Medical Technologist Series

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This series includes positions that perform and/or supervise or manage clinical laboratory testing of patient specimens, and maintaining the requirements for accreditation. Clinical laboratory tests are performed on a wide variety of patient specimens in a clinical laboratory of a hospital or an outpatient setting. Employees may be assigned to work in any one or a combination of areas of specialization. Although employees in this series may perform some of the same tests and examinations performed by technicians, they exercise a greater degree of judgment in that they determine probable causes for irregular or atypical findings. Technologists perform many difficult and complex tests and examinations following established guidelines, protocols, and procedures. Positions in this series are also responsible for instructing students and laboratory personnel in the principles and techniques of medical technology. The work requires full professional training in medical technology or in closely related scientific disciplines.

DESCRIPTIONS OF LEVELS OF WORK

Employees at this level function with relative independence following established protocols and procedures in performing a wide variety of standard tests and examinations in any one or a combination of areas of specialization. They determine probable causes for findings that are inconsistent with clinical findings or which exceed established tolerances.

A(n) Medical Technologist I typically -

1. performs qualitative and quantitative tests and examinations using various analyzers and/or manual methods on specimen sources such as blood, urine, and other body fluids using established procedures.
2. performs established quality assurance procedures (quality control testing, instrument function checks and calibrations) maintains appropriate documentation and reports irregularities.
3. assesses accuracy and validity of obtained test results by applying knowledge of relevant scientific principles, recognizes changes that are critical to patient care, identifies probable causes for irregular and atypical findings.
4. maintains records of tests and examinations and final results for all record functions and inquiries related to patient care.
5. troubleshoots instruments and resolves technical problems whenever possible, documents corrective action, and reports problems to the supervisor.
6. assists in instructing students and laboratory personnel in the principles and techniques of diagnostic tests and examinations.
7. performs other related duties as assigned.

Employees at this level manage and coordinate the daily activities of the laboratory or a specialized subsection of the laboratory, which may include supervision of testing personnel, if applicable, using seasoned judgment.

A(n) Medical Technologist II typically -

1. plans, assigns, and may supervise the work of lower level laboratory and testing personnel; adjusts work assignments as required to achieve optimal utilization of available resources.
2. monitors and evaluates quality control data; determines causes and patterns of unacceptable results and initiates or suggests corrective action.
3. instructs testing personnel in established procedures, techniques and any new and modified procedures.
4. explains principles and techniques of tests and examinations to physicians, nurses, students and other personnel.
5. assists in procedure development and comparative evaluation of new and/or modified tests and assays.
6. assists in monitoring quality assurance and formulating any corrective action plan.
7. troubleshoots instruments, resolves technical problems, and initiates remedial actions.
8. may perform or assist the manager in performance appraisals of lower level employees.
9. performs laboratory work assigned to the lower level of this series.
10. performs other related duties as assigned.

Employees at this level are responsible for the over-all planning and management of a clinical laboratory. Employees at this level are responsible for the development and maintenance of all policies and procedures of the clinical laboratory.

A(n) Medical Technologist III typically -

1. plans and organizes work to be performed, including the scheduling of work, determination of priorities, and maintenance of records, to assure optimal utilization of manpower and equipment.
2. projects volume and intensity trends in the quantity of work to be performed; recommends the methods by which the laboratory is to adjust to changes in workflow.
3. monitors the laboratory's quality control functions by reviewing the quality control data and evaluating possible trends.
4. establishes written policies and procedures for a comprehensive quality assurance program, patient test management, quality control, test procedure and policy manuals, safety manual and quality improvement plans.
5. develops and coordinates the teaching and training function of the laboratory.
6. evaluates and ensures the laboratory's successful participation in external proficiency testing; assures corrective action if necessary; and maintains appropriate documentation.
7. serves as consultant concerning the potential and limitations of tests and procedures.
8. serves as liaison between laboratory personnel and external and internal medical staff and resolves operational problems arising in this area.
9. coordinates operations between the clinical laboratory and regulating agencies, suppliers, purchasing agents, reference laboratories, fiscal agents and technical support personnel.
10. manages the laboratory budget including the inventory and ordering of supplies; assumes responsibility for the maintenance of laboratory equipment and recommends procurement of equipment essential to the laboratory operations.
11. responsible for all regulatory compliance issues necessary for accreditation and licensure.
12. performs laboratory work related to the lower levels of this series as needed.
13. performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. High school graduation or equivalent.
2. Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1489.
   
   The CLIA reference can be found at the following website address. This is a direct link:
   https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_c_lab.pdf
   
   Note: IDPH link to required Laboratory Personnel Qualifications can be found at: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/publications/clia-laboratorypersonnelqualifications.pdf
   
   Note: It is recommended that, in order to ensure consistent application of these qualifications, the evaluation and verification of an applicant’s credentials be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of an experienced clinical laboratory technologist and the personnel department in a manner which will preserve the applicant’s anonymity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

        none


CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. High school graduation or equivalent.
2. Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing for general supervisory personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1461.
   
   The CLIA reference can be found at the following website address. This is a direct link:
   https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_c_lab.pdf
   
   Note: IDPH link to required Laboratory Personnel Qualifications can be found at: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/publications/clia-laboratorypersonnelqualifications.pdf
   
   Note: It is recommended that, in order to ensure consistent application of these qualifications, the evaluation and verification of an applicant’s credentials be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of an experienced clinical laboratory technologist and the personnel department in a manner which will preserve the applicant’s anonymity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

1. Supervisory ability

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

1. High school graduation or equivalent.
2. Meets basic standards and qualifications for laboratory testing for general supervisory personnel under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), Subpart M, Section 493.1461.
   
   The CLIA reference can be found at the following website address. This is a direct link:
   https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_c_lab.pdf
   
   
3. 1. Five years of experience as a clinical laboratory technologist in a clinical laboratory of a hospital or out-patient clinic, two years of which must have been at a level comparable to that gained at the Level II of this series.
      OR
   2. Master's degree in medical technology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, physiology or closely related fields, or a MBA plus a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology and four years of experience as a clinical laboratory technologist in a clinical laboratory of a hospital or out-patient clinic, two years of which must have been at a level comparable to the Medical Technologist II.
   
   
   Note: IDPH link to required Laboratory Personnel Qualifications can be found at: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/publications/clia-laboratorypersonnelqualifications.pdf
   
   Note: It is recommended that, in order to ensure consistent application of these qualifications, the evaluation and verification of an applicant’s credentials be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of an experienced clinical laboratory technologist and the personnel department in a manner which will preserve the applicant’s anonymity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

1. Supervisory ability