Jobs › Mercyhealth

Medical Laboratory Scientist - Full-Time

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $29.41–$44.11 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a result you caught as wrong before it went to the chart. How did you know?

What they are checking: Whether they review results critically and recognize subtle problems, like hemolysis, clots or delta failures.

Tell me about a time you trained or helped a newer coworker in the lab.

What they are checking: Whether they can pass on technical skills patiently, which this lab expects of its scientists.

What would you do

A specimen arrives with a label that does not quite match the requisition. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on patient identification rules even when rejecting a sample causes delay or friction.

The ED is calling for the third time about a troponin, and you are short-staffed. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize under pressure and communicate with nurses calmly while still meeting turnaround times.

An analyzer goes down in the middle of a busy shift. What do you do first?

What they are checking: Whether they can troubleshoot instruments and switch to backup methods without letting results stall.

About the work

Your chemistry QC is out on one level but the run looks fine otherwise. What do you do next?

What they are checking: Whether they apply QC rules properly and refuse to release patient results until the problem is understood.

You get a critical potassium on a patient. Walk me through calling it, including what you document.

What they are checking: Whether they report critical values promptly, to the right person, with read-back and full documentation.

In blood bank, you get an antibody screen that is positive. How do you work it up?

What they are checking: Whether they have solid immunohematology skills and know when a crossmatch or transfusion has to wait.

How do you prepare and evaluate a bone marrow smear or a sperm morphology, and what makes those high-complexity tests tricky?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the manual, judgment-heavy tests this posting specifically names.

Explain the difference between waived, moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA, and why it matters for who can do what.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the regulatory framework that defines their scope and the lab's compliance.

How do you approach proficiency testing so it reflects how you really run patient samples?

What they are checking: Whether they treat proficiency testing honestly, since handling it differently from patient samples is a serious CLIA violation.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW This job involves performing laboratory tests on patient samples, verifying results for accuracy, and using specialized equipment to help healthcare providers diagnose and treat patients. The role also includes maintaining laboratory instruments, following quality and safety standards, training new staff, solving technical issues, and supporting the daily operations of the laboratory. SCHEDULE : 7 days on, 7 days off SHIFT : Nights ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Utilize the Information System to receive patients, order and collect samples, result tests, answer questions from nurses and physicians, document quality control activities and produce reports required to perform job tasks. • Confirms accuracy of patient sample identification prior to performing analyses; evaluates specimen quality and identifies when unacceptable. Documents information concerning quality of specimen, impact of sub-optimal specimens on test values. Initiates recollection procedure as indicated. • Perform waived, moderate and high complexity lab tests as defined by CLIA in the lab specialties of hematology, urinalysis, chemistry and blood bank or microbiology by automated and manual methods according to defined policies and procedures. • Analyze test results prior to release of information to chart for validity and accuracy. Recognizes subtle yet significant problems which occur with testing methodologies. Troubleshoots suspect test results using technical knowledge and experience. Implements corrective action when inaccurate, inappropriate findings/results/reports are identified. • Performs high complexity tests such as bone marrow, sperm morphology, etc. • Assure that designated turnaround times for results are met and that critical results are appropriately reported and documented. • Perform quality control and proficiency testing procedures as defined by policy. • Interpret and troubleshoot quality control results to ensure accurate and precise test results. • Perform preventative maintenance, advanced troubleshooting and calibration of laboratory instrumentation. • Participate in method and instrument evaluation and implementation. • Investigates/resolves technical issues. • Participates on interdepartmental committees or teams. • Participates in teaching students and training new partners. • Completes and signs off on competency checklists for techs. • Develops updates and procedures as requested. • Serves as a resource to inexperienced partners. • Performs additional tasks such as scheduling, antibiograms, etc. • Maintain competency in current procedures and gain competency for new methods implemented. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE • Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology • Must be qualified to perform high complexity testing according to CLIA 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications. • OR • Associates degree in Medical Technology AND MLT certification • Must be qualified to perform high complexity testing according to CLIA 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications. CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE • MT/MLS Generalist Certification or Specialty Certification in Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology or Microbiology required within 12 months of hire. OR • MLT Certification and 5 years of experience. SKILLS AND ABILITIES N/A SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Function of the position with or without accommodations. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is required to talk, hear and smell. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee may have occasion to reach overhead to pick up objects or to adjust items. The employee may have occasion to bend under or crawl under bench to move or obtain objects. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Some independent judgment is required, but alternatives are limited by standard practices or procedures. SUPERVISES This job has no supervisory responsibilities. PAY RANGE: $29.41 - $44.11 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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