Preparatory Technician I

Baystate Health • Springfield, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Baystate Health is seeking a Preparatory Technician I to join the Laboratory at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. The laboratory performs diagnostic testing that supports patient care across the organization.

This core-level position performs duties involving the receipt, assessment, accessioning, and preparation of patient specimens for analysis. The technician verifies specimen identity and order appropriateness, enters specimens and orders into a laboratory information system, and labels specimens and associated testing components. Duties may include inoculating specimens onto culture media; preparing specimens for microscopic analysis; preparing and loading specimens onto automated processing or testing equipment; preparing basic reagents and solutions; and performing certain staining techniques. The technician archives specimens or ensures aliquots are delivered to other departments or reference laboratories as needed.

The role responds to many telephone and other inquiries about laboratory test information, referring calls to other staff when appropriate. It requires a high level of knowledge of basic laboratory testing, equipment, and techniques. The technician contributes to training new staff or students, follows departmental policies and procedures, and may record basic quality-control data.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week night-shift position on the third shift, with rotating weekend coverage as needed. Benefits may be available depending on eligibility. The stated hourly compensation range is $19.29–$28.08, with a midpoint of $23.03.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; GED or HiSET accepted.
• One year of prior laboratory experience.
• High level of knowledge of basic laboratory testing, equipment, and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Receive, assess, accession, and prepare patient specimens for analysis.
• Verify specimen identity, including specimen type and patient information, and confirm the appropriateness of orders.
• Accession specimens and orders in the laboratory information system and label specimens and associated testing components.
• Perform specimen preparation procedures, which may include inoculating specimens onto culture media, preparing specimens for microscopic analysis, and preparing or loading specimens onto automated processing or testing equipment.
• Prepare basic laboratory reagents and solutions and perform certain staining techniques as needed.
• Archive specimens and ensure appropriate aliquots are delivered to other departments or reference laboratories for further testing.
• Respond to laboratory test-information inquiries and refer calls to other staff as appropriate.
• Contribute to training new staff and/or students.
• Adhere to departmental policies and procedures.
• Record basic quality-control data as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including local Health New England plans, depending on eligibility.
• Tuition assistance, CEUs, and professional development opportunities.
• Clinical advancement, leadership development, and internal career opportunities.
• Career options across Baystate Health hospitals, practices, and services throughout western Massachusetts.
• Retirement savings and employer match.
• Generous paid time off for eligible employees.
• Onsite parking.
• Shift differential available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED