Clinical Lab Technologist or Technician

Clinical Laboratory Technologist   Pay Range: $38.27-$50.43

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This work involves the performance and supervision of specialized analyses in the laboratory of the Lewis County General Hospital.  The tests performed by the Clinical Laboratory Technologist may be in any of the laboratory areas such as hematology, bacteriology, chemistry, serology, urinalysis, or histology.  The position differs from that of Laboratory Technician in that work performed is more complex and it entails training and supervisory responsibilities.  The work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Medical Technologist with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out assigned duties.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Performs routine or complex tests in an area or areas of the laboratory following established laboratory policies by exercising independent judgment;
• May have responsibility for a satellite laboratory, overseeing all specimen collection and testing, personally performing the more complex analyses and preparation of related reports and records;
• Sets up, calibrates, standardizes and teaches new analytical and testing procedures for a variety of laboratory tests to new laboratory employees and students;
• Assists Laboratory Technicians in the performance of complex procedures;
• Effectively communicates problems encountered with instrumentation or procedures to the laboratory supervisor;
• Understands and applies quality control in all laboratory testing;
• May supervise routine microbiological, chemical, and microscopic tests of blood, sputum, feces, urine, spinal fluids and various smears for presence of disease and pathological conditions;
• May be responsible to oversee inventory of supplies and equipment used in the laboratory and to replenish stock level;
• Draws blood and collects specimens from patients following established policies;
• Assumes charge responsibility when assigned;
• Participates in the laboratory performance improvement program;
• Assists with New York State proficiency tests;
• Attends in-services and workshops as part of continuing education.
  
  

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of standard modern laboratory practices, techniques, equipment technology and safety precautions; thorough knowledge of the practices governing the conduct of scientific laboratory tests; thorough knowledge of the recognized fields of laboratory specialization; a high degree of skill in the operation and care of modern laboratory equipment and apparatus; a high degree of skill in the performance of difficult and routine laboratory tests; ability to plan and supervise the work of others in laboratory techniques; ability to prepare clear and accurate reports of tests; ability to understand and follow complex technical oral and written instructions; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Possession of a valid license and current registration (or valid temporary permit) issued by the New York State Education Department as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. 

CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN   Pay Range: $31.82-$40.66

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Performs a variety of routine technical laboratory procedures in a hospital laboratory; does related work as required,

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is responsible technical work involving the performance of a variety of chemical, microscopic and bacteriologic tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  A high degree of alertness is required since errors may result in incorrect diagnosis and treatment.  A higher-ranking technician assigns tasks and is available for consultation on special problems, but a Clinical Laboratory Technician is expected to complete ordinary tests independently.  Supervision may be exercised over the work of subordinate employees.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Performs routine tests in an area or areas of the laboratory following established laboratory policies;
• Examines specimens submitted to the laboratory for chemical and bacteriological study and analysis;
• Makes standard bacteriological examinations of water, blood, sputum and feces and identifies and isolates micro-organisms by standard descriptive methods;
• Records results of tests and assembles data and material for interpretation by a superior, and/or the preparation of reports;
• Draws blood and collects specimens from patients using established policies;
• Learns to perform specialized procedures when proficiency has been attained in other areas and the ability to perform more complicated procedures has been demonstrated;
• Calibrates, operates, standardizes and maintains instruments following established procedures;
• Understands and applies quality control in all laboratory testing;
• Assists with New York State proficiency tests;
• Assists with orientation and training of new employees and students;
• Participates in the laboratory quality assurance program;
• Attends in-services and workshops as part of continuing education;
• Effectively communicates problems encountered with instrumentation or procedures to the Chief Medical Technologist by documentation on the worksheets and documents the remedial actions taken;
• Assists with workload recording and other reports as assigned;
• Is aware of and follows Corporate Compliance Policies and Procedures.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of modern standard laboratory practices, techniques, equipment, terminology and safety precautions; working knowledge of the practices governing the conduct of scientific laboratory tests; working knowledge of recognized fields of laboratory specialization; skill in the operation and care of modern laboratory equipment and apparatus; skill in performing standard laboratory procedures; ability to perform assigned technical tasks according to exactly prescribed procedures and to make accurate observations and records of test results; ability to understand and follow technical oral and written instructions; thoroughness; dependability; resourcefulness; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An associate’s degree from an approved clinical laboratory technician program  registered by the New York State Department of Education or determined by the department to be the substantial equivalent; and possession of current valid certification as a Clinical Laboratory Technician issued by the New York State Department of Education.