Microbiology Medical Technologist - Medical Laboratory Technician (MLS/MLT)

Advocate Health•West Allis, WI

2d•$31 - $46

About The Position

The Microbiology Medical Technologist performs, evaluates, and monitors laboratory testing under established protocols, evaluates results for clinical significance and validity, and reports results according to policy. The role monitors workflow and adjusts work as needed to meet appropriate timelines. It also involves instrument calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, and compliance with accrediting standards, including CAP requirements in an acute-care setting. The technologist ensures specimens are appropriately labeled and suitable for testing and collects specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to protocol. The position provides technical assistance and training to laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, support staff, students, residents, and new team members. It contributes to improving laboratory procedures and processes and supports specialty testing and disease-specific accreditations by meeting turnaround-time goals. The role provides timely laboratory support to critical care departments such as the ED, ICU, and OR during high-acuity events. This may include transfusion services, attending codes, testing irretrievable samples, tissue grinding and Gram stains, and supporting mass-casualty and mass-transfusion procedures. The technologist must provide care appropriate to patients’ ages and demonstrate knowledge of growth and development across the life span. This is a part-time position scheduled Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with every third weekend and two holidays per year. The position is 20 hours per week and may require a flexible schedule or alternate-site assignment. The work involves operating laboratory equipment and exposure to human blood and body fluids and potentially mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive, or infectious agents. Appropriate protective equipment must be worn. Travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Technology, or a related field.
ASCP Medical Technologist (MT) certification, or obtain ASCP Board of Certification Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification within one year, or obtain AMT Medical Technologist (MT) certification within one year.
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 at an alternate site.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for most of the workday and frequently lift up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds is required.
Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job and wear appropriate laboratory protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Perform, evaluate, and monitor laboratory tests under established protocols, selecting and performing additional procedures when indicated.
Monitor workflow and make adjustments to complete work within an appropriate timeframe.
Evaluate results for clinical significance, validity, and appropriateness, and report and notify others of results according to policy.
Perform and document calibration, maintenance, and repair of instruments and equipment; identify malfunctions and implement appropriate corrections.
Perform, document, and review quality control and quality assurance activities, evaluating results and 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 medical laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and support staff.
Assist with developing education and training protocols and instruct students, residents, and new team members as assigned.
Help improve the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes, and support compliance with accrediting agency standards and CAP regulatory requirements.
Perform internal and external proficiency testing in the same manner as patient samples.
Perform specialty testing in areas including transfusion services, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, and flow cytometry.
Support disease-specific accreditations by meeting turnaround-time goals.
Provide direct, timely, and accurate laboratory support to critical care departments during high-acuity patient events, including transfusion services, attending codes, testing irretrievable samples, tissue grinding and Gram stains, and mass-casualty and mass-transfusion procedures.
Provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served, applying knowledge of growth and development across the life span.