Laboratory Technician at WVU Medicine - Garrett Regional Medical Center

Role Overview

The Laboratory Technician at WVU Medicine's Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) plays a vital role in supporting the hospital's mission of providing exceptional patient care. This position involves performing basic laboratory functions, including specimen processing, customer service, and data entry. The Laboratory Technician is responsible for collecting, processing, storing, and transporting blood, body fluids, and tissue specimens. They also operate laboratory equipment, prepare reagents, and perform quality control procedures. In addition to technical duties, the role includes clerical functions such as faxing, copying, mailing reports, and answering phones professionally.

A Day in the Life

As a Laboratory Technician, your day will be dynamic and varied, contributing directly to patient diagnosis and treatment. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical day might look like: * **Morning:** Arrive and review the daily schedule, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and STAT orders. Prepare workstations with necessary supplies and reagents. Collect blood specimens from patients, ensuring proper identification and technique. * **Mid-day:** Process collected specimens, preparing them for analysis by various departments. Perform routine quality control checks on equipment and reagents to ensure accuracy. Enter patient data and test results into the laboratory information system. * **Afternoon:** Perform basic laboratory tests under supervision, adhering to standard operating procedures. Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot minor issues, and report any significant problems to the supervisor. Answer phone inquiries from healthcare providers and other staff, providing information and assistance. * **Throughout the Day:** Adhere to safety protocols, including proper handling of biohazardous materials and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Restock supplies as needed and maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Why Garrett Regional Medical Center?

Garrett Regional Medical Center, part of the WVU Medicine system, offers a unique opportunity to work in a community-focused environment while being connected to a large, reputable healthcare organization. Located in [Oakland], West Virginia, GRMC provides comprehensive medical services to the local community. Working here means you're not just an employee; you're a neighbor helping neighbors. The smaller setting allows for more personalized interactions with patients and colleagues, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie. ## Career Path Starting as a Laboratory Technician at WVU Medicine provides a solid foundation for career advancement within the organization. Here's a potential career path: 1. **Laboratory Technician:** Entry-level position focused on basic laboratory functions and specimen processing. 2. **Senior Laboratory Technician:** With experience and demonstrated proficiency, you can advance to a senior role, taking on more complex tasks and responsibilities, such as training new staff and troubleshooting equipment issues. 3. **Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT):** By obtaining an MLT certification, you can perform a wider range of laboratory tests and analyses, requiring a deeper understanding of laboratory principles and techniques. 4. **Medical Technologist (MT) / Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS):** With a bachelor's degree and MT/MLS certification, you can advance to a highly skilled role, performing complex laboratory tests, analyzing results, and ensuring quality control. 5. **Laboratory Supervisor / Manager:** With experience and leadership skills, you can move into a supervisory or management role, overseeing laboratory operations, managing staff, and ensuring regulatory compliance. WVU Medicine supports employee growth through continuing education, training programs, and opportunities for advancement. Your career path is limited only by your ambition and dedication. ## Salary & Benefits The salary for a Laboratory Technician at WVU Medicine's Garrett Regional Medical Center is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. While the exact salary may vary, the estimated range for this position in the Morgantown, WV area is $30,000 to $45,000 annually. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) * Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays * Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions * Life insurance and disability coverage * Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses * Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support * Wellness programs and resources to promote employee health and well-being * Tuition reimbursement or assistance for continuing education * Professional development opportunities and training programs * Employee discounts on various products and services * On-site childcare facilities (availability may vary by location) * Commuter benefits to help with transportation costs * Employee recognition programs to reward outstanding performance ## WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and respected. The organization fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement. WVU Medicine is dedicated to providing employees with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and grow in their careers. The values that guide WVU Medicine include: * **Patient-Centered:** Putting the needs of patients first in all decisions and actions. * **Quality:** Striving for excellence in all aspects of patient care and service. * **Integrity:** Maintaining the highest ethical standards and acting with honesty and transparency. * **Respect:** Treating all individuals with dignity and respect. * **Teamwork:** Working together collaboratively to achieve common goals. * **Innovation:** Embracing new ideas and technologies to improve patient care and efficiency. ## How to Apply To apply for the Laboratory Technician position at WVU Medicine's Garrett Regional Medical Center, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the application in full, providing accurate and up-to-date information about your education, experience, and qualifications. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills and certifications that align with the requirements of the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by a member of the HR team. Thank you for your interest in joining the WVU Medicine team! ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. **What are the minimum education requirements for this position?** * A High School Diploma or Equivalent is required. 2. **Is phlebotomy certification required?** * Phlebotomy Certification (CPT) is preferred, but not required. 3. **What experience is preferred for this role?** * Six (6) months of Phlebotomy, Lab Assistant, or Cytopreparatory experience is preferred. 4. **What are the main responsibilities of a Laboratory Technician?** * The main responsibilities include specimen processing, customer service, data entry, collecting specimens, operating lab equipment, and performing quality control procedures. 5. **What are the physical requirements for this position?** * The position requires strength and stamina, including lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, and carrying materials and equipment weighing 40+lbs. The ability to bend, stoop, reach, and normal rotation, standing and walking for entire shift is required. 6. **Does WVU Medicine offer opportunities for career advancement?** * Yes, WVU Medicine is committed to providing employees with opportunities for career advancement through continuing education, training programs, and promotions. 7. **What is the working environment like at Garrett Regional Medical Center?** * Garrett Regional Medical Center offers a community-focused environment with a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration. The staff are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. 8. **What kind of training is provided for this position?** * WVU Medicine provides comprehensive training for Laboratory Technicians, including on-the-job training, orientation programs, and opportunities for continuing education. 9. **What are the key skills needed to succeed in this role?** * Key skills include attention to detail, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 10. **How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?** * WVU Medicine offers a variety of wellness programs and resources to promote employee health and well-being, including an employee assistance program, wellness challenges, and access to health and fitness resources.