Medical Technologist - Medical Laboratory Technician (MLS/MLT)

Advocate Health

2d•$25 - $46

About The Position

The Medical Technologist performs, evaluates, and monitors laboratory tests under established protocols, selecting additional procedures when indicated and managing workflow to complete work in a timely manner. The role evaluates results for clinical significance and validity, reports results according to policy, and performs and documents instrument calibration, maintenance, and repair. It also identifies instrument or test malfunctions and implements appropriate corrections. The technologist performs and reviews quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing; verifies specimen labeling and suitability; and collects specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients. The position provides direction, training, competency review, and technical assistance to laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and support staff, and may instruct students, residents, and new team members. The role supports laboratory quality and efficiency and compliance with accrediting standards, including CAP regulatory requirements. Specialty testing may include transfusion services, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, and flow cytometry. The technologist provides timely laboratory support to high-acuity departments such as the ED, ICU, and OR, including during codes, mass-casualty events, and mass-transfusion procedures. The position also requires age-appropriate patient care knowledge across the lifespan. This is a part-time role of 20 hours per week, with various weekday shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a weekend and holiday rotation. The pay range is $25.30–$46.05 per hour. The role may involve travel and exposure to laboratory hazards, blood, and body fluids, and requires use of appropriate protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Technology, or a related field.
No prior experience required.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include assignment to alternate sites.
One of the following credentials: Medical Technologist (MT) certification from ASCP; Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification from ASCP BOC, to be obtained within one year; or Medical Technologist (MT) certification from AMT, to be obtained within one year.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequently lifting up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, and sitting, standing, and walking for most of the workday.
Ability to work around mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive, and infectious agents and exposure to human blood and body fluids, using appropriate protective equipment.
Ability to travel if required, including in inclement weather and adverse road conditions.

Responsibilities

Perform, evaluate, and monitor laboratory tests according to established protocols; select additional procedures when indicated.
Monitor workflow and adjust work as needed to complete testing within an appropriate time frame.
Evaluate results for clinical significance, validity, and appropriateness; report and notify others of results according to policy.
Perform and document calibration, maintenance, and repair of instruments and equipment; identify malfunctions and implement corrections.
Perform, document, and review quality control and quality assurance, taking corrective action when indicated.
Verify that specimens are properly labeled and suitable for testing, and collect specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to protocol.
Provide direction, training, competency review, and technical assistance to laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and support staff.
Assist with developing education and training protocols and instruct students, residents, and new team members as assigned.
Improve the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes and support compliance with accrediting standards, including CAP requirements.
Perform internal and external proficiency testing in the same manner as patient samples.
Perform specialty testing in transfusion services, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, and flow cytometry as applicable.
Support disease-specific accreditations by meeting turnaround-time goals.
Provide timely, accurate laboratory results and direct support to critical-care departments, including the ED, ICU, and OR, during high-acuity events.
Support codes, testing of irretrievable samples, tissue grinding and gram stains, mass-casualty procedures, and mass-transfusion procedures.
Provide care and laboratory services appropriate to patients' age-specific needs, consistent with departmental policies and procedures.
Operate equipment necessary to perform the job.