Medical Technologist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

4/1/2024

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

510011

Job Title:

Medical Technologist

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

UW Health Clinical Laboratory is a comprehensive provider of laboratory testing, expert medical interpretation of specimens and innovation in laboratory technology. The laboratory plays an essential role in the quality and safety of patient care by providing accurate diagnostic and treatment information to caregivers and patients.

The Medical Technologist (MT) performs a wide range of diagnostic testing.  The Medical Technologist brings forth the specialized scientific and technical knowledge essential to perform most analytical testing in the Clinical Laboratory.  They are responsible for the interpretation and reporting of lab tests. Their teaching and training abilities are of broad lab scope.  Individuals are expected to perform some advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and problem resolution; and instruct other employees.  Able to assess specimen quality and test validity.  A high level of technical skill is needed for testing methods/systems in which quality control materials and/or external proficiency testing materials are labile or not available. Troubleshooting is not automatic and requires decision-making and direct intervention to resolve most problems. Maintenance requires special knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resolution of problems requires extensive independent interpretation and judgment. Unusual issues or difficult problems are referred to a lead technologist or manager.

The scope of testing is limited by specialty education and licensing requirements (i.e., cytotechnologist).

Organizational skill and ability to prioritize test requests are critical to successful performance. Multiple test requests, with different or the same priority, must be effectively organized by the individual in order to maximize diagnostic impact.  A high degree of accuracy and reliability is required to ensure results that can assist in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients.  Ability to understand lab testing across departments to aid in diagnosis and treatment.  Duties require interaction with clinical staff and physicians, i.e., explanation of test results or answering a variety of questions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Performs testing in the clinical laboratories (any complexity).

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Skills to operate calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot analyzers and other lab equipment.

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Demonstrates competence in all laboratory procedures sufficient to perform at a satisfactory level without supervision

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Uses good judgement and decision making sufficient to ensure accuracy and quality of lab tests

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Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment or instruments. Suggests changes to maintenance schedules to meet the needs of the laboratory.

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Performs troubleshooting as needed. Uses problem solving skills when assessing test result accuracy and reliability to identify causes for unexpected test results. Serves as a resource less experienced lab staff.

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Promotes good patient and provider relations as demonstrated by positive patient interactions and professional attitude and appearance.

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Uses verbal and written communication skills to listen attentively to patient and provider needs sufficient to answer questions, explain procedures, and give instructions.

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Works as a team member as demonstrated by good relations with physicians, clinic staff and co-workers

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Coordinates workflow/workload as necessary to ensure timely reporting of results. Serves as resource and mentor to less experienced lab staff.

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Reviews select policies as required (i.e., annual review). Recommends policy changes and assists with communication of policy changes to testing staff.

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Performs proficiency testing (PT) as required.

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Participates in survey readiness activities. Assists manager in development and oversight of survey activities.

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Assists with maintenance of procedure manual and communication of changes to testing staff.

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Assists in gathering data for validations, and with guidance, assists in data analysis.

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Assists with gathering data for research activities and coordinating communication to testing staff.

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Assists with activities to support the Laboratory Information System and software changes.

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Assists with supply inventory using principles of asset management.

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Understands the impact of testing activities on billing and submission of credits. Provide assistance with billing activities and corrections as required.

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Assists in the total quality management in all aspects of training, testing and quality review. Assist in quality assurance and proficiency testing activities.

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Uses knowledge of quality control to review and evaluate test or instrument performance.

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Assists with gathering quality control data for periodic reviews and under direction adjusts control ranges. Reviews quality control data as requested by manager.

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Assists with quality assurance activities including adverse event reporting (HERO) or variance review.

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Provides explanation of testing and test results.

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Provides new employee assistance/training.

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Prepares and presents educational and informative material in and outside of department.

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Participates in the teaching of Medical Laboratory Technician students, Clinical Laboratory Science students, residents and other clinical staff as directed by manager.

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Assists with coordinating schedules and gathering data for or assessment of competency.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

(Select all that apply)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree

in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology

Required

or

Bachelor's Degree

must include minimally 60 semester hours or equivalent, that includes either: 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses OR 24 semester hours – 6 chemistry, 6 biology and 12 chemistry, biology, medical laboratory technology in any combination

Required

Bachelor's Degree

in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS)

Preferred

Master's Degree

in Clinical Laboratory Science (MLS) or related science or healthcare field

Preferred

1 year

healthcare or lab related work experience

Preferred

Certification (Medical Lab Science, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Molecular Biology) by the board of American Society of Clinical Pathologists or similar agency

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

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Demonstrates the following skills: flexible, organized and able to prioritize work, strong written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, strong analytical skills, strong troubleshooting and problem-solving, strong computer and information systems

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Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance principles and proficiency testing procedures

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Ability to demonstrate strong independent judgement

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Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.

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Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations related to work area

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Knowledge of adult training methods

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

☒

Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

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Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

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Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

☐

Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.