CLS - CLS

Medical Laboratory Technician / Medical Laboratory Scientist

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MT) plays a vital role in obtaining, processing, and analyzing patient specimens to generate accurate laboratory data essential for diagnosing and treating diseases. This position requires compliance with established laboratory policies, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and the ability to identify results that require referral to the Pathologist while ensuring professional, patient-centered service.

Education

• Completion of an accredited MLT/CLS or MT/MLS program.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Applied Science, or a chemical, physical, or biological science discipline.

Experience

• One to three months of related laboratory experience or training preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Primary Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, process, analyze, and report accurate laboratory specimen results.
• Perform laboratory testing in Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Blood Bank, Urinalysis, Blood Gas, and Phlebotomy.
• Recognize abnormal test results and refer critical values to the Pathologist when required.
• Execute and document quality control procedures while adhering to quality assurance guidelines.
• Screen tests for medical necessity requirements and follow reference laboratory and interface protocols.
• Follow drug screening and BAT protocols as per client-specific requirements.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain laboratory equipment safely and correctly.
• Demonstrate competency in phlebotomy for patients of all ages, from neonatal to geriatric.
• Maintain compliance with infection control practices, universal precautions, and safety regulations.
• Adhere to hospital policies and regulatory requirements including IDPH, OSHA, CMS, HIPAA, and DHHS standards.
• Complete required education, attend in-services and staff meetings, and review departmental communications.
• Adapt to changing workloads and fulfill patient care duties within scheduled shifts.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with patients, families, providers, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
• Promote teamwork and organizational values while participating in quality and culture initiatives.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Current ASCP or AMT certification required.

Work Environment

As a rural Critical Access Hospital, this position serves a close-knit community with a limited inpatient bed capacity while operating a busy Emergency Department that treats several patients each day. The role is critical in ensuring timely, high-quality laboratory services for our patients. During the night shift, the MLT/MT will function independently as the sole laboratory professional on site, managing all laboratory operations from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Preferred Experience

The ideal candidate should be comfortable working independently across multiple laboratory disciplines, including:

• Blood Bank
• Urinalysis
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Serology

Experience with the following equipment is preferred:

• Vitros 7600
• Clinitek Prime Plus (ABGs)
• DxH 690
• Ortho Gel Workstation
• LIAT
• Bactec
• TOP 300

Key Duties During Shift

• Perform analyzer maintenance and quality control procedures.
• Process Emergency Department specimens, including phlebotomy and arterial blood gas collection.
• Test clinic specimens delivered after hours.
• Complete scheduled inpatient/floor laboratory draws each morning.
• Communicate critical laboratory values to providers in accordance with hospital policy.