Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Technician position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses, which necessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment by using critical thinking skills and deals with issue resolution concerning the day-to-day technical operation of the laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Technician also ensures that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section
• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must have one of the following within one year of hire/transfer into this role: MLT Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) CLA Certified Laboratory Assistant (ASCP) MLT Medical Laboratory Technician (AMT)

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

Essential Functions:

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Teaches students, new employees and others as assigned by Manager.
• Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives.
• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.
• Demonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.
• Recognizes, investigates and helps resolve test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management and the medical director for follow-up.
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.
• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Restocks section inventory levels as needed.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedure and offers suggestions for improvement.

Supplemental Requirements:

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• On Call* Yes
• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes