Medical Technologist Jobs in Iowa

INTRODUCTION

Five workers needed to perform moderate and high complexity laboratory testing across all areas of the Laboratory to support the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease. This position ensures the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of test results, maintains instrumentation, and upholds all regulatory requirements in a 24/7 hospital environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specimen Processing & Testing

• Receives orders and processes specimens according to established laboratory policies and procedures.
• Performs moderate and high complexity testing across all areas of the lab.
• Obtains specimens via venipuncture, swab collection, arterial blood gas collection, and other approved collection methods as needed.
• Evaluates specimen integrity and determines sample acceptability; documents and communicates issues appropriately.
• Accurately documents, interprets, verifies, and reports results, following all critical value notification procedures.
• Performs manual and microscopic procedures, including differentials and body fluid analyses, as needed.

Quality Control, Compliance & Safety

• Conducts, evaluates, and documents quality control (QC) results, taking corrective action when QC is out of range.
• Performs proficiency testing, participates in quality improvement initiatives, and ensures adherence to CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, OSHA, and all applicable state/federal regulations.
• Maintains a safe work environment using standard precautions, PPE, and proper handling of biohazardous and chemical materials.
• Reports any compliance concerns or suspected violations of law, policy, or Standards of Conduct.

Instrumentation & Technical Support

• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on laboratory analyzers and equipment.
• Troubleshoots instrumentation issues and escalates as needed to ensure accuracy and minimal downtime.
• Assists with test validation, correlation studies, LIS updates, and equipment implementations.
• Maintains inventory of reagents and supplies to support uninterrupted operations.

Communication, Collaboration & Service Excellence

• Communicates clearly and professionally with nurses, providers, and hospital staff regarding testing requirements, specimen needs, or result interpretation.
• Maintains a friendly, courteous, and positive service attitude.
• Provides technical assistance, mentoring, and training to new team members, phlebotomists, students, and cross-trained staff.
• May assist with front desk duties such as answering phones or registering outpatients.

General Responsibilities

• Rotates on all shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Assumes delegated supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Laboratory Manager.
• Participates in mandatory meetings, competencies, continuing education, and required licensure/CEU maintenance.
• Performs EKGs as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient, resident, employee, and organizational information.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may assist with special procedures, staff training, education, and providing guidance to assigned personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a related biological science.
• One (1) year of clinical laboratory experience required; experience may include completion of clinical rotations through an accredited laboratory program.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• ASCP, AMT, AAB, or equivalent certification required or obtained within the hospital-specified timeframe.
• State licensure required if applicable.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through the American Heart Association required. New hires may obtain certification during onboarding with organizational support.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including LIS and EMR use.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong task management and time-management abilities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, professional literature, and regulations. Ability to write reports, procedures, and documentation. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, patients, and staff. English required.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Activity

• Frequent: Standing, walking, bending, reaching, specimen handling, operating analyzers, performing repetitive hand motions.
• Occasional: Sitting, kneeling, crouching, climbing step stools, talking, hearing.
• Manual Dexterity: High degree of fine motor coordination needed for pipetting, microscope work, and handling small laboratory components.

LIFTING/CARRYING REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent: Lifting/moving up to 10 lbs (specimens, trays, small supplies).
• Occasional: Lifting/moving up to 25–30 lbs (reagent boxes, supply items).
• Rare: Lifting up to 40 lbs with assistance.

VISION REQUIREMENTS

• Close, distance, peripheral, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Color discrimination required for evaluating stains, analyzer flags, and specimen characteristics.
• Frequent computer and microscope use.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious agents, and biohazard materials.
• Exposure to chemical reagents, fumes, and cleaning agents.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical equipment.
• Possible exposure to unpleasant sights, odors, and occasional radiation sources.
• Must tolerate physical and emotional stress typical in a hospital laboratory.
• Moderate noise level.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a hospital-based, 24/7 clinical laboratory environment. The employee may be exposed to infectious diseases, chemicals, mechanical equipment, and other occupational hazards. Duties may require handling biohazardous materials and working under time-sensitive and stressful conditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Computer and LIS proficiency preferred.
• Participation in on-call rotation may be required depending on departmental structure.

Experience

Required 1 year(s): Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or a related biological science and one (1) year of clinical laboratory experience required; experience may include completion of clinical rotations through an accredited laboratory program.

Education

Required Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.