Medical Technologist I

Medical University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

About The Position

Medical Technologist I supports high-quality testing in a clinical laboratory. The role prepares and processes specimens, performs routine laboratory testing, assesses and interprets results, maintains supplies, and supports quality control and instrument maintenance. It also involves troubleshooting laboratory equipment and computer data issues, documenting work, communicating technical testing information, and contributing to staff and student training and continuing education. The position is designated for applicants with less than one year of clinical experience. The role requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology or a relevant medical or scientific discipline and certification as a Medical Technologist through ASCP BOC or an equivalent credential, or relevant specialty laboratory certification. New employees who are not certified must obtain certification within their first year; their starting salary is 10% lower until certification is obtained. Current MLT employees will not be reclassified to MT until they successfully complete the ASCP MLS registry. Primary-source verification of successful completion is required and will be performed by MUHA Human Resources.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology or a relevant medical or scientific discipline.
Certification as a Medical Technologist by ASCP BOC or equivalent, or relevant specialty laboratory certification.
New employees who are not certified must obtain certification within the first year of employment.
Current MLT employees must successfully complete the ASCP MLS registry before job reclassification from MLT to MT.
Less than one year of clinical experience.
Primary-source verification of successful completion is required and will be performed by MUHA Human Resources.
Ability to meet physical requirements including prolonged standing and sitting, hand/eye coordination, manual dexterity, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Vision and hearing within the normal range with or without correction, and absence of color blindness.
Ability to wear protective clothing and shoes due to contact with biohazardous materials.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply written labels, instructions, and guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Availability for weekend, holiday, and overtime rotations to accommodate patient care.

Responsibilities

Assess, receive, accession, process, and test samples to support high-quality patient results, and maintain supplies needed for testing.
Prepare specimens for testing.
Perform positive patient identification using two identifiers and evaluate specimen acceptability.
Receive specimens in the electronic laboratory computer system and middleware, apply correct labeling practices, and assess orders in the electronic laboratory computer system.
Perform routine laboratory testing using automated and non-automated methods and established procedures.
Recognize normal and abnormal laboratory values and complete warranted notifications, including documenting and notifying critical test results according to established policies.
Recognize computer data problems and troubleshoot issues; communicate technical testing information to medical and lay persons using Standards of Behavior.
Process, test, and interpret specimens appropriately according to sample type and test; create and review pending worklists; and use the electronic laboratory computer system and departmental middleware proficiently.
Keep assigned benches stocked, quality-control new reagent lots and shipments according to manufacturer procedures and laboratory protocols, and order reagents at designated par levels.
Support test and instrument validation activities.
Perform and document quality control correctly, completely, and on time; verify QC before reporting patient results.
Troubleshoot equipment, instruments, and results; document equipment problems and resolutions on tracking logs or discrepancy forms and communicate them to the team.
Perform and document process-improvement activities and instrument maintenance according to manufacturer instructions; follow approved procedures and policies.
Complete procedure and policy sign-offs, competency activities, and competency documentation by deadlines using MediaLab.
Assist with orientation and training of new staff, students, and residents as assigned, providing timely documentation and feedback; help ensure positive experiences for learners and healthcare practitioners.
Participate in continuing education and model Standards of Behavior in daily interactions.
Complete additional tasks assigned by the Director, Manager, Coordinator, or Team Leader in a timely manner.