Medical Laboratory Technician

Class Concept

This is technical work in the performance of a variety of routine and standardized medical laboratory tests. Tests are performed to aid in the diagnosis of disease and treatment of patients and animals. These positions are located throughout state agencies and universities. In small laboratories employees will typically perform a variety of procedures that are limited in variety and less complex. In other settings, procedures performed may be limited in variety, but require the employee to apply a knowledge of the basic physiological processes being monitored. Employees may have laboratory oversight duties. Employees may also be responsible for preparing media, reagents and buffers. Employees work with considerable independence in the application of the knowledges and techniques of the work area, and are held accountable for quality control and test results. Clinical application is usually not expected at this level since test results are typically specific. Work may include other related work assignments as determined by management. Work is supervised by a facility administrator or higher level medical laboratory personnel.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of the physiological processes being monitored and how the medical laboratory science is applied.
• Considerable knowledge of the test procedures performed in the laboratory.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable laboratory instrumentation, equipment and terminology.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards of working with potentially infectious materials and the appropriate precautions to take to avoid infection.
• Skill in the use of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to make accurate observations and make written reports of test results.
• Ability to perceive colors normally.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate's degree in medical technology from an appropriately accredited institution or completion of a certified laboratory assistant course in medical technology or a comparable course from an accredited institution; or High school or General Educational Development diploma and two years of medical laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.