Medical Laboratory Technician

Join Essentia Health's Laboratory Services team as a Medical Laboratory Technician. In this role, you'll perform routine and specialized testing, analyze and report accurate results, and support diagnostic decision-making for providers across our integrated health system. You'll work with modern laboratory equipment while following strict quality and safety standards. Essentia Health offers a collaborative, compassionate environment that values diversity, continuous learning, and work-life balance, with opportunities for professional growth and active engagement in the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex diagnostic laboratory testing across multiple disciplines (e.g., chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, transfusion services, coagulation) following established protocols
• Collect, receive, label, and process patient specimens accurately to ensure specimen integrity and traceability
• Analyze and validate test results, recognize critical or abnormal values, and promptly report findings to providers and nursing staff
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and analyzers to ensure accurate and reliable performance
• Perform and document quality control, proficiency testing, and quality assurance activities in compliance with regulatory standards (CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission)
• Assist with inventory management, reagent preparation, and proper storage and handling of supplies and specimens
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the laboratory information system (LIS) and electronic health record (EHR)
• Adhere to infection prevention, biosafety, and safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and handling of biohazardous materials
• Participate in training and mentoring of new staff, students, and colleagues, sharing technical knowledge and best practices
• Contribute to process improvement, standardization, and innovation initiatives within Laboratory Services to enhance efficiency and quality of care

Required Skills

• Clinical laboratory testing across core disciplines (chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, transfusion services, coagulation)
• Operation and maintenance of automated analyzers and laboratory instruments
• Laboratory Information System (LIS) and basic Electronic Health Record (EHR) use
• Quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing procedures
• Specimen collection, handling, processing, and storage techniques
• Understanding of CLIA, CAP, and Joint Commission regulatory and accreditation standards
• Data analysis, result validation, and interpretation of critical values
• Troubleshooting basic instrument and testing issues
• Strict adherence to infection control, biosafety, and safety procedures
• Basic phlebotomy skills (as needed for site-specific duties)
• Documentation accuracy and attention to detail
• Effective communication with clinicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
• Time management and prioritization in a fast-paced clinical environment