Medical Technologist or Medical Lab Technician - Transfusion Services

Advocate Health; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health seeks a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist to perform and oversee a wide range of tests, from specimen collection to reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Responsibility includes calibration, quality control, staff training, and collaboration across transfusion services, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, and flow cytometry. CAP compliance and patient safety are priorities.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or related field.
• Eligibility for MT/MLS certification within 1 year by ASCP/AMT.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Performs, evaluates, and monitors laboratory tests within established protocols.
• Evaluates results for clinical significance and follows reporting policies.
• Calibrates, maintains, and repairs laboratory instruments; detects malfunctions.
• Performs quality control and quality assurance and takes corrective actions.
• Collects specimens from newborn to adult per protocol.
• Provides training and technical leadership to staff.
• Ensures CAP/compliance and improves procedures for efficiency.
• Performs proficiency testing and supports multiple specialty areas.
• Provides timely laboratory results to critical care units during high acuity events.

Skills

ASCP MT certification

ASCP MLS certification

AMT certification

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Bachelor's or Associate's in Medical Technology

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.

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 or Associate's Degree in Medical Technology or related field.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

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.
• 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.