Medical Laboratory Scientist - Core Lab - Days

Ochsner Health; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to receive and prepare specimens, perform routine and specialized tests, and interpret results to aid diagnosis and treatment. This role requires adherence to quality control, safety standards, and regulatory guidelines, with a focus on accuracy and timely reporting.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant science and licensure or trainee permit with licensure within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology, medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science. Copy of Transcript.
• Current Clinical Lab Scientist Generalist license in the state of practice (or Generalist Trainee permit) and must obtain CLS Generalist license within 90 days of hire.
• ASCP/AMT/AAB generalist certification required within 90 days of hire; ASCP/AAB discipline certifications may be required for certain facilities.

Responsibilities

• Performs, develops and interprets routine and specialized laboratory testing accurately within established timeframes.
• Performs quality control and instrument maintenance; escalates when results are out of control and documents corrective action.
• Adheres to regulatory guidelines and accreditation standards; follows safety and proficiency testing protocols.
• Participates in performance improvement by data collection/analysis and supports cost reduction through inventory management.
• Adapts communication and patient interaction to the setting and respects patient privacy and preferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned and complies with all policies and standards.

Skills

Data entry

Windows applications

Communication

Analytical thinking

Judgement

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's in medical technology/clinical laboratory science/biological science

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job– it’s a calling. It’s waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job receives and prepares specimens according to standard protocols and procedures; performs laboratory tests and calculations to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease; performs quality control procedures and evaluates test performance and results; calibrates, maintains and monitors equipment used in analytical determinations; performs phlebotomy procedures as appropriate; and maintains confidentiality of patient related information. 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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Education

• Required - Bachelor's in medical technology, medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science. Copy of Transcript

Work Experience

• Required - None.

Certifications

• Required - Current Clinical Lab Scientist Generalist license in the state of practice (if applicable), OR Generalist Trainee permit or Lab Assistant license in the state of practice (if applicable) and must obtain Clinical Lab Scientist Generalist license within 90 days of hire.
• Required - ASCP, AMT or AAB generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist must be obtained within 90 days of hire. ASCP categorical or AAB individual discipline certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Technologist ONLY if working in a designated Academic Medical Center facility. Any incumbents certified by ASCP on or after January 1, 2004, must successfully complete the requirements of the ASCP's Certification Maintenance Program.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Demonstrates good judgement in performing duties and conflict resolution
• Good interpersonal skills

Job Duties

• Performs, develops and interprets routine and/or specialized laboratory testing independently without error, within established time frames
• Performs, analyzes and records quality control and instrument maintenance/troubleshooting making judgments concerning results, and takes appropriate action necessary to maintain accuracy and precision. Escalates appropriately when results are out of control and ensures adequate documentation of corrective action
• Adheres to regulatory compliance guidelines and maintains an awareness of accreditation standards for laboratories by reviewing the most current checklist/standards. Follows safety guidelines, OIG compliance requirements and follows protocol for proficiency testing of samples
• Participates in performance improvement opportunities by assisting in the collection and analysis of data and supports business development and cost reduction initiatives by managing supply and reagent inventory
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue. The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. The incumbent has an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.