Graduate Medical Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

This position is responsible for analysis of biological specimens in the laboratory, including comprehensive knowledge of collecting specimens (such as venipuncture or collecting hazardous or infectious materials for culture). Prepares reagents, organizes daily workload and performs quality control. Appraises results to distinguish normal and abnormal values, performs calculations, prepares and distributes written, LIS, and verbal reports. Performs preventative maintenance of instruments, troubleshooting methodologies and teaches new technologists. Maintains daily and monthly workload and inventory of reagents and materials. Enters data into LIS as required. Follows all safety policies and procedures.

Analyzes and processes biological specimens, organizes workload and sets-up test procedures.

Evaluates appropriateness of patient and quality control results and enters into the Laboratory information system. Strictly follows critical notification policy when results meet stated criteria.

Maintains inventory and reorders reagents. Stocks shelves. Disposes of biohazards, chemicals, etc. in a safe manner following department procedure.

Maintains and troubleshoots instruments.

Performs and monitors quality control.

Enters results into LIS. Monitors results using LIS reports.

Follows all laboratory safety policies and procedures.

Acts as backup to phlebotomy team and may perform venipuncture and/or collect cultures.

Demonstrates knowledge and ability and competence in treating patients who range in age from birth to 100+ years.

Works with section leaders to organize workflow and optimize patient care.

Supervision Exercised: No supervision exercised.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows.

An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Certification: ASCP: Amer Soc of Clin Pathologist. Equivalent Experience: Required within six months of program completion.

Required Education: HIGH.

Other Information: Must follow one of the following three routes:

Route 1: Must be enrolled in a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, have completed the academic part of the program and be currently completing the programs internship. Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) through ASCP or AMT is required within 6 months of completing the MLT program (following internship).

Route 2: Has completed an Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry or the Biological Sciences; and has worked at least 35 hours per week for 3 years in a clinical laboratory (within the last 6 years), in the departments of Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, Urinalysis/Body Fluids. Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) through ASCP or AMT is required within 6 months of hire.

Route 3: Completion of a BS degree in Chemistry or the Biological Sciences, followed by an on-site (MyMichigan) training experience. Training will include a minimum of 1.5 months in each department: Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank and Microbiology. In the event the graduate is not deemed competent by a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist in 1.5 months, the graduate may not move to the next department until competent. The total training period may not exceed 8 months. Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) through ASCP or AMT is required within 6 months of MyMichigan program completion.

Organizational skills needed to prioritize daily workload.

Written and interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individual and groups and interact with employees at all levels within the Medical Center to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Basic knowledge of laboratory instruments needed to troubleshoot problems.

Basic knowledge of personal computer for inputting patient information.

Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed actually according to the Exposure Control Plan.

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

Physical Demand Level: Light. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.