Medical Lab Technician | Medical Lab Scientist in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-time | Non-Exempt

Offering Hiring Incentive of $7,500

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play an essential role in performing the chemical, hematologic, microscopic, and serological testing that guides physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. We’re hiring at both the MLT and MLS certification levels, so apply with the credential and experience you hold.

This is an opportunity to build your laboratory career while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation:

• MLT: Starting at $23.42/hour, based on education and experience
• MLS: Starting at $28.96/hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: Full-time; Friday–Sunday; 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Benefits: Applicable benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You’ll Do as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Perform a variety of laboratory tests and procedures (chemical, hematologic, microscopic, and serological) to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients
• Analyze bodily fluids, tissues, and other specimens with accuracy and attention to detail
• Accept and process laboratory test orders from physicians and nursing units according to hospital policy
• Collect patient specimens (blood, urine, sputum) from nursing units or directly from patients using established protocol; MLS-level staff also perform phlebotomy as part of specimen collection
• Process and handle specimens safely and effectively, within legal limits, certifications, and lab policies and procedures
• Understand and comply with laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance policies and procedures
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate, timely records
• Use laboratory computer programs to log, track, and report results
• Communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians, working within the chain of command
• Respond quickly and accurately to emergencies and changes in patient condition

Qualifications/Licenses

• Education:
  • MLT: Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field
  • MLS: Graduation from an accredited school of medical technology, or a combination of chemistry, biology, and microbiology coursework sufficient to achieve certification by an accredited agency
• Experience:
  • MLS: Training experience through an accredited Medical Technology or university program
• Certification:
  • MLT: MLT certification through a recognized agency (e.g., ASCP) recommended, but not required
  • MLS: MLS certification through an accredited testing agency preferred
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • MLT: Previous experience in a clinical laboratory setting
  • MLS: Previous Med Tech experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work within the chain of command using positive verbal and non-verbal techniques
• Competence in processing specimens safely and effectively within the limits of certification and hospital policy
• General knowledge of all laboratory sections sufficient to perform duties under general supervision
• Exceptional customer service for patients, families, staff, and physicians
• Proficiency with laboratory computer programs; ability to type at least 25 WPM

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to access all areas of the hospital, including patient bedsides, for specimen collection, and to reach all lab storage areas
• Continuous standing and walking, often 8+ hours per shift
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching
• Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls 50+ lbs
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate lab equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, and analyzers
• Near visual acuity to read procedure manuals and interpret test results by color and intensity; auditory acuity sufficient to hear phones, timers, and alarms
• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, reagents, and laboratory specimens
• Exposure to hazards from electrical/mechanical equipment and to ionizing/nonionizing radiation (including x-ray and microwave)
• Subject to emergencies

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Advance your laboratory career with tuition reimbursement, certification bonuses, and ongoing professional development, with growth potential from MLT to MLS as you build experience and credentials.
• Impactful Work: Deliver accurate, high-quality laboratory results that guide care across our three hospitals, 13 medical practices, and specialty centers like the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center and The Rehabilitation Center.
• Community & Lifestyle: Located in Boone, North Carolina, UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to hiking, skiing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and a workplace where every team member is respected and valued.

Ready to build your laboratory career in a place where precision meets purpose? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and make a lasting impact on the patients and community we serve.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.