Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Clinical Laboratory / Medical Technologist

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant performs and supports a wide range of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory activities under the supervision of licensed laboratory personnel; is responsible for specimen collection, processing, and preparation; performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing; maintains laboratory equipment and supplies; ensures compliance with all regulatory and institutional standards; collaborates in maintaining the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of laboratory operations in support of high-quality patient care. ​

• Perform venipuncture and capillary blood collection, as well as collection of non-blood specimens
• Verify patient identification, ensure accurate labeling, and maintain specimen integrity during handling, transport, and storage
• Instruct patients on proper specimen collection procedures when applicable
• Enter and verify test orders, patient demographics, and billing information into the information system
• Prepare, centrifuge, and aliquot specimens according to established procedures
• Perform CLIA-waived and point-of-care tests (i.e., glucose, rapid strep, mono, urinalysis) under supervision; record and report test results accurately and in a timely manner
• Participate in routine quality control, calibration, and performance verification of laboratory equipment
• Assist technologists and supervisors in preparing samples for analysis and in troubleshooting basic testing issues
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in compliance with infection control, hazardous materials, and safety policies
• Monitor supply inventory; order materials as needed to ensure uninterrupted operations
• Support laboratory documentation by maintaining logs, reports, and quality assurance records
• Process and distribute laboratory reports to clinical staff and outside providers
• Assist in specimen send-outs to reference laboratories, ensuring proper documentation and shipping procedures
• Respond to inquiries regarding specimen collection, test status, or policies in a timely and informed manner
• Communicate effectively with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and efficient laboratory operations
• Follow all federal, state, and institutional regulations (i.e., CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA)
• Participate in laboratory quality improvement initiatives and continuing education opportunities
• Stay current with emerging laboratory techniques, best practices, and safety procedures

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• High School (HS)