Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Clinical Laboratory / Medical Technologist

The Medical Technologist performs clinical laboratory testing to support the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of disease; collects, processes, analyzes, and evaluates biological specimens using manual and automated laboratory methods while ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of test results; validates and reports laboratory findings, provides technical consultation regarding laboratory testing and result interpretation; troubleshoots instrumentation and testing processes; ensures compliance with quality assurance programs, laboratory accreditation standards, and applicable regulatory requirements; adheres to established laboratory procedures, quality management practices, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Perform routine, specialized, and moderately to highly complex laboratory testing on medical specimens in one or more disciplines, including hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology/serology, coagulation, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, transfusion services, and microscopy, in accordance with established procedures

• Collect, receive, process, verify, and prepare biological specimens for analysis; evaluate specimen acceptability and resolve issues related to specimen integrity
• Operate, calibrate, validate, troubleshoot, and maintain automated and manual laboratory instrumentation and equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test performance
• Analyze, verify, interpret, and report laboratory test results; recognize abnormal, unexpected, or critical findings and promptly communicate critical values to appropriate personnel following established protocols
• Evaluate quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing data; investigate and resolve testing discrepancies and implement corrective actions to maintain laboratory accuracy and compliance
• Identify, investigate, and resolve technical issues involving specimens, instrumentation, reagents, laboratory information systems, and testing methodologies to minimize disruptions in laboratory operations
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, quality documentation, instrument maintenance logs, and testing documentation in accordance with laboratory policies, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards
• Utilize laboratory information systems (LIS) and/or electronic health record systems to document, review, validate, and communicate laboratory results while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, including CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, OSHA, HIPAA, and other laboratory accreditation and safety standards
• Follow established biosafety, infection prevention, hazardous materials handling, and laboratory safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment
• Participate in the evaluation, validation, and implementation of new laboratory methods, instrumentation, reagents, and technologies to improve testing quality and operational efficiency
• Assist in training, mentoring, and providing guidance to new employees, students, and other laboratory personnel, as assigned
• Participate in continuous quality improvement, accreditation inspections, competency assessments, and departmental initiatives to enhance laboratory performance and patient outcomes
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education, certification maintenance, and ongoing review of advances in laboratory science, diagnostic technology, and evidence-based practices
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $65,508.00
• MidPoint – $80,244.00
• Maximum – $94,980.00

• Clinical research
• Compliance
• Consultation
• Cytology
• Data Analysis
• Needs Assessment
• Patient advocacy
• Phlebotomy
• Policy implementation
• Program evaluation
• Records management
• Research methods
• Safety management
• Writing