MED OFFICE LAB ASSISTANT

Covenant Health; Knoxville, Grand Junction (TN, CO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading cancer-fighting network as a Medical Office Lab Assistant, where you'll play a vital role in patient care and laboratory operations. This position offers the chance to work alongside board-certified oncologists, performing essential tasks like blood sample collection and specimen processing. You'll ensure accurate testing and maintain patient records while contributing to a collaborative team environment. If you're passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference in oncology, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 1 year phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills and medical terminology required.

Responsibilities

• Collect venous blood samples and process clinical laboratory specimens.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring quality control.
• Assist patients and manage testing records accurately.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Medical Terminology

Basic Computer Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

EMR Systems

Job description

Overview

Medical Office Lab Assistant, Medical Oncology

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Thompson Oncology Group Overview:

As a member of Covenant Health and Thompson Cancer Survival Center, Thompson Oncology Group is part of the region’s largest cancer-fighting network, with more imaging centers, more board-certified physicians and surgeons, and more cancer and radiation centers closer to where you call home. All Thompson Oncology Group practices are committed to excellence and ongoing quality improvement.

Thompson Oncology Group (TOG) is a leader in medical oncology services and provides patients access to all proven, drug-based treatments and the latest clinical trial medicines. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologists and certified advanced practice providers deliver on-site care and treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, at affiliated infusion centers throughout our region.

Position Summary

The Medical Office Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing venipunctures and processing clinical laboratory specimens for diagnosis and treatment of patients by physicians and advanced practitioners. The individual will also perform test analyses, report results, and maintain patient records for waived and moderately complex clinical laboratory testing validated for performance at their specific physician office laboratory (POL). POL testing may be referred to a reference laboratory when appropriate. The individual will perform only those processes authorized by the laboratory director, requiring skills consistent with their education, training, experience, and technical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Register patient accounts (if indicated), ensuring proper identification and billing accuracy.
• Track and submit testing records to relevant financial departments. Assist with billing troubleshooting as needed.
• Provide assistance to patients upon entry and exit, including escorting and wheelchair assistance, and inform them of next steps.
• Collect venous blood samples following proper procedures.
• Use two unique patient identifiers at specimen collection and accurately label all specimens.
• Properly label Blood Bank specimens using the hospital’s identification system and place Blood Bank armbands on patients during collection.
• Use aseptic technique when collecting blood cultures.
• Provide patients with supplies and instructions for specimen collection, including at-home collections like 24-hour urine or fecal tests.
• Process and handle specimens according to procedures, including centrifugation, separation, tracking, and storage/shipment per instructions.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment; notify management of repairs.
• Record maintenance and corrective actions, and document all activities per policies.
• Follow quality control policies, document calibrations, maintenance, and perform necessary testing and validations.
• Evaluate specimen quality and test validity, and identify issues affecting test performance.
• Participate in proficiency testing and maintain performance records.
• Assist with instrument validation and investigatory work as assigned.
• Support departments like Genetic Testing and Clinical Trials as needed.
• Communicate with reference labs regarding test orders and quality metrics.
• Maintain a clean and disinfected work area, handle biohazard waste properly, and use PPE appropriately.
• Utilize EMR and other systems for managing test orders, results, and schedules.
• Plan work efficiently, communicate needed information, and handle tasks with varying priorities.
• Exercise cost-conscious methods and demonstrate competence in HIS, LIS, and other computer systems.
• Manage inventory and assume responsibilities in the absence of the Laboratory Manager.
• Participate in meetings, communicate professionally, and maintain confidentiality.
• Assist in training new and existing staff, and perform local travel as required.
• Follow policies, complete education requirements, and participate in quality initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

High School diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum Experience:

Basic computer skills, medical terminology, registration, and phlebotomy skills or equivalent. 1 year phlebotomy experience preferred.

Licensure Requirement:

Valid Tennessee driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage required. Driving record must meet Covenant Health standards at hire and throughout employment.