MLT (Float)

Astera Cancer Care; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee Oncology in Nashville is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician to perform specimen collection, testing and reporting in a high-volume lab. The role emphasizes adherence to CLIA and OSHA regulations, accurate data entry, and maintaining inventory of reagents.

Candidates should have an appropriate degree in medical laboratory science and licensure or eligibility, with hematology experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Tennessee requirements: Current State license preferred but not required.
• Hematology experience with a minimum 1 year preferred.
• Associate degree in applied sciences or MLT/MT degree required.
• Phlebotomy skills preferred but not required.
• Documentation of laboratory experience and data analysis required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory procedures, equipment and processes to aid diagnosis and treatment.
• Ensure all lab reports are reviewed and values noted.
• Follow guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
• Perform laboratory testing and operate automated equipment.
• Maintain records of testing and results per policy.
• Adhere to CLIA, OSHA and regulatory compliance requirements.

Skills

Specimen collection

Lab procedures

Quality control

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Multitasking

Patient care

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in applied sciences

Medical Laboratory Technician degree

Bachelor’s in Medical Technology or life sciences

Job description

Overview

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Job Description

Medical Laboratory Technician is responsible for the collection, testing and reporting of patient specimens for laboratory testing. Follows proper guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals, properly recording lab testing, quality control and assurance, maintaining appropriate inventory levels of reagents and supplies, assisting with other laboratory staff as requested. Understanding of laboratory OSHA and regulatory standards (CLIA, CAP, JACHO, etc). Follow all regulatory requirements to maintain CMS and other accreditation as required.

Essential Functions

• Maintain laboratory procedures, equipment and processes to aid diagnosis and treat diseases.
• Ensures all lab reports are reviewed and appropriate values are noted/commented.
• Follows proper guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
• Performs laboratory testing and operates automated equipment within the limits described in the procedure manual.
• Maintains proper records of laboratory testing and results as described in the policy and procedures manual.
• Adheres to CLIA, OSHA and all other regulatory compliance requirements for laboratories.
• Performs quality control procedures as required to ensure accuracy of clinical data.
• Interacts with medical staff and assists with testing orders and results as needed.
• Maintains sufficient inventory of laboratory supplies for daily operations.
• Understanding of the clinic chart ordering system (ONCOEMR) and laboratory LIS (COPIA); including ordering test, rejecting test, reviewing and approving results.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrates ability to perform appropriate specimen collections if needed.
• Demonstrates knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices.
• Demonstrates understanding of proper quality control procedures, use of control materials, and documentation of QC results and corrective action.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ongoing quality assurance activities in the office and documents breaches of quality as they occur.
• Demonstrates ability to perform routine maintenance on automated equipment.
• Ability to identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify Director or Manager.
• Ability to document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to take direction.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to patients and other employees.
• Ability to build rapport with patients to deliver exceptional direct patient care when needed.
• Ability to multi‑task and work under pressure.
• Must be patient service oriented.

Education and Experience

Tennessee Requirements:

• Current State of Tennessee Medical Laboratory Technician or Technologist License preferred but not required.
• Hematology experience with a minimum (1) year experience preferred.
• Associate degree in applied sciences, degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician, bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or bachelor’s degree in one of the life sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, etc.).
• Documentation of previous laboratory experience with analyzing laboratory data, laboratory reporting, maintenance, pipetting, analyzing laboratory data required.
• Minimum (2) years of laboratory training/experience at a clinical institution.
• Phlebotomy skills are preferred but not required.

Georgia Requirements:

• Current certification from ASCP, AMA, ABB, or obtained within 1 year of hire (Required to meet eligibility to sit for exam upon hire).
• Minimum (2) years of laboratory training/experience at a clinical institution.
• Hematology experience with a minimum (1) year experience preferred.
• Phlebotomy skills are preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

Must be willing and able to lift up to 25 pounds. Must be willing and able to travel to satellite clinics when necessary.