Laboratory Scientist/MLS/CLS/MT – Chemistry – Days

VCU Health; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

VCU Health in Richmond, VA seeks a Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform complex tests and deliver accurate results for diagnosis and treatment. You will operate and troubleshoot instruments, ensure quality control, and assist in training staff and residents.

Minimum qualifications include a BSCLS or related biology degree with NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT program; ASCP or equivalent certification is required.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (BSCLS) or a Biological Science with NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT certificate.
• Preferred MSCLS degree for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory tests according to established procedures.
• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and validates lab equipment.
• Performs quality control and follows quality assurance guidelines.
• Assists in educating and training laboratory personnel, students, and residents.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
• May perform specimen collection and phlebotomy as applicable.
• Ensures accreditation standards are maintained (CAP, TJ, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service skills

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Education

BSCLS or related biology degree

NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT program

MSCLS preferred

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

**$7,500 Sign On Bonus for offers accepted by August 31, 2026. Terms and Conditions apply**

The Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides accurate and timely testing and results to requesting physicians and other healthcare professionals for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Responsible for the analyses of a variety of biological specimens and performs complex lab tests. Consistently utilize excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers at all times. Position requires a positive and professional interpersonal style with a strong commitment to the team effort.

Essential Job Statements

• Performs laboratory tests according to established procedures.
• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and validates lab equipment.
• Performs, documents quality control, and follows established quality assurance guidelines.
• Assists in educating and training laboratory personnel, students, and residents.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
• May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable to specific work location.
• Ensures the laboratory is maintaining accreditation standards from College of American Pathologist (CAP), Joint Commission (TJ) and other accrediting agency standards as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Education Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (BSCLS) from an accredited program or a Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological Science* in addition to graduation from an NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT certificate program OR Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological Science with 5 or more years of on the job training in a hospital health care environment in a specific lab discipline performing high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (categorical or generalist certification required).

*Unless grandfathered under previous hiring requirements

Preferred Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (MSCLS) from an accredited program

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure/Certification Required: MLS graduates that are hired upon graduation must obtain certification within 6 months of their graduation date.

Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification.

Individuals with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Individuals with ASCP certification prior to January 1, 2004, are not required to participate in the certification maintenance program.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification

Team Members with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: Minimum: Entry Level Medical Laboratory Scientist Graduate

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to work rotating weekends as required. Ability to work Holidays scheduling as required. Ability to take on call availability as required and for emergency coverage on any shift

Cultural Responsiveness: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Previous Medical Technologist, Clinical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Scientist experience is preferred.

Working Conditions : Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * May have periods of constant interruptions.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements :

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100+ lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near

Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory –Emotional

Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

Days

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran