Medical Lab Technician | Medical Lab Scientist

Unc-Health-Appalachian; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Retirement with match

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Wellness incentives

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian in Boone, NC is hiring Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to perform chemical, hematologic, microscopic, and serological testing guiding patient care. Roles accommodate both MLT and MLS credentials with growth opportunities within the UNC Health system.

The position offers comprehensive benefits, competitive starting pay by credential, and paths toward certification advancement, with a focus on accuracy, patient safety, and teamwork

Qualifications

• MLT: Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or related field.
• MLS: Accredited MLS program or equivalent coursework.
• MLT: prior clinical lab experience preferred.
• MLS: training through accredited program; prior Med Tech preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical, hematologic, microscopic, and serological tests to help diagnose and treat patients.
• Analyze bodily fluids, tissues, and specimens with accuracy.
• Accept and process lab test orders per hospital policy.
• MLS staff also perform phlebotomy as part of specimen collection.
• Process and handle specimens safely and in line with policies.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate, timely records; use lab computer programs to log results.
• Communicate with patients, families, staff, and physicians within the chain of command.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Phlebotomy

Quality control

Documentation

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in MLT

MLS program/certification

Tools

Laboratory information system

Job description

Medical Lab Technician | Medical Lab Scientist

Watauga Medical Center · Laboratory-IP

Clinical Professional

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Offering Hiring Incentive of $7,500

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll perform the chemical, hematologic, microscopic, and serological testing that guides physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. We're hiring for this role at both the MLT and MLS certification levels — apply with the credential and experience you hold. You'll be part of a mission-driven health system committed to patient safety, quality outcomes, teamwork, and professional growth.

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.

• Compensation (MLT): Starting at $23.42per hour, based on education and experience.
• Compensation (MLS): Starting at $28.96per hour, based on education and experience.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, retirement with match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.

What You'll Do as a Medical Laboratory Technician/Scientist

• Perform a variety of laboratory tests and procedures — chemical, hematologic, microscopic, and serological — to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients.
• Analyze bodily fluids, tissues, and other specimens with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Accept and process laboratory test orders from physicians and nursing units according to hospital policy.
• Collect patient specimens (blood, urine, sputum) from nursing units or directly from patients using established protocol; MLS-level staff also perform phlebotomy as part of specimen collection.
• Process and handle specimens safely and effectively, within legal limits, certifications, and lab policies and procedures.
• Understand and comply with laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate, timely records.
• Use laboratory computer programs to log, track, and report results.
• Communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians, working within the chain of command.
• Respond quickly and accurately to emergencies and changes in patient condition.

Qualifications

• Education:
• MLT: Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field.
• MLS: Graduation from an accredited school of medical technology, or a combination of chemistry, biology, and microbiology coursework sufficient to achieve certification by an accredited agency.
• Experience:
• MLT: Previous experience in a clinical laboratory setting preferred.
• MLS: Training experience through an accredited Medical Technology or university program; previous Med Tech experience preferred.
• Licensure/Certifications:
• MLT: MLT certification through a recognized agency (e.g., ASCP) recommended, but not required.
• MLS: MLS certification through an accredited testing agency preferred.
• Skills & Abilities:
• Strong communication skills; ability to work within the chain of command using positive verbal and non-verbal techniques.
• Competence in processing specimens safely and effectively within the limits of certification and hospital policy.
• General knowledge of all laboratory sections sufficient to perform duties under general supervision.
• Exceptional customer service for patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• Proficiency with laboratory computer programs; ability to type at least 25 WPM.

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to access all areas of the hospital, including patient bedsides, for specimen collection, and to reach all lab storage areas.
• Continuous standing and walking, often 8+ hours per shift; frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull 50+ lbs; manual dexterity sufficient to operate lab equipment including microscopes, centrifuges, and analyzers.
• Near visual acuity to read procedure manuals and interpret test results by color and intensity; auditory acuity sufficient to hear phones, timers, and alarms.
• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, reagents, and laboratory specimens.
• Exposure to hazards from electrical/mechanical equipment and to ionizing/nonionizing radiation (including x-ray and microwave).
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training — with growth potential from MLT to MLS as you build experience and credentials.
• Impactful Work: As a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll deliver accurate, high-quality laboratory results that guide care across three community hospitals, 13 medical practices, and specialty centers like the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center and The Rehabilitation Center.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone is ranked among the best small towns in America by Forbes and Southern Living.
• Inclusive Culture: We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion — and provide accommodations as needed.

Ready to build your laboratory career in a place where precision meets purpose?

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact [e-mail].