What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Scientist/MLS/CLS/MT – Microbiology – Days position at VCU Health System?
The Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides accurate and timely testing and results to requesting physicians and other healthcare professionals for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Responsible for the analyses of a variety of biological specimens and performs complex lab tests. Consistently utilize excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers at all times. Position requires a positive and professional interpersonal style with a strong commitment to the team effort.
Essential Job Statements
- Performs laboratory tests according to established procedures.
- Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and validates lab equipment.
- Performs, documents quality control, and follows established quality assurance guidelines.
- Assists in educating and training laboratory personnel, students, and residents.
- Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
- May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable to specific work location.
- Ensures the laboratory is maintaining accreditation standards from College of American Pathologist (CAP), Joint Commission (TJ) and other accrediting agency standards as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)
Employment Qualifications
Education Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (BSCLS) from an accredited program or a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science* in addition to graduation from an NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT certificate program OR Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological Science with 5 or more years of on the job training in a hospital health care environment in a specific lab discipline performing high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (categorical or generalist certification required).
- Unless grandfathered under previous hiring requirements
Preferred Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (MSCLS) from an accredited program
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure/Certification Required: MLS graduates that are hired upon graduation must obtain certification within 6 months of their graduation date. Certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP Specialty or Categorical certification.
Licensure/Certification Preferred: Certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: Minimum: Entry Level Medical Laboratory Scientist Graduate
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to work rotating weekends as required. Ability to work Holidays scheduling as required. Ability to take on call availability as required and for emergency coverage on any shift
Cultural Responsiveness: N/A
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Previous Medical Technologist, Clinical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Scientist experience is preferred.
Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * May have periods of constant interruptions.
- Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending
Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing
Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards
Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near
Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure
Mental/Sensory – Emotional
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change
DaysEEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.
