Medical Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of routine or specialized tests and procedures for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients in one or more areas of work, such as Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Immunohematology, Histocompatibility, Flow Cytometry, Molecular Pathology, Ancillary Testing, Microbiology and other specialty departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Independently performs routine/complex chemical, hematologic, microscopic, morphologic immunologic, and/or microbiologic procedures involving the use of laboratory instruments or manual techniques maintaining appropriate technical and organizational skills within established turn- around times.
• Applies advanced level of knowledge, training, and clinical judgment to: (a) release quality patient test results; (b) evaluate instrument performance and quality control results to determine the accuracy and reliability of all analytical data before it is released; (c) correlate results with other laboratory data and/or disease states; (d) identify technical, instrument, pharmacologic and/or physiologic causes of unexpected test results. Takes action/or develops solutions based on data at hand in collaboration with section supervisor/director.
• Standardizes, calibrates, performs preventative maintenance and performs in-depth troubleshooting on laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Assists in the development and/or design of new test procedures and/or methodologies; participates in the evaluation, correlation, and introduction of new instruments or procedures.
• Participates in the instruction (theory and practice) of clinical laboratory science to students, residents, and new employees; attends, participates in, and presents department continuing education and in-service training programs.
• Participates in various quality assurance and regulatory agency activities in the department, which may include performance of proficiency testing; involvement in TQM/CQI committees; developing and documenting quality assurance monitors; writing and updating of procedure manuals; participation in mandatory personal competency assessment and assistance with administration of section competency testing program.
• Provides direction and guidance for questions and/or problems referred by medical laboratory technicians, and other laboratory personnel concerning specimen acceptability, unusual or discrepant results, instrument or method problems, and/or out-of-control situations. Communicates with nurses/physicians/other health care workers and public concerning lab results, procedures, and technology.
• Performs other special projects and miscellaneous duties as assigned, including inventory control, reagent preparation, limited venipuncture. Acting as a Team Leader, assumes designated functions of the supervisor in his/her absence according to CAP/CLIA requirements.

STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Education / Training:

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree. Completion of a clinical laboratory approved or accredited program by NAACLS or at least three months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.
• Clinical internship proof of completion (e.g., NAACLS accredited program - hospital-based or university-based)

Certificate of completion (hospital-based)

"Clinical Practicum" designation on transcript (university-based)

• Official ASCP BOC approval (e-mail letter) confirming eligibility to take the certification exam.

Work Experience:

• Completion of a NAACLS accredited clinical internship or equivalent experience/training as required by the ASCP Board of Certification or other acceptable certifying agency/work experience approved by Lab Administration.

Certification, Licensure, Registration:

Department policy requires U.S. certification, U.S. certification eligibility*, or certification assessment** by one of the following agencies:

• ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist - MLS(ASCP) Effective October 23, 2009 (see Notes below)
• ASCP Medical Technologist - MT(ASCP) Prior to October, 2009
• ASCP International Medical Laboratory Scientist - MLS(ASCPi) Effective January 1, 2015. Note the superscript "i".
• ASCP Technologist (categorical) certification - BB(ASCP), C(ASCP), H(ASCP), I(ASCP), M(ASCP) or MB(ASCP)
• AMT Medical Technologist - MT(AMT) After 2010
• Additional acceptable certification eligibility can be reviewed with Human Resources & the department