Medical Laboratory Scientist

Training

Language

Patient Population

The following must be included in all position descriptions that involve direct or indirect patient care.  This is a Joint Commission requirement.  Also, select the age of the patient population served: 

XDemonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.​

 Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Not applicable to this position

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping. May require lifting or moving items up to 50 lbs. Frequent use of finger/hand dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Frequent reaching with hands/arms. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Requires visual acuity and normal color perception needed for interpretation of lab orders and proper collection technique. Exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, infections materials, toxic substances, biohazardous materials, and other conditions common to a laboratory environment. Normal laboratory environment. Ability to read and comprehend. Fast paced, high traffic work environment which may be interruptive and stressful. May be required to take call and/or work weekends/holidays based on the needs of the department.

Skills

Medical Lab Technician

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

Medical Lab Technicians (MLT) assist physicians and other specialists by performing all aspects of testing on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids, the results of which can then be used to diagnose and treat patients. Confirms test results and provides the physician with data necessary to make appropriate determinations.

Essential Job Functions

•             Performs routine, moderate, and highly complex laboratory diagnostic tests.

•             Confirms test results and provides the physician with data necessary to determine the presence, extent, cause, and treatment of disease.

•             Follows quality control programs, assuring the accuracy and reliability of test results. 

•             Performs, records, and evaluates Quality Control.

•             Monitors, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and equipment. 

•             Assist with training of new employees and students in the use of lab equipment and testing procedures.

•             Performs computer function on both Lab Information Systems (LIS) and Hospital Information Systems (HIS).

•             Participates in continuing education in respective areas of expertise. 

•             Assists with inventory control.                     

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

MLT Medical Laboratory Technician Certification or eligible by a nationally recognized certification agency (preferably ASCP) (required) for BSMH.

For RSFH (as of 3/27/25) if registry-eligible, must achieve certification within 12 months from hire date.

Education

Must have one of the following:

Associates, Medical Lab Technology

Completed at least 60 semester hours (including six hours of chemistry and six of biology) of academic credit from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditation agency and have successfully completed a medical lab technician program by a nationally accredited agency

Completed a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course within the past ten years

Work Experience

2 years of technical experience in a clinical laboratory setting (preferred)

Training

None

Skills

Active Listening

Service Orientation

Coordination

Verbal and Written Communication

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Organization

Time Management

Data Entry

Microsoft Office

Telephone Skills

Lab Information Systems

Laboratory Diagnostic Tests

Analyze data

Laboratory equipment

Quality assurance and control

Chemistry

Biology

Phlebotomy

Patient care

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse

May be required to use physical restraints

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials*

May have periods of constant interruptions

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions

Prolonged periods of working alone

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.)   1-33%

Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.)    0%

Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.)    1-33%

Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.)    1-33%

Stoop/Kneel   1-33%

Crawling    0%

Climbing    0%

Balance    1-33%

Bending    1-33%

Sitting    34-66%

Walking    67-100%

Standing   67-100%

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity - far

Acuity - near

Depth perception

Use of latex products

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Exposure to dust/fumes

Exposure to potential electrical shock

Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy

Exposure to high pitched noises

Gaseous risk exposure

Patient Population

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)