Medical Lab Technologist/Medical Lab Technician (MLS/MLT) Microbiology 3rd Shift

Advocate Health; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Wisconsin seeks a skilled Medical Laboratory Professional to perform and oversee clinical tests across multiple departments, while ensuring accuracy and timely reporting. The position requires strong communication and the ability to adapt to high-pressure environments.

The role supports transfusion services, critical care labs, and education of staff, residents, and students, with emphasis on quality and compliance in an acute care setting.

Qualifications

• Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.
• Flexible schedule availability may be required.

Responsibilities

• Performs, evaluates, and monitors laboratory tests within established protocols.
• Evaluates results for clinical significance and reports results per policy.
• Performs calibration, maintenance and repair of instruments; detects malfunctions.
• Maintains quality control/assurance and takes corrective action.
• Collects specimens from patients according to protocol.
• Provides training and guidance to staff and students.
• Supports quality improvements and accrediting standards in acute care.
• Performs proficiency testing.
• Performs specialty testing in transfusion, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, flow cytometry.
• Supports critical care during high acuity events.

Skills

Excellent communication

Stress management

Flexible schedule

Education

BSc Clinical Laboratory Sciences

BSc Medical Technology or related

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs, evaluates, and monitors laboratory tests as authorized within established protocols, selecting and performing additional procedures when indicated. Monitors workflow and makes necessary adjustment to complete work in an appropriate time frame.
• Evaluates results for clinical significance, validity and appropriateness. Follows prescribed policy in the reporting and notification of test results.
• Performs and documents calibration, maintenance and repair of instruments and equipment. Recognizes indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction; evaluates and implements appropriate corrections.
• Performs, documents and reviews quality control and quality assurance for improvement according to established protocol. Evaluates quality control results and takes corrective action when indicated.
• Ascertains that specimens are properly labeled and suitable for testing. Collects specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to established protocol.
• Provides general direction, training, competency review and technical l assistance to medical laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and support staff. Assists in the development of education and training protocols; instructs students, residents and new team members as assigned.
• Assists in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes. Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards, supporting CAP Regulatory requirements in an acute setting.
• Performs internal and external proficiency testing in the same manner as patient samples.
• Performs specialty testing in areas including transfusion services, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, and flow cytometry. Supports the disease specific accreditations of an institution by meeting turn- around time goals.
• Provides direct support and timely, accurate laboratory results for critical care departments such as the ED, ICU and OR during a high acuity patient event. This includes transfusion services, attending codes, performing testing on irretrievable samples, tissue grinding and gram stains, mass casualty procedures, and mass transfusion procedures.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Medical Technologist (MT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) needs to be obtained within 1 year, or
• Medical Technologist (MT) certification issued by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology or related field.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include alternate site assignment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for the majority of the workday.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and/or infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood and body fluids.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• May require travel, therefore may be exposed to inclement weather and adverse road conditions.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.