MightyRecruiterLab technicians assist with a variety of tasks in a laboratory setting. They may collect samples of blood, tissue and body fluids, and then perform different tests to analyze them. Lab technicians use a variety of microscopes, cell counters, computerized instruments and automated tools to aid in their analysis. Other tasks may include recording data in medical records and maintaining medical equipment.
To be successful, lab technicians should have certain qualities, which should be included in your lab technician job description. Technicians ought to be very detail oriented because they must conduct procedures and tests exactly. They must also know how to operate complex equipment and be skilled in handling precise instruments.
Because lab technicians have to stand for long periods of time, they should have good physical stamina. To see how to incorporate these qualities into your lab technician job description, take a look at the following example.
Lab Technician Job Summary
Do you care compassionately for others? Are you looking to grow professionally? Our company is looking for a lab technician to help perform a variety of tests to use in the diagnosis and management of disease. You will work under the direction of the laboratory supervisor, but your ability to work more independently will increase with additional experience. We provide all necessary training, and we offer tuition assistance for those who want to continue their education. Experience and a proven record of results can lead to more complex testing opportunities and potential promotions to technologist and/or supervisor. We offer a full benefits package, including dental, vision and disability insurance.
Job Responsibilities
- Aid in the chemical analyses of urine, blood and tissue samples using computerized analyzer or microscope; record any detected abnormalities in database using computer software
- Collect tissue and blood samples from patients using safe and sanitary methods
- Operate laboratory equipment related to the areas of microbiology, chemistry, blood banks, hematology, serology, urinalysis and toxicology; calibrate, set up, clean, maintain and test sterility of lab equipment; report malfunctions and order repairs and parts as necessary
- Follow standardized formulas to prepare reagents and volumetric solutions to combine with samples
- Use special electrical or mechanical devices to evaluate validity of test results; report results neatly, promptly and accurately; verify results with supervisor
- Maintain precise records; follow established quality assurance and quality control guidelines; follow HIPAA regulations and maintain strict confidentiality
- Keep up to date with training on new test procedures and instrumentation
- Cover holiday and weekend shifts in rotations, including day and overnight shifts as necessary
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science
- Medical laboratory technician certification
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office
- State licensure within six months of hire
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of one year of related work experience
- BLS and CPR certification
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Lab Technician Job Responsibilities
If you’re not thinking about how you’ve crafted your job description, you’re not attracting the best candidates. With the highly specialized requirements of lab technicians and the unique standards of many organizations, you can’t rely on a generic description to do the job. You need a lab technician job description as specialized as the role itself and exhibiting the same professional polish that you expect from your jobseekers.
The first step in rethinking your job description is rethinking how you write the job responsibilities section. Stop beginning every sentence with “Responsible for task one, task two and task three.” Instead, expand with action verbs depicting the role as something jobseekers actively take part in, rather than just being responsible for a function. Use these to paint a clear portrait of the role in the reader’s mind.
That portrait doesn’t need to go into excessive detail. Your lab technician job description only needs 6-8 bullets to cover everything important that a candidate needs to know about the role. If you’re writing more than that, you’re likely delving into minutiae that are often a given or don’t need discussion at this juncture.
Take a look at our lab technician job responsibilities:
- Conduct analyses and tests on samples sent by hospital partners
- Ensure test protocols follow established procedures and client requirements
- Utilize complex technical equipment extensively to achieve desired results
- Clean and maintain lab
- Mentor junior members of the laboratory team
Lab Technician Job Specifications
Make your lab technician job description truly work for you by adding a list of screening criteria. The essential job qualifications and skills section gives jobseeker a better idea of what you’re looking for and the requirements for the job. Just by including a list of 5-6 job specifications, your job description takes the work out of your hands by screening out the unqualified and overqualified.
If you aren’t sure how to build this list, consider it a “pass or fail” checklist. Consider what would make an employee succeed or fail in the role, and then include the requirements for success in your list. Consult other lab technicians and lab managers for advice on what they feel is valuable in the position. Integrate that information into your lab technician job description, and you’re well on your way to a highly qualified new hire.
Here’s our sample of lab technician job specifications:
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification from AAB, ASCP, AMT, or the National Accrediting Agency
- Extensive knowledge of ELISA testing
- 5+ years of experience handling hospital labs
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
- Capacity to work standing or in a stationary position for 4-5 hours at a time
