Medical Laboratory Technician

Houstonmethodistcareers; Missouri City (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician to perform routine and complex analyses, accession specimens, and support efficient lab operations while delivering accurate results.

The role emphasizes quality, teamwork, and clear communication with clinicians, with on-call expectations and strict SOP adherence.

Non-exempt status; opportunities to advance to higher levels based on demonstrated qualifications and business needs.

Qualifications

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) (indicated below).
• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests using analyzers and manual methods.
• Organizes workload and prioritizes tasks to meet turnaround times.
• Accession and process specimens to deliver quality results.
• Maintains patient and testing records in lab information systems.
• Maintains safety and accuracy, with input from supervision as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

English proficiency

Independent judgment

Computer literacy

Communication with clinicians

Education

Education program approved by credentialing body

Tools

LIS systems

Job description

*Candidates having qualifications that exceed the minimum job requirements will receive consideration for higher level roles given (1) their experience, (2) additional job requirements, and/or (3) business needs. Depending on education, experience, and skill level, a variety of job opportunities might be available, including Medical Lab Scientist.

At Houston Methodist, the Medical Laboratory Technician position is responsible for performing both routine and complex analyses, which necessitates knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and equipment and their interrelationship. This position exercises good judgment by using critical thinking skills and deals with issue resolution concerning the day-to-day technical operation of the laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Technician also ensures that specimens are accessioned and processed expeditiously in order to deliver quality laboratory results in an effective and cost-efficient manner.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section

EXPERIENCE

• One year of work or training experience in a hospital laboratory preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Must have one of the following within one year of hire/transfer into this role: • MLT – Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) • CLA – Certified Laboratory Assistant (ASCP) • MLT – Medical Laboratory Technician (AMT)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy workflow with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy
• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
• Ability to recognize changes that are critical to patient care

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Teaches students, new employees and others as assigned by Manager.
• Participates in laboratory and organization wide initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examination using various analyzers and/or manual methods.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
• Meets turnaround time expectations as defined by management.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates the six elements of competency for test systems used to generate patient test results in all areas assigned to work.
• Recognizes, investigates and helps resolve test discrepancies. When problems arise, takes appropriate action to investigate and address and notifies management and the medical director for follow-up.
• Performs instrument calibrations, validations, quality control testing, maintenance, and function checks.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Restocks section inventory levels as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Reviews and utilizes Standard Operating Procedure and offers suggestions for improvement.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call Yes

TRAVEL

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes