Medical Laboratory Scientist

Primary City/State:
Phoenix, Arizona

Department Name:

Work Shift:
Day

Job Category:
Lab

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is responsible for a high level of technical knowledge and application of that knowledge to department testing, clinical relevance, and complex problem-solving skills. This position serves as a department resource and is responsible for assisting with department compliance with all pertinent laboratory accrediting agency and regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA '88, JCAHO, CAP, OSHA). May be responsible for the collection, receipt, and processing of biological specimens into the laboratory.

Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards.


CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Performs testing in an accurate and timely manner according to established policies and performance standards with a knowledge level determined for that testing. Responsible for startup, calibration and accuracy of procedures and instrumentation. Actively participates in problem solving activities within the department, using advanced level of decision-making skills. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of all computer systems used in the department. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and application of theory and clinical relevance testing. Assists in ensuring compliance with accrediting agencies and regulatory requirements. Demonstrates ability to assume lead responsibility in absence of on-site departmental leadership personnel.

2. Recognizes, ensures validity, and assists in monitoring abnormal patient and/or QC results of testing. Ensures accuracy of test results. Participates in detecting and documenting occurrences that deviate from defined procedures. Recognizes need and participates in department and LSA/SQL System process improvement and quality assurance activities, including assisting with monitoring of department indicators of productivity and quality.

3. Monitors and controls inventory and assists in providing financial data for the department. Active participation on process improvements in financial performance to decrease costs, improve productivity and improve service.

4. Participates in contributions to additional department/System projects. Active in training of department employees. Actively participates on at least one committee or team or is involved in at least one special project identified with department management. Exhibits awareness of medical/legal consequences of professional actions. May assist in new employee orientation, training and competency. Provides input for competency and annual assessments for employees in appropriate time frames. Completes training module for newly hired/transferred personnel. Note: Unless the employee meets the minimum qualifications defined by CAP for a technical consultant, the employee may not oversee competency assessment.

5. Acts as a department resource by participating in providing educational information to internal and external customers. Demonstrated advanced level of effective verbal and written communication skills. Attendance and participation at staff meetings. Demonstrates preceptor and coaching skills and promotes a constructive environment that encourages learning and development.

6. May process and/or prepare patient samples as required to include the following: 1) specimen collection 2) general laboratory specimen processing and 3) referral laboratory processing. In doing so, ensuring correct patient and specimen identification and specimen integrity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

DIRECTLY REPORTING
None

MATRIX OR INDIRECT REPORTING
Medical Lab Technicians (MLTs), Clinical Lab Assistants, Phlebotomists

TYPE OF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
N/A

SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY
Department and LSA/SQL System. Internal Customers: Employees of the system, physicians, nursing. External Customer - Nurses, physicians, office personnel, vendors, service reps etc. Involved in interdepartmental communication and activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently. Use material handling equipment to push/and or pull up to 75 pounds and required to lift, push and/or pull up to 25 pounds. Requires manual dexterity. Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical, electrical and biological hazards. Ability to distinguish colors and to take direction and assimilate instructions quickly. Requires use of personal computer, printers, copiers, telephone, fax and department specific equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must exhibit personal maturity and responsibility.
• Excellent reading, writing and math abilities.
• Communicates effectively in oral and written formats sufficient to demonstrate comprehension.
• Ability to perform detailed work; work with frequent interruptions, multi-task, problem solve and memorization.
• Ability to take direction and assimilate instructions quickly.
• Detail oriented and exceptional organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Must exhibit skills in exceptional customer service, good performance review and passing on-site competency evaluation and /or assessment as defined by the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science/medical technology, OR
  
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical or biological science (transcripts may be reviewed to determine eligibility), AND EITHER
    
    • Certification (MLS or categorical) OR a certificate of completion/letter of attestation on school letterhead documenting completion of any categorical or combination of categoricals from an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.
• Individuals working in the state of Nevada or California are required to maintain their certification throughout their time in position.
• Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation) or other nationally recognized credentialing agency for review to determine eligibility.
• For certain specialty disciplines ONLY (Toxicology, HLA, HCTT, etc.) where no certification is available from a certifying agency, a bachelor's degree with one year of experience in that discipline is required.
• Demonstrated competency in phlebotomy in departments where applicable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MLS/MT or categorical certification (ASCP, AMT, HEW, AAB).
• Basic knowledge of specimen requirements and knowledge of medical terminology.
• Previous experience with phlebotomy and processing.
• Additional related education and/or experience

DATE APPROVED 10/26/2025

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