Houston Methodist

location-iconHouston Methodist

Medical Laboratory Assistant

location-iconBallinger, TX, 76821

jobtype-iconPart Time, Full Time

estimated-salary-icon$16.25 per hour

dateposted-iconPosted 10 days ago

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location-iconActively Hiring

The Medical Laboratory Assistant II has responsibility for the processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting of specimens for laboratory testing. As an experienced and fully competent laboratory assistant, performs advanced functions such as phlebotomy and/or section-specific specialty tasks and serves as a role model and preceptor for other staff. Duties include the input and extraction of data from the Laboratory Information System as well as clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
  • Serves as a preceptor to less experienced and/or new staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepares specimens for courier pick up and delivery to referral lab as necessary. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.
  • Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.
  • Independently handles resolution of complex problems and issues and notifies management of issue and resolution. Serves as escalation support for less experienced staff.
  • Organizes workload, sets priorities, and troubleshoots workflow issues. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Receives, triages, orders, labels and transports specimens for laboratory testing. Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Assists pathologist and/or other laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed.
  • Recognizes problems (such as mislabels, incorrect tube type, etc.), identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems.
  • Operates automated instrumentation as applicable at entity following all safety measures. Performs and documents any processing equipment maintenance.
  • Performs one or more of the following advanced functions:
    - Pre-Analytic: In an outpatient and inpatient setting, performs phlebotomy and other specialized specimen collection procedures for patients; maintains competency of techniques and principles required to perform quality phlebotomy services
    - Specialty Areas (i.e., Anatomical Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular, etc.): Performs advanced functions such as assisting with frozen sections, special stain procedures, cytology processing, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and other section specific specialty tasks as per section scope.
  • Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
  • Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Guides and mentors section employees and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.
  • Participates in departmental projects activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience required
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
  • N/A
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
  • Relevant certification (e.g., phlebotomy, medical laboratory assistant)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going evaluations consisting of one or more of the following: skills, competency assessments and/or performance reviews
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
  • Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload and maintain accuracy
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposing
  • Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include Hospital / Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
  • Independently adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing work flow
  • Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action
  • Strong training, leadership, and mentoring skills
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

  • Uniform
  • Scrubs
  • Business professional
  • Other (department approved)

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

  • On Call*

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Houston Methodist's ninth hospital and will incorporate the most advanced technology available from the day the doors open. With 100 beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor, the hospital will be equipped with technologically advanced innovations implemented during COVID, many of them designed to make patient communication with physicians, staff and families the very best and most effective in any health care facility. Even though the hospital won't be fully operational until 2025, we have several services and specialties opening in 2024.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

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FAQ's

Find the answers for the most frequently asked questions below

Are you looking for job openings with Houston Methodist near Ballinger, TX, US? You'll find plenty of opportunities in nearby cities, including Baytown, TX, Deer Park, TX, Friendswood, TX, Kemah, TX, La Porte, TX, League City, TX, Seabrook, TX, Conroe, TX, Tomball, TX, Bellaire, TX, Fulshear, TX, Katy, TX, Richmond, TX, Sugar Land, TX, Montgomery, TX, Mont Belvieu, TX, Dickinson, TX, Santa Fe, TX, Angleton, TX, Hempstead, TX. These locations offer remote jobs, part-time jobs, and full-time positions with Houston Methodist. Check out current job listings in these cities to discover more employment opportunities and local jobs hiring now in your area.

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To become a Medical Laboratory Assistant, follow these steps: 1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. 2. Earn an Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field. 3. Complete an internship or externship in a medical laboratory. 4. Pass the national certification exam (ASCP Board of Certification Examination for Medical Laboratory Assistants). 5. Apply for positions in medical laboratories and gain relevant work experience.

A Medical Laboratory Assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some on-the-job training. However, formal education programs for this role can vary, and some positions may require an associate's degree or higher. The exact years of education can depend on the specific requirements of the employer or the country where the job is located.

A medical laboratory assistant, in this context, would be reviewing laboratory requisitions to ensure they contain all necessary information for the appropriate processing of lab samples, such as patient identification, test orders, and any special instructions.

Yes, a medical laboratory assistant typically works in a lab, assisting medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in the performance of tests on biological and chemical samples to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

A Medical Laboratory Assistant performs a variety of tasks in a medical laboratory, including preparing and processing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and maintaining records to assist medical technologists and technicians in diagnosing diseases. They may also perform basic tests on bodily fluids, tissues, and other substances to aid in the detection of diseases or abnormalities.

To become a Medical Laboratory Assistant, typically, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer or require an associate's degree in a science field. You should also gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in a lab setting. Certification is optional but can increase employment opportunities. Check local requirements as they may vary.

To become a Medical Laboratory Assistant, follow these steps: 1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. 2. Earn an Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field. 3. Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in a lab setting. 4. Consider certification through the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

A Medical Laboratory Assistant performs a variety of tasks in a laboratory setting, including preparing and processing specimens, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, and assisting medical technologists and technicians in diagnostic tests to support patient care. They help ensure accurate and timely results for medical diagnoses.