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Medical Laboratory Scientist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37404
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 29.95-42.08 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
PRN and every third weekend 5p-5a and holiday rot.
Accepting MLS or MLT candidates
Accurately analyzes and reports all tests ordered by the Medical Staff in a timely manner and according to laboratory procedures and regulatory guidelines to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Performs and reports waived, moderately complex, and highly complex test procedures on patient specimens adhering to the Section’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- Provides excellent patient care through clinical correlation of results, identification of patterns of bias, rapid notification of appropriate caregivers of critical values, and completion of testing within established turn-around-time limits
- Ensures that major automated equipment is operational by performing required maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures; including contacting of instrument vendor for assistance or repair
- Performs required calibration and quality control procedures and maintains records to ensure tests are being performed within established parameters
- Performs proficiency testing as assigned and review results with laboratory clinical leaders
- Assists in evaluation and generation of compliant documentation for the validation of new procedures and equipment to provide the physician with the most current laboratory technology
- Participates in opportunities for continuing education and/or teaching, training according to the Section Performance Standards to enhance technical skills of students, trainees, coworkers, and self
- Responsible for inventory of supplies, including providing assistance with monitoring supplies, ordering, and placing received supplies into storage
- Completes all work and resolves or appropriately passes ongoing issues to incoming staff within the scheduled shift
- As a representative of CommonSpirit Health, utilizes professionalism and HumanKindness while communicating with physicians, hospital staff, patients, coworkers, other stakeholders in laboratory operations, and all members of the general public, whether in email, instant messaging, telephone, or face-to-face interactions
- Adheres to all regulatory requirements
Job Requirements
MLS
Bachelor's Degree in a biological or chemical science as defined by CLIA.
Tennessee: MT-L:TN or MT ASCP or equivalent certification
MLT
Associate’s Degree in a biological or chemical science as defined by CLIA
Tennessee: MLT-L:TN or MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification
Preferred: ASCP or equivalent certification
Where You'll WorkCHI Memorial, a member of CommonSpirit, is an award-winning, not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization dedicated to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care, from preventative and primary care to acute hospital services specializing in cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and orthopedic services. Our commitment to excellence has earned us top prestigious recognition repeatedly from U.S. News and World Report, PINC AI™, CMS, Healthgrades®, Leapfrog, and most recently as one of the Best Places to Work in Tennessee. We are proud to serve Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with the expertise of 4,700 team members and nearly 500 affiliated physicians.
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Frequently asked questions
Chattanooga's healthcare sector shows a steady demand for skilled Medical Laboratory Scientists, driven by expanding hospital services like CHI Memorial. Candidates with Tennessee certifications and ASCP credentials often find favorable hiring prospects due to regional growth in clinical diagnostics.
Yes, holding Tennessee state certifications such as MT(ASCP) or MLT(ASCP) significantly enhances job opportunities locally. Employers like Catholic Health Initiatives prioritize candidates with recognized credentials aligning with CLIA guidelines to meet regulatory and quality standards.
Medical Laboratory Scientists typically possess a bachelor's degree and handle complex test procedures and equipment calibration, while Medical Laboratory Technicians focus on moderately complex assays and support tasks. This distinction affects the scope of responsibilities and career progression.
Growth often involves specialization in advanced diagnostics, leadership in quality control, or training roles. Continuous education and proficiency testing enable Medical Laboratory Scientists to transition into senior positions or clinical research, enhancing both expertise and impact on patient care.
Positions typically include PRN shifts, weekend rotations every third weekend from 5 PM to 5 AM, and holiday coverage. Such schedules demand adaptability but offer opportunities for varied clinical exposure and greater flexibility in balancing work-life commitments.
At CHI Memorial, laboratory scientists actively collaborate with physicians by promptly reporting critical test values and ensuring test accuracy. Their role extends beyond analysis to clinical correlation, reinforcing the organization's commitment to holistic, faith-based patient care.
Medical Laboratory Scientists in Chattanooga can expect average salaries between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on certification levels and experience. This range reflects the regional healthcare market and the specialized skills required for accurate laboratory diagnostics.
Yes, trainees gain practical experience through supervised performance of complex lab procedures, equipment maintenance, and quality control, fostering technical proficiency in a real-world clinical environment aligned with regulatory standards.
Key duties include performing quality control calibrations, troubleshooting automated analyzers, and timely reporting of critical lab values. Adherence to standard operating procedures and regulatory guidelines is essential to maintain test validity and patient safety.