Our Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS/MT) and Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) play a vital role in delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic services at PACHS. As a member of our laboratory team, you will support patients, families, and clinical providers by collecting and analyzing specimens, verifying results, and ensuring a safe, efficient, and customer-focused testing environment. You will work under the direction of the Lab Technical Supervisor and collaborate closely with providers, nurses, clinic teams, and fellow laboratory staff to uphold high standards of laboratory practice.

In this role, you will collect blood, urine, and other body fluid specimens, perform testing across major laboratory disciplines, and ensure the accuracy of all test results using pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical principles. You will participate in quality control and quality assurance activities, maintain laboratory instrumentation, and support compliance with regulatory and safety standards. Responsibilities also include preparing and processing reference lab specimens, communicating critical results to medical staff, completing required documentation, and assisting with training new team members and students.

Your responsibilities include properly labeling, handling, and storing specimens; maintaining adequate laboratory supplies; supporting cost-effective operations; and ensuring a clean and safe workspace. You will assist in adapting to changes in laboratory technology, software systems, and regulatory requirements while maintaining required system access and protecting patient confidentiality. As part of the team, you may participate in scheduled weekends and on-call rotations, assist colleagues when workloads shift, and perform additional duties as assigned.

This role requires dependability, strong communication skills, professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail. Successful candidates remain calm and effective when troubleshooting instrumentation, responding to time-sensitive testing needs, or navigating a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Flexibility, accountability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

Candidates must meet one of the following education and credential requirements:

MLS/MT: Graduate of an approved MLS/MT program, or hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in chemical, biological, physical, or clinical laboratory science. National certification (ASCP, AMT, NCA) is preferred and may be required within one year of hire.
MLT: Associate degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, or completion of an approved MLT program. Certification through AMT, ASCP, or NCA is preferred.
Previous laboratory experience is preferred.
Candidates must be able to work flexible hours and maintain required certification, including ongoing continuing education.

Employee Benefits

PACHS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial stability, and professional success.

Health & Wellness

Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care
Employer HSA contributions for HDHP participants
Dental insurance with 100% preventive coverage
Vision coverage
Discounted membership to the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center

Financial Security

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
Optional voluntary life insurance
Employer-paid Short-Term Disability
Employer-paid Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage

Time Off & Lifestyle

PTO begins accruing on your first day
PTO cash-out program available up to four times per year
Holiday Club payroll savings program

Support & Resources

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering 24/7 confidential counseling, financial coaching, legal support, and more

About Palo Alto County Health System

Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care supported by a culture of teamwork, respect, and compassion. PACHS provides a family-oriented and supportive workplace where employees feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to grow professionally. When you join PACHS, you join a mission-driven team dedicated to caring for our community — and for one another.

PALO ALTO COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEM

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