About the Opportunity
ZaphyrRecruit is partnering with a healthcare organization in St. Peter, Minnesota to identify a qualified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to join their Laboratory team.
The successful candidate will perform diagnostic laboratory procedures that provide timely and accurate test results to support physicians and healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating patients. This role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to laboratory quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
The position reports directly to the Laboratory Manager. Schedule: flexible scheduling, including weekends, holidays, evenings and overnight shifts as required.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform authorized laboratory testing and diagnostic procedures accurately and efficiently.
- Perform waived, moderate, and/or high-complexity testing appropriate to education, training, experience, and technical competency.
- Properly identify patients and collect, process, analyze, and report laboratory specimens.
- Perform specimen collection through venipuncture, capillary collection and radial arterial collection.
- Perform EKGs, including Lead II rhythm strips, right-sided EKGs, and pediatric EKGs, as ordered.
- Communicate test results, reference ranges, specimen requirements, and relevant testing information to healthcare providers and appropriate personnel.
- Respond to inquiries regarding test results, testing methods, specificity, sensitivity, and factors that may influence results.
- Follow established procedures for specimen handling, testing, reporting, documentation, and record maintenance.
- Participate in quality assurance, quality control, proficiency testing, CQI initiatives, and laboratory improvement projects.
- Document quality control activities, instrument calibration, maintenance, and corrective actions.
- Identify testing issues that may affect the accuracy or reliability of results and take appropriate corrective action or escalate concerns to laboratory leadership.
- Maintain knowledge of reagent stability, storage requirements, and laboratory procedures.
- Follow all applicable federal and state regulations, including OSHA and CLIA requirements.
- Adhere to HIPAA, patient privacy, confidentiality, infection control, safety, chemical hygiene, and facility policies.
- Support a positive patient experience and maintain professional communication with patients, providers, coworkers, and other departments.
- Work collaboratively with laboratory personnel and support colleagues with projects, patient care, coverage, and shift needs.
- Participate in training and onboarding of new employees and MLT/MLS students as requested.
- Complete required training and certification for DOT and Non-DOT urine drug screen collection.
- Support laboratory operations within an orthopedic center of excellence, including authorized in-house laboratory testing and immunohematology procedures.
- Participate in required education, committee activities, and other laboratory or facility initiatives as assigned.
Required Education & Certification
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution; or an Associate degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) combined with a degree in Biological Science or Chemistry.
- Must hold certification through ASCP or an equivalent recognized certification body.
- New graduates who are eligible for certification may be considered but must obtain the required MLS certification within 18 months of employment.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
- Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology/Technician from an accredited institution.
- Must hold ASCP certification or equivalent recognized certification.
- New graduates must be eligible for certification and meet the required certification timeline.
- Candidates must hold certification through one of the recognized certification pathways, including ASCP, HEW, HHS, or ASMT, as applicable.
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to travel to other work sites as needed, with reliable personal transportation.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented healthcare environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in non-routine situations.
- Ability to adapt to changes in laboratory practices and learn new procedures.
- Willingness to participate in continuing education and professional development.
- Ability to manage workplace stress and resolve conflicts professionally.
- Must be flexible to share scheduled weekends, holidays, evening shifts, and overnight shifts as required.
- Must be willing to participate in required facility committees and laboratory projects.
Required Training & Certifications
- Candidates will be enrolled in RQI and must complete quarterly courses to obtain and maintain American Heart Association BLS certification within the first three months of employment.
- Must complete required training for DOT and Non-DOT urine drug screen collection.
- Must complete required facility and laboratory education and competency training.
Physical Requirements
- Remain mobile and work in an environment with varying levels of noise.
- Stand and walk frequently throughout the workday.
- Perform frequent stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping, pinching, and keyboarding.
- Communicate frequently in person, by phone, and through communication devices.
- Perform close visual work and distinguish colors when interpreting laboratory results.
- Perform repetitive hand movements.
- Occasionally sit or work in a crouched position.
- Occasionally push or pull up to 75 lbs, and lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to join a professional healthcare laboratory environment where your expertise directly supports patient diagnosis and care. The role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced healthcare professionals while contributing to quality laboratory services, patient safety, and continuous improvement.