Medical Lab Tech

Qualified candidates are eligible for a $10,000 Forgivable Loan. (Similar to a sign-on bonus.)

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Technician or CLIA equivalent desired. Other science degrees may be acceptable.

The medical laboratory technicican (MLT) performs various laboratory tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They obtain or receive specimens for laboratory analysis and judge if specimens are of good quality. All laboratory equipment and needed materials are under the care of the MLT. They are responsible for understanding the basic principles behind each test and for utilizing that knowledge in all departments. Quality control is a major consideration in their work. They report all test results and maintain records of performance as defined in the laboratory’s general and sectional policy and procedure manuals.

40 hours/week. 12-hour shifts evening/nights with weekend rotation. 

Job Relationships

Responsibility

• The Medical Laboratory Technician is responsible to the laboratory manager.

Interrelationships

• The Medical Laboratory Technician works closely with all laboratory personnel, all patients, and the staff at locations where the specimens were obtained and nursing services.

Responsibilities and Attributes

Obtains and/or receives specimens from patients for lab analysis proficiently and independently.

• Follows all departmental and institutional safety policies to protect self and all lab personnel.

• Sets up laboratory equipment and material for tests as required including stains, reagents, solutions, and supplies as needed.

• Maintains equipment in accordance with defined policies and protocols and logs preventative maintenance of equipment. Logs performance of equipment and changes solutions and/or parts as required.

• Records laboratory test results accurately and discusses any unusual findings with the lab manager and/or pathologist.

• Performs under minimal supervision the technical work in the various branches of medical technology accurately.

• Assists in the daily monitoring of quality control, instrument maintenance, and laboratory procedures and inventory control as assigned by the lab manager.

• Takes appropriate action in out-of-control situations or when test results are discrepant or unexpected.

• Follows protocols for proficiency testing and handing in appropriate paperwork within specified time frame.

• Maintains a clean, organized work area and keeps working supplies stocked at bench.

• Reports laboratory results to physicians and to the patient’s chart.

• Communicates clearly with other hospital departments, co-workers, other customers outside HCHC, and physicians.

• Assists in training new employees as assigned by the lab manager.

• Shares on-call duty equally with other techs.

• Reads policy and procedure manuals at least annually.

• Maintains awareness of changes in procedures and protocols.

• Completes other duties as assigned.

Personal Attributes and Special Requirements

Understanding of all phases of the clinical laboratory.

• Acute awareness of the work in which a lab tech is engaged.

• Capability of making judgment decisions.

• Availability to respond to the professional demands on time.

• Ability to take direction from the lab manager and other authoritative individuals as dictated by specific situations.

• Tact and understanding in dealing with patients and hospital personnel.

• Acceptable and professional personal appearance and behavior. Dependability when at work and on-call.

Clinical Skills

• Demonstrates thorough working knowledge of laboratory operations.

• Outstanding phlebotomy skills.

• Analyze samples on expensive equipment.

• Use tools and electrical devices to repair and maintain equipment.

• Works with centrifuges, heat blocks, water baths, automated analyzers, incubators, microscopes, photometers, computers, dispensers, and calibrated glassware.

• Prepares reagents from wet and lyophilized stock; uses acids, bases and Type I water.

• Capability of realizing when to ask for technical assistance.

Departmental Responsibilities

• Assist in writing and/or revising test procedures.

• Monitor the quality control and report results monthly. Apply the quality control data information as it is returned.

• Review and report preventative maintenance on all department equipment. Enforce or do the maintenance as required.

• Record needed supplies for ordering.

• Become familiar with all equipment and be confident with each piece in the troubleshooting area.

• Be proficient in the following departments:

• Blood Bank

• Serology

• Urinalysis

• Hematology

• Coagulation

• Microbiology

• Chemistry

Language/Communication Skills

• Ability to understand meaning of words, ideas associated with them, and their effective use. Requirement: High

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately. Requirement: High

Reasoning Ability

• Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation from many perspectives, consider various alternatives, and choose appropriate action.

• Combines ethical judgement with technical skills within policy and legal guidelines of the HCHC.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree from a Committee on Allied Health Education and Accrediation (CAHEA)-accredited MLT program.

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology, or physics and experience in a medical laboratory area or completion of a military laboratory training program of at least 12 months in duration.

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology or physics and CLA registry.

• Associate degree in chemistry, biology or physics and Board of Registry Exam for MLT (ASCP, NCA or AMT)

Annual Requierments, Licensure and Certification

1. None.

Machines, Tools, Equipment

1. Competent to maintain operates laboratory equipment. No special equipment required.