Medical Laboratory Technologist / Medical Laboratory Technician

Patient First•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Technologist / Medical Laboratory Technician provides rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results and supports patient care in a medical center. The role follows laboratory procedures for specimen collection, handling, processing, analyses, reporting, recordkeeping, quality control, calibration, and maintenance. It also involves ordering supplies under Physician orders; assisting Physicians, Extenders, and Nurses with patient treatment and care; and maintaining the treatment area, laboratory, equipment, and supplies. The employee follows established laboratory policies and corrective-action procedures, troubleshoots testing or reporting problems, attends required training and meetings, and uses the medical record system and medical and office equipment. The position may require working at any center due to staffing needs or emergencies, assisting as needed during breaks or mealtimes, and completing all assigned checklist duties within the assigned shift. Other duties may be assigned.

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 must meet at least one of these qualifications: 60 semester hours of college with related chemistry, biology, and medical laboratory technique courses; 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 to the testing performed; or completion of a 50-week military Medical Laboratory Procedures course and service in the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist. Written documentation of training is required.
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 amid varying workload and dynamic situations.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in clinical laboratory testing preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results using appropriate analyses, procedures, equipment, and safety practices.
Follow procedures for specimen collection, handling, processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintenance of test-result records.
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 corrective actions when test systems do not meet established performance levels.
Identify and troubleshoot problems that could affect test performance or reporting, correcting them or notifying the appropriate laboratory supervisor, consultant, or director.
Understand and perform duties listed on position checklists.
Use correct medical terminology and stay informed about and implement policies and procedures.
Sterilize and set up instruments; stock the laboratory and treatment area; handle laundry; and maintain cleanliness 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 required by staffing needs, emergencies, or reductions in work.
Assist as needed, including when breaks or mealtimes are interrupted to support patient care or center operations.
Use the medical record system for patient processing, lab-test ordering and reporting, medical records, and hardware or software issues.
Work with fellow employees and externs during on-the-job training.
Complete duties within the scope of the position, including all checklist duties during the assigned shift, recognizing that the time needed 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.