Medical Lab Technician/Support Technician

About the Role

UPMC Mercy's Automated Testing Lab is seeking a dedicated laboratory professional to join our team on a daylight 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. shift, with rotating weekends and holidays. Candidates will be hired into the appropriate title based on qualifications: Medical Lab Scientist, Medical Lab Technician, or Laboratory Support Technician.

• Salary for Medical Lab Scientist starts at $28.90/hour.
• Salary for Laboratory Support Technician starts at $19.80/hour.
• MLS/MLT roles are eligible for a sign-on bonus.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow established procedures for the collection (including phlebotomy) and processing of specimens for analysis, ensuring sample appropriateness and stability.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analytical procedures according to established protocols with precision and accuracy in a timely and efficient manner.
• Recognize critical, abnormal, and unacceptable test results and follow-up according to established protocols.
• Recognize factors that affect measurements and results and initiate necessary corrective action.
• Identify problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and take action as outlined in predetermined protocols.
• Process specimens for analysis.
• Enter accurate patient demographic information and laboratory test orders into the laboratory information system, ensuring patient information and sample integrity.
• Independently perform Moderately Complex or Waived tests (qualitative and quantitative).
• Perform High Complexity testing with oversight from a Medical Lab Scientist or result review by a Supervisor/Manager.
• Meet established testing protocols for precision and accuracy.
• Perform and document Quality Control according to established protocols.
• Inform supervisory personnel and/or pathologists of any unusual or problematic incidents.
• Operate and maintain equipment within the scope of training, utilizing defined schedules and written instructions for quality control checks, preventive maintenance, and calibration.
• Perform minor repairs.
• Use reagents and supplies cost-effectively; monitor and maintain an appropriate supply inventory.
• Demonstrate dependability, reliability, and independent judgment.
• Recognize priorities to accommodate department needs and accept appropriate authority.
• Follow all biohazard, chemical, and sharps safety guidelines; maintain a safe work environment.
• Honor confidentiality of patient information and follow all compliance guidelines.
• Assist with the training and orienting of new employees, students, and residents using established competency and workstation operational guidelines.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Medical Terminology
• Laboratory Information Systems
• Phlebotomy
• Biohazard Safety
• Chemical Safety
• Sharps Safety

Qualifications

Medical Lab Technician

• Associate's degree in a laboratory science with certification (or eligible new graduate) from an accredited institution as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), OR
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or clinical laboratory science, with 6 months of clinical laboratory experience, OR
• Equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA '88 for individuals performing high complexity testing.
• Minimum 1 year's experience in a hospital laboratory preferred.

Medical Lab Scientist

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university AND successful completion of an accredited Medical Lab Scientist program, OR
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological, chemical, or clinical laboratory science AND ASCP or equivalent categorical or MLT certification, OR
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or clinical laboratory science AND at least two years' experience in a role equivalent to that of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in a clinical laboratory.
• Prefer 1 year experience in a hospital laboratory.

Laboratory Support Technician

• High School diploma or equivalent, and at least 2 years experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) required in a clinical lab, OR
• Associate degree (with biology and chemistry courses) and at least 1 year of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical lab, OR
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certification and 1 year of experience as a Specimen Processor (or equivalent) in a clinical lab, OR
• Successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course, OR
• B.S. degree from an accredited institution with a major in biological or clinical laboratory science OR
• Currently enrolled in a MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) or equivalent training program, with 3 years college credits required.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• Medical Laboratory Technician MLT(ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification preferred.
• Act 34