Role Overview: Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician at Sanford Health

Sanford Health is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician to join our team in Fargo, North Dakota. As a key member of our laboratory, you will play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of specimen collection, processing, and testing. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to patient care by providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment.

In this role, you will be responsible for performing phlebotomy, collecting and preparing biological specimens, entering laboratory orders and results, and maintaining a safe and organized work environment. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality will be essential in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory data. You will also have the opportunity to work with a team of experienced professionals and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

A Day in the Life of a Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician

Your day as a Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician at Sanford Health will be dynamic and rewarding. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Morning: Start your day by reviewing the daily schedule and preparing your workstation. You will gather the necessary supplies and equipment for specimen collection and processing.
• Specimen Collection: Perform phlebotomy procedures on patients, ensuring their comfort and safety. Collect and label specimens accurately, following established protocols.
• Specimen Processing: Prepare specimens for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, and labeling them appropriately. Ensure proper storage and handling of specimens to maintain their integrity.
• Data Entry: Enter laboratory orders and results into the laboratory information system (LIS). Verify the accuracy of data and resolve any discrepancies.
• Quality Control: Perform quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy of test results. Monitor equipment performance and troubleshoot any issues.
• Afternoon: Continue with specimen collection and processing as needed. Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other laboratory personnel, including medical technologists and pathologists, to ensure efficient workflow and accurate results.
• End of Day: Clean and organize your workstation, ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained. Prepare for the next day by restocking supplies and reviewing the schedule.

Why Fargo, North Dakota?

Fargo, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and urban amenities. With a thriving job market, affordable cost of living, and a friendly community, Fargo is an excellent place to live and work.

• Career Opportunities: Fargo has a diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• Affordable Living: The cost of living in Fargo is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for young professionals and families.
• Education: Fargo is home to several colleges and universities, including North Dakota State University, providing access to quality education and research opportunities.
• Culture and Entertainment: Fargo offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
• Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy the outdoors with access to parks, lakes, and trails for hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Community: Fargo is known for its friendly and welcoming community. The city has a strong sense of community pride and offers numerous volunteer opportunities.

Career Path Opportunities

At Sanford Health, we are committed to providing our employees with opportunities for professional growth and development. As a Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician, you can advance your career through various pathways:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): With additional education and certification, you can become a Medical Laboratory Technician, performing a wider range of laboratory tests and analyses.
• Medical Technologist (MT): With a bachelor's degree and certification, you can become a Medical Technologist, overseeing laboratory operations and performing complex testing.
• Laboratory Supervisor: With experience and leadership skills, you can advance to a supervisory role, overseeing a team of laboratory personnel.
• Specialized Roles: You can specialize in a particular area of the laboratory, such as hematology, microbiology, or molecular diagnostics.
• Continuing Education: Sanford Health offers tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities to help you achieve your career goals.

Salary & Benefits

Sanford Health offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain talented employees. The salary range for this position is estimated to be $32,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Specific salary will be determined upon offer. In addition to salary, Sanford Health provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan (401k or similar)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Wellness programs
• Sign-on bonus (eligible for new hires)

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a culture of caring, innovation, and excellence. We value our employees and provide a supportive and collaborative work environment.

• Teamwork: We believe in working together to achieve our goals and provide the best possible care to our patients.
• Respect: We treat each other with respect and value diversity.
• Integrity: We conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity in all that we do.
• Innovation: We are committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
• Patient-Centered Care: We put our patients first and strive to provide them with the highest quality care.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the Sanford Health team as a Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician, we encourage you to apply online. To apply, please visit our careers website and search for the Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician position in Fargo, North Dakota. Follow the instructions to submit your application and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the essential responsibilities of a Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician?
   • Collecting and processing biological specimens, performing phlebotomy, entering laboratory orders and results, and maintaining a safe work environment.
2. What qualifications are required for this position?
   • A high school diploma or GED is preferred, along with completion of a formal phlebotomy program, phlebotomy experience, and experience in a laboratory-related field.
3. What skills are important for success in this role?
   • Attention to detail, accuracy, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to follow established procedures.
4. What career advancement opportunities are available at Sanford Health?
   • Opportunities to advance to Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Technologist, Laboratory Supervisor, or specialize in a particular area of the laboratory.
5. What benefits does Sanford Health offer its employees?
   • Health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and more.
6. What is the work environment like at Sanford Health?
   • A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on teamwork, respect, integrity, innovation, and patient-centered care.
7. What is the salary range for this position?
   • The salary range is estimated to be $32,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
8. Where is the position located?
   • Fargo, North Dakota.
9. What is the application process?
   • Apply online through the Sanford Health careers website by searching for the Laboratory Assistant/Pathology Technician position in Fargo, North Dakota.
10. Is a sign-on bonus available for this position?
    • Yes, this position is eligible for a new hire sign-on bonus.