Medical Technologist (MT OT MLT)

Join Our Team as a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) or Medical Technologist (MT)!

Klickitat Valley Health is currently seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative MLT or MT to join our dynamic Laboratory team. In this vital role, you'll perform a wide range of clinical tests that support the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of our patients. Whether you're an experienced technologist or a skilled technician, this is an excellent opportunity to work alongside a supportive healthcare team in a rural, community-focused setting.

If you’re passionate about patient care, committed to accuracy, and thrive in a team-based environment, we’d love to hear from you!

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Medical Lab Technician (MLT))/ Medical Technologist (MT) serves patients by performing a variety of clinical tests, including complex analysis of: microscopic, immunologic, biologic, bacteriologic, hematologic and chemical tests and reporting results to the physician/provider for use in diagnosis, treatment, and/or monitoring treatment of disease. The MLT/MT may also work in conjunction with health care providers and other staff members by answering phones, responding to requests for information and by performing other duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Supervisor or Medical Director. The MLT/MT demonstrates excellence in customer service during interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, patients, patient family members, customers, vendors, etc. and works collaboratively with colleagues and departments throughout the organization to provide optimal care services in a professional, ethical and knowledgeable fashion. Maintains a safe, clean and organized work environment.  The MLT/MT  is aware of the potential exposure to internal and external hazardous materials, including but not limited to: blood and blood borne pathogens, infectious/communicable diseases, potential physical injury well caring for patients.

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

Safety Sensitive per WASB5123: YES

Education / Licensure:

• MLT:  completed course of study with Associate’s Degree or completion of experience/testing combo.  MLT(AMT/ASCP) or eligible, testing and passage required within 90 days of hire.
• MT-completed course of study with Bachelor's Degree or completion of experience/testing combo to meet certification requirements.  MT(AMT/ASCP) or eligible, testing and passage of certification required within 90 days of hire.
• Current Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification required within 90 days of hire.

• BLS certification required within 90 days of hire.

Experience:

• Minimum six (6) months’ Laboratory work experience preferred.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of medical technology sciences; patients’ rights; exposure control; universal precautions; infection control, etc.
• Demonstrates ability to deliver age-specific, cultural, physical and psychosocial well-being of patients and visitors as they relate to test processing and understanding the differences in reference ranges of results from specimens received in the provision of laboratory services.
• Performs technical tasks and duties to assure regulatory compliance and quality laboratory services.
• Requires critical thinking skills, ability to make good decisions, listen and accept advice from others, demonstrate maturity and good judgment and the ability to work with regular supervision.

• Perform various sensory requirements such as: vision, speech, touch, manual dexterity, fine motor skills and hearing while performing job duties. 

• Promote/deliver exceptional customer service to both internal (patients and staff) and external customers (visitors and vendors).

• Demonstrate positive and effective interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, patients, families, physicians, volunteers and community.
• Work productively, cohesively within a team and resolve conflict/differences in a positive manner.

• Work in a stressful/demanding environment and take appropriate action to ensure quality of patient care, ability to cope with both physical and emotional demands of the job, must maintain a calm and composed manner.

• Demonstrate attention to detail, follow oral and written instructions precisely, and maintain a high degree of accuracy; risk of error could result in significant harm or loss.
• Adaptability is essential to respond to the needs of a department with unpredictable volume and resources.

• Ability to anticipate tasks and prioritize assignments. 
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. 

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Experience with using everyday computer electronic tools (e.g., email, data retrieval, voicemail, and internet/intranet).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

• Performs a variety of complex test analysis in all areas of the lab as assigned (hematology, immunohematology, immunology, bacteriology, microscopy, microbiology, routine chemistry, therapeutic drug monitoring, serology, blood bank, urinalysis, etc.) according to established laboratory protocols and procedures.
• Processes specimens utilizing protocols and technical knowledge.
• Calibrate, standardizes and maintains instruments following established procedures.
• Performs quality control, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting protocols to ensure proper functioning of instruments, reagents, procedures.
• May prepare cultures of tissue samples.
• Validates and reports results of test performed to physician/provider as requested/ordered in a timely manner and/or according to times indicated in policy and collection manual.
• Verifies test requisitions by comparing information with other patient records and/or the Laboratory Information System; resolving discrepancies or bringing them to the attention of the Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Supervisor.  Verifies patient identification through the use of two separate identifiers (name, DOB, MRN, account number).
• Enters orders for laboratory testing and patient or specimen information into the Laboratory Information System.
• Perform the collection of blood specimens from patients according to policy and procedures.
• Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards and policies.
• Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue in accordance with applicable laws, standards and/or hospital policy and procedure. 
• Matches laboratory labels to specimen tubes.
• Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures; observing isolation procedures.
• Maintains quality results and participates in quality assurance activities by following department procedures and testing schedule; recording results in the appropriate quality control log, identifying and reporting needed changes, etc.
• Maintains laboratory supplies inventory, assists manager in placing supply orders, conserves resources by using equipment and supplies as needed consistent with department policy and procedure.
• Maintains safe, secure and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations, i.e. exposure control, infection control, universal precautions, chemical hygiene standards, etc.
• Resolves unusual test orders by contacting the physician, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory; referring unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification; notifying the Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Supervisor of unresolved orders.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; and participating in professional organizations.
• Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, and federal, state and local requirements.
• Enhances the laboratory department and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and novel processes; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.