Medical Lab Technician/Medical Lab Scientist

UPMC Western Maryland is seeking a Full-time Medical Lab Technician or Medical Lab Scientist to join their team!

This position will provide authority, responsibility, and accountability for the accurate performance of laboratory testing of a routine and advanced nature. These tests are used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and the evaluation of a patient's response to treatment. This role will apply competent clinical knowledge to achieve accurate clinical testing which leads to quality patient care outcomes. 

The schedule requires working 40 hours/week, primarily evening or 2nd shift, with current shift times being 2 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. This position will also require rotating weekend and holiday coverage. 

*A great perk is that UPMC is offering a Sign-on Bonus to eligible candidates! Details below:

• Medical Lab Technician - $10,000 in exchange for a 2-year work commitment 
• Medical Lab Scientist - $15,000 in exchange for a 2-year work commitment 

*Applicants will be placed in the appropriate title/salary grade, based on their experience and education. *Medical Lab Technician salaries start at $22.12/hour. Medical Lab Scientist salaries start at $27.78/hour. Rates shown are at the Medical Lab Technician level.  

Responsibilities:

• Interacts with all laboratory customers professionally. Responds to telephone inquiries courteously and in a timely manner. Practices pleasant communications both internally and externally.
• Adheres to all established laboratory and hospital policies, procedures, methods, quality assurance, proficiency testing, and personnel policies. Follow established procedures for the collection (including phlebotomy, as required) and processing of specimens for analysis including the appropriateness and stability of the sample. 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 the necessary corrective action according to established protocols. Identify problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and take action as outlined in predetermined protocols.
• Processes specimens for analysis. Enters accurate patient demographic information and laboratory test orders into the laboratory information system, while ascertaining adequacy of patient information and sample integrity.
• Independently performs Moderately Complex or Waived tests (qualitative and quantitative). Performs High Complexity testing only with the oversight of a Medical Lab Scientist or with result review by a Supervisor or Manager.
• Meets established testing protocols for precision and accuracy in a timely and efficient manner. Recognizes critical, abnormal and unacceptable test results and follows-up according to established protocols.
• Performs and documents Quality Control according to established protocols. Informs 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 to perform quality control checks, preventive maintenance, and calibration. Perform minor repairs. Use reagents and supplies cost-effectively; monitor and maintain an appropriate supply inventory.
• Monitors and maintains supplies for functions the position is responsible for; uses materials and reagents cost-effectively.
• Demonstrates dependability, reliability, and independent judgment. Recognizes priorities to accommodate department needs and acceptance of appropriate authority.
• Follows all biohazard, chemical, and sharps safety guidelines. Maintains a safe work environment.
• Honors confidentiality of patient information. Follows all compliance guidelines.
• Assists with the training and orienting of new employees, students and residents, using established competency and workstation operational guidelines.

Medical Lab Technician:

• Associate's degree in 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 experience in a hospital laboratory preferred
• Familiarity with medical terminology and laboratory information systems is preferred.

Medical Lab Scientist:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university AND successful completion of a CAHEA-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.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information systems is preferred. 

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification preferred.
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP) or equivalent certification preferred.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran