete duties on the position checklist within the assigned shift, recognizing that the time required for duties may vary.
Operate, maintain, and use medical and office equipment as trained.
Participate in maintenance assignments when necessary and as directed.
Complete other duties as directed.