Medical technologist job description

This job is typically 12-weeks length in assignment. 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.
Education
Required - Bachelor's degree

Work Experience
Required - None.

Certifications
Required - Current license or temporary license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Generalist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist-Specialist in the state of practice
Meet CLIA and CAP requirements for testing personnel relative to scope of duties
ASCP certification as a Medical Technologist
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. Other related duties as required.
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. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Must be able to stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.

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 diseases. There may be 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.

• One (1) year clinical experience preferred in Flow Cytom

Physical Requirements:

• This position involves turning, stooping, bending, stretching, walking and standing.
• The average amount of lifting is 10 pounds with occasional carrying of objects up to 20 pounds.
• Sitting for short periods of time, the ability to file, move records, laboratory supplies, and equipment are also required physical duties.
• Communication by means of the spoken, written and typed word is required.
• Work requires finger dexterity and eye hand coordination to operate a computer keyboard at a moderate skill level.
• Mental Demands: Ability to work at a fast pace and to prioritize multiple assignments/projects and respond to numerous requests; ability to resolve conflicts among staff and to work collaboratively with department director, physicians and other members of the healthcare team; ability to ensure operational efficiency; ability to problem solve and make decisions; ability to exercise self-control and tolerate stress when dealing with multiple requests and/or conflicting demands from multiple customers.
• Special Demands: Use of personal protective equipment is required as there is a potential for exposure to biohazardous or infectious agents when drawing and processing specimens.
• Confidentiality: The employee has access to the entire medical record for the purpose of charting and correcting laboratory results AND review of physician orders.
• The access is limited to the amount reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose of the laboratory testing request.
• The disclosure or requests that occur on a routine or recurring basis include patient demographics, condition and laboratory results.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.

Performs and interprets laboratory tests in the Clinical Laboratory for the diagnosis and care of neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
REQUIRED

1a. Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution plus successful completion of a formal technologist training program, program, OR

b. Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or medical technology from an accredited institution with appropriate credits in chemistry, biology, and mathematics, plus at least one (1) year experience in a clinical laboratory, OR

c. Completion of three (3) years academic study (minimum of one hundred thirty-five (135) quarter hours or equivalent) with a total of twenty-four (24) quarter hours of chemistry, twenty-four (24) quarter hours of biological science, and five (5) quarter hours in math. During these three (3) years (one hundred thirty-five (135) quarter hours), thirty (30) quarter hours must be at the junior year level or above, and consist of at least fifteen (15) quarter hours of related science work. Must also have two (2) years experience in a clinical laboratory performing technical duties, OR

d. Must meet the requirements of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), have three (3) years MLT experience in a clinical laboratory performing technical duties, plus have an AS degree in MLT or applied science, and have passed or be eligible to take the MT/MLS level exam through either ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology), AMT (American Medical Technologists), or AAB (American Association of Bioanalysts) exam. Passing this exam will enable the employee to be a state recognized 5b1 MT. The employee must also demonstrate skills as described in promotion path guidelines (job specific standards).

e. Successful completion of a full course of study which meets all academic requirements for an associate's degree in medical technology from an accredited college or university, or successful completion of two years of academic study (a minimum of 90 quarter hours or equivalent) in an accredited college or university which included at least 20 quarter hours of lecture and laboratory courses in chemical, physical, or biological sciences acceptable toward a major in science, with at least three years of pertinent laboratory experience; or graduation from high school and successful completion of a formal technician training course which is accredited by an accrediting agency accepted by the Department with at least four years of pertinent laboratory experience

f. Persons who have been continuously engaged as technologists in Georgia since July 1, 1970, are exempt from the personnel qualifications listed above. Persons who initially qualified under this provision but become inactive for two consecutive years must meet current requirements. Provided further, that individuals and laboratories so concerned must meet all other standards of performance required by this law and applicable rules and regulations.

2. Have state recognized certification as a Medical Technologist; or be eligible. Must receive certification within 18 months of hire if hired as eligible.

3. Applicants must demonstrate skills as described in the promotion path guidelines.

4. Ability to implement and perform clinical laboratory procedures according to proper standards and regulations.

5. Color vision acuity is required to safely perform the duties of this position.

6. All applicants must submit to and pass a Color-Acuity screening Test.

PREFERRED

Experience in a Clinical Laboratory Setting



License/Certification Requirements:
Yes


Work Hours:
8on/6off


Weekend Requirements:
Yes


On-Call Requirements:
No