Medical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory

POSITION SUMMARY

The Medical Laboratory Technician - Medical Laboratory Scientist performs specimen processing, testing, and reporting of test results in compliance with regulatory requirements, policy and procedures, and the TCRHCC’s goal of providing quality patient care.  The position is in the laboratory that provides sub-specialties of service in a hospital setting, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, blood bank, microbiology, and clinical microscopy. The laboratory provides 24- hour coverage and rotates day, evening, or night shifts, weekends, holidays and occasional overtime.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Medical Laboratory Technician

• High school graduate or GED, AND
  • Successfully completed an official military medical laboratory procedures course of at least a duration of 50 weeks and held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician), OR
• Sixty (60) hours of courses in an institution accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditation agency AND of those 60 hours have completed either:

1. 1. Twenty-four (24) semester hours of Medical Laboratory or Clinical laboratory science courses OR
   2. Twenty-four (24) semester hours of science courses with the minimal inclusion of:

• • • 6 semester hours of chemistry
    • 6 semester hours of biology
    • 12 semester hours of chemical, biological, or medical technologic/laboratory science in any combination

Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Graduated with a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditation agency,

       ANDhave completed either:

• • Forty-eight (48) semester hours of medical laboratory technology or clinical laboratory science courses OR
  • Forty-eight (48) semester hours of coursework across various subjects that include:
    • Twelve (12) semester hours of chemistry, which must include general chemistry and biochemistry or organic chemistry.
    • Twelve (12) semester hours of biology, which must include general biology and molecular biology, cell biology or genetics; and
    • Twenty-four (24) semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory science or technology in any combination.

License/Certification:

Medical Laboratory Technician

• Medical Laboratory Technician certification from a nationally recognized certification agency must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of hire. Certification must remain unexpired, in good standing, for the duration of employment.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technologist or Specialist certification from a nationally recognized certification agency must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of hire. Certification must remain unexpired, in good standing, for the duration of employment.

Experience:

Medical Laboratory Technician

• Six (6) months documented bench experience in each specialty including blood bank, microbiology, chemistry and hematology.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

• A minimum of one (1) year of approved clinical laboratory experience, must include clinical rotation through blood bank, microbiology, chemistry and hematology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Medical Laboratory Technician

1. Follows the laboratory’s established policies, processes and procedures for specimen collection, handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results in all specialties of service.
2. Performs and documents Corrective Actions when test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.
3. Adheres to the laboratory’s Quality Assurance policies by performing and documenting all Quality Control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and instrument preventative maintenance.
4. Performs proficiency testing and document attestation that proficiency testing samples are tested according to protocol(s).
5. Maintains skills and knowledge required for performing tests methods for proper instrument use, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed.
6. Stays abreast of factors that influence test results and skills required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results.
7. Maintains inventory control to assure adequate supplies and reagents needed for continuous laboratory operation(s).
8. Participates in the laboratory training for non-laboratory personnel or affiliate student programs and new hires. Actively participates in the maintenance of Laboratory Accreditation by adhering to standards in safety, performance improvement, document control, quality assurance, proficiency and competency.
9. Actively Participates in Continuing Education by attending laboratory department meetings and in-services.
10. Develops and maintains working relationship with the Medical and Nursing staff regarding the processing of specimens and evaluation and interpretations of results. Provides verbal consults in various aspects of the clinical laboratory.
11. Expected to provide superior customer service, dedication, positive attitude, confidence, reliability and eagerness to provide safe patient care.
12. Participates in departmental workflow and/or testing teams as related to electronic health record or other project initiatives.
13. Expected to provide continuous communication as necessary, including hand off communications, with colleagues between shifts and laboratory leadership team.
14. Responsible for electronic health records data entry pertinent to patient service role.
15. Ensure proper PPE is worn at all times while on duty including but not limited to, face mask, gloves, gown, isolation gown, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering face piece respirator or higher, if available), and eye or face shield. 
16. Complete all donning and doffing tasks in a safe acceptable method and discard of used PPE accordingly. (see CDC website for most current updates)
17. Complete task training for all routine cleaning and decontamination processes for all surfaces contaminated by a communicable disease to ensure a high level of patient, visitor, employee and external customer satisfaction
18. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Director of Laboratory Services and laboratory leadership team.
19. Provides guidance and support to Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Laboratory Assistants, and Phlebotomists in the effective delivery and execution of laboratory services.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

1. Follows the laboratory’s established policies, processes and procedures for specimen collection, handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results in all specialties of service.
2. Performs and documents Corrective Actions when test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.
3. Adheres to the laboratory’s Quality Assurance policies by performing and documenting all Quality Control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and instrument preventative maintenance.
4. Performs proficiency testing and document attestation that proficiency testing samples are tested according to protocol(s).
5. Maintains skills and knowledge required for performing tests methods for proper instrument use, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed.
6. Stays abreast of factors that influence test results and skills required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results.
7. Maintains inventory control to ensure adequate supplies and reagents needed for continuous laboratory operation(s).
8. Participates in the laboratory training for non-laboratory personnel or affiliate student programs and new hires. Actively participates in the maintenance of Laboratory Accreditation by adhering to standards in safety, performance improvement, document control, quality assurance, proficiency and competency.
9. Actively Participates in Continuing Education by attending laboratory department meetings and in-services.
10. Develops and maintains working relationships with the Medical and Nursing staff regarding the processing of specimens and evaluation and interpretations of results. Provides verbal consultations in various aspects of the clinical laboratory.
11. Expected to provide superior customer service, dedication, positive attitude, confidence, reliability and eagerness to provide safe patient care.
12. Participates in departmental workflow and/or testing teams as related to electronic health record or other project initiatives.
13. Expected to provide continuous communication as necessary, including hand-off communications, with colleagues between shifts and laboratory leadership team.
14. Responsible for electronic health records data entry pertinent to patient service role.
15. Ensure proper PPE is always worn while on duty including but not limited to, face mask, gloves, gown, isolation gown, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering face piece respirator or higher, if available), and eye or face shield. 
16. Complete all donning and doffing tasks in a safe acceptable method and discard of used PPE accordingly. (see CDC website for most current updates)
17. Complete task training for all routine cleaning and decontamination processes for all surfaces contaminated by a communicable disease to ensure a high level of patient, visitor, employee and external customer satisfaction
18. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Director of Laboratory Services and laboratory leadership team.
19. Provides guidance and support to fellow Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Laboratory Assistants, and Phlebotomists in the effective delivery and execution of laboratory services.