Medical Laboratory Tech/Scientist in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Beacon Health System

Full time. 40 hours/week. Night shift. 9:00 pm to 7:30 am. Rotating weekends and holidays

Independently performs qualitative and quantitative laboratory testing in assigned disciplines in accordance with established policies, procedures, quality standards, and applicable regulations. Evaluates specimen acceptability and test validity; documents and reports results; and uses technical knowledge, deductive reasoning, and sound judgment to identify, troubleshoot, correct, and escalate conditions that may adversely affect test performance or patient results. Provides accurate and timely information to support diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs assigned moderate- and high-complexity laboratory tests, calculations, and related procedures within the individual's documented training, competency, and regulatory authorization.
• Evaluates specimen integrity and acceptability; collects specimens when assigned, including phlebotomy and other approved collection procedures; and receives, accessions, labels, processes, stores, and prepares specimens for testing or referral.
• Reviews test data and quality indicators for accuracy, completeness, and validity before reporting results in the laboratory information system or other approved application.
• Recognizes critical, abnormal, inconsistent, or unusual findings and promptly communicates critical results to physicians or other authorized caregivers in accordance with policy.
• Identifies pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic problems; performs and documents corrective action; and refers unresolved or significant issues to laboratory leadership.
• Performs and documents quality control, quality assurance, proficiency testing, calibration, verification, and performance checks according to established requirements.
• Operates laboratory instruments and equipment safely; performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting; and escalates equipment or system failures appropriately.
• Maintains accurate procedures, records, logs, worksheets, and regulatory documentation.
• Prepares specimens and supplies for transport or shipment in accordance with applicable packaging, handling, and shipping requirements.
• Maintains adequate supplies and reagents, monitors inventory and expiration dates, and initiates replenishment in accordance with department processes.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment; follows infection prevention, bloodborne pathogen, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, spill response, and contaminated waste disposal requirements.
• Provides technical information about laboratory testing and results to authorized individuals within the scope of the role.
• Assists with orientation and instruction of new employees and students in routine procedures when assigned and after appropriate authorization.
• Participates in competency activities and assesses staff competency only when assigned and qualified under applicable requirements.
• Assumes charge or general supervisory duties only when assigned and qualified under applicable regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Maintains required continuing education, competencies, credentials, and professional knowledge.
• Completes other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in medical laboratory technology, clinical or medical laboratory science, or a related laboratory science from an accredited institution, or an education and training pathway that meets applicable CLIA personnel qualifications for the testing performed.
• Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program is preferred and may be required by organizational policy or the applicable certification pathway.
• Must meet applicable federal, state, and organizational qualifications for moderate- and high-complexity testing before performing patient testing.
• Current state license or permit required where applicable.
• Medical Laboratory Technician certification from ASCP Board of Certification or another organization accepted by the employer is required at hire or within one year of hire or graduation, unless a different timeframe is approved by Human Resources and Laboratory Leadership. Certification must be maintained thereafter. Failure to obtain or maintain certification within the required timeframe may result in corrective action or reclassification per organizational policy.
• One year of related clinical laboratory experience is preferred.
• Additional qualification as a general supervisor is required before performing any assigned general supervisory or competency assessment duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory principles, procedures, testing systems, quality practices, and factors that may affect test results.
• Skill in specimen handling, laboratory testing, result evaluation, quality control, instrument operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and maintain accuracy and timeliness in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize when escalation is required.
• Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients, providers, coworkers, and the public.
• Proficiency with computers, laboratory information systems, electronic records, and related applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with patient privacy, safety, infection prevention, and regulatory requirements.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a clinical laboratory environment with potential exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, human specimens, hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and other conditions typical of laboratory operations.
• Requires use of personal protective equipment and consistent compliance with established safety, infection prevention, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste procedures.
• May require varied shifts, weekends, holidays, on-call coverage, or work across assigned laboratory areas based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; sit, reach, bend, and perform repetitive tasks; and use hands and fingers for precise manipulation and eye-hand coordination.
• Ability to communicate clearly and use near and far visual acuity, depth perception, and color discrimination as required for assigned testing, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 35 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and to comply with safe-handling practices.