Clinical Pathology Technician

Fairview Health Services4 months ago
Minneapolis, MN, United States
On-site
Full-time
Junior Level (1-3 years)

Job Description

Position Overview

Fairview is looking for Clinical Pathology Technician (CPT) at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-West Bank. This is a full-time, 8‑hour, Evening shift position (2:45 pm to 11:15 pm, 3 out of 6 weekends). The University of Minnesota Medical Center Acute Laboratories performs clinical hematology, chemistry, blood gas, coagulation, urinalysis, transfusion medicine, and blood collection and processing. The West Bank Acute Care Laboratory serves a variety of pediatric and adult patients with a 24‑hour, 7‑day operation staffed by 100 employees. The CPT performs all work processes necessary for the preparation, procurement, and transport of specimens used for waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA '88, collaborates with laboratory customers to promote satisfaction, and works independently under general supervision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Specimen procurement and processing:
    • Participates in specimen collection (bone marrow, blood, and body fluids) following established guidelines.
    • Assists physicians and residents in obtaining specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
    • Properly verifies patient identity and “pauses for cause” in the collection of bone marrow.
    • Coordinates and ensures adequate documentation of specimen drop-offs.
    • Processes specimens (centrifugation, aliquoting, preparation for transport, and proper storage) and assesses their integrity and acceptability.
    • Verifies correct labeling and handles deviations per standard operating procedures.
    • Communicates collection instructions, including minimum volume requirements, to nursing staff and other providers.
    • Performs phlebotomy and demonstrates knowledge of basic anatomy and clinical laboratory processes.
    • Collaborates with researchers to ensure proper specimen processing, storage, and transport.
  • Specimen accessioning:
    • Follows guidelines to accession/order or enter specimens/tests into the computer system.
    • Enters correct information in the LIS, verifying patient details, ordering physician, tests ordered, and diagnosis codes.
    • Works carefully to eliminate data entry errors.
  • Laboratory processes:
    • Performs all work processes for specimens used in waived, moderate, or high complexity testing per CLIA '88.
    • Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems following written procedures.
    • Completes instrument maintenance, documents upkeep, orders supplies, and maintains a clean, organized environment.
    • Ensures accurate description and time/date stamping of specimens upon receipt.
  • Problem resolution:
    • Recognizes and resolves issues by identifying causes and applying established protocols.
    • Initiates proper safety or emergency responses and seeks assistance when needed.
  • Quality evaluation:
    • Evaluates diagnostic preparations for quality and takes action when parameters are out of compliance.
    • Rechecks abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results and communicates critical findings directly to caregivers.
  • Quality Assurance and Compliance:
    • Documents deviations, reagent/test kit/calibrator checks, and actions taken in response to QC trends.
    • Adheres to laboratory procedures for regulatory compliance, CAP regulations, HIPAA, and JCAHO standards.

Required Qualifications

  • 24 credits of college coursework with at least 12 credits in chemistry or biological sciences (Transcript must be provided) OR 24 credits of college coursework plus 2 years of clinical laboratory experience (Transcript must be provided).
  • 0 to 1 year of experience in a clinical or anatomic diagnostic laboratory.
  • Demonstrated ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and manual dexterity.
  • Basic computer and keyboarding skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • B.S. / B.A. or Medical Assistant Degree.
  • 1‑2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.

Benefits & Perks

  • Fairview offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages and more.
  • For additional information, please visit: Fairview Benefits

Compensation Disclaimer: An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Our organization prioritizes pay equity and considers internal team equity when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program approved at the time of offer will be honored.

EEO/Vet/Disabled: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any lawfully protected status.

Required Skills

Specimen Processing
CLIA Compliance
Phlebotomy
Laboratory Instrumentation
Data Entry
HIPAA Compliance
Customer Service
Specimen Collection
Quality Control