Medical Lab Scientist

The schedule for this position is usually Wednesday-Friday, 12-hr shifts 0600-1830, 0700-1930, or 0800-2030.

Note: Position may work night shifts, day shifts, and weekends due to time off needs of other staff.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Director of Laboratory, Lead Tech , other Medical Laboratory Scientists, and Medical Laboratory Technician-II the Medical Laboratory Scientist performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing. Collects, identifies, and distributes patient specimens in accordance with workload requirements. Performs routine technical, clerical, and cleaning tasks within the laboratory. Performs point of care testing and other technical procedures related to patient care as part of a multi-skilled effort. Performs analysis requiring complex network of steps and variables, troubleshoots problems with equipment and procedures. Confirms and verifies laboratory results utilizing knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments. Performs quality assurance and quality control as assigned.

Hours and Schedule: Evening or night position available:

• Usually, five eight-hour shifts 1330-2200.

• Usually, three twelve-hour shifts.

• Usually every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 1830-0630.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Laboratory, Lead Tech , other Medical Laboratory Scientists, and certified Medical Laboratory Technicians the Medical Laboratory Scientist performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing. Collects, identifies, and distributes patient specimens in accordance with workload requirements. Performs routine technical, clerical, and cleaning tasks within the laboratory. Performs point of care testing and other technical procedures related to patient care as part of a multi-skilled effort. Performs analysis requiring complex network of steps and variables, troubleshoots problems with equipment and procedures. Confirms and verifies laboratory results utilizing knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments. Performs quality assurance and quality control as assigned.

Experience and Education: Experience and Education:

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - Has earned a High School Diploma or equivalency and one of the following:

  • Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution.
  • Earned a Bachelor’s degree in an applied science such as biology, chemistry, or microbiology that includes 24 hours of science courses. Those hours must include a minimum of six semester hours each in chemistry and biology, the remaining 12 semester hours may be in chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology.
  • Successfully completed an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks’ duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technologist or MLS).

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) - Has earned an MLT certification in addition to a High School Diploma or equivalency and one of the following:

  • Earned an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from an accredited institution.
  • Earned an Associate degree in an applied science such as biology, chemistry, or microbiology that includes 24 hours of science courses. Those hours must include a minimum of six semester hours each in chemistry and biology, the remaining 12 semester hours may be in chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology.
  • Successfully completed an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks’ duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician or MLT).

Minimum: Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Minimum: Not applicable.

Preferred: MLS or MLT Certification earned and maintained by one of the following:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT).

• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow the laboratory policies and procedures and the reference laboratory’s specimen requirements.
• Personal technology device to download application to enable access to hospital email by multi-factor authentication.
• Ability to effectivity communicate specimen requirements, processes, problems and suggested resolution to patients, caregivers, and co-workers both inside and outside of the laboratory.
• Display compassion to all patients and show extra patience with those that are uncomfortable with having their blood drawn or have a fear of needles. Must be empathetic, speak kindly to patients, and reassure patients of the process when performing phlebotomy.
• Effective prioritization of specimen collection and processing so that the most STAT patients/samples are taken care of first, but so that no patients/samples are neglected.
• Refer to policies and procedures to resolve problems. If the answer to the problem is not found in the written procedures, then ask a co-worker or supervisor for assistance.
• Always maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Communicates effectively with clinics, nursing, and other departments to relay information concerning patient collections.
• Maintains a professional demeanor, positive attitude and displays confidence in skills.
• Willingly shares information and resources with co-workers.
• Displays good organizational skills and utilizes time wisely.
• Maintains composure under stress and continues to work effectively.
• Works carefully and precisely without creating unnecessary errors.
• Remains patient focused and is willing to go above and beyond for their patients and peers.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn computer programs relevant to job duties.
• Must be able to multi-task and able to change directions quickly.
• Ability to effectively use critical thinking to analyze information objectively and make decisions independently to resolve and/or prevent problems.
• Must take the initiative to continue learning and finding productive use of periods of downtime.
• Ability to avoid gossip and negativity.