Karen Baker
Minooka,IL
Summary
Experienced Senior Medical Laboratory Technician with 20 years in clinical settings. Specializes in complex diagnostic testing and optimizing lab workflows while ensuring CAP/CLIA compliance. Skilled in mentoring junior staff and pursuing MLS (ASCP) Route 2 certification.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Technician
Modern Pain Consultant
Morris, IL
03.2025 - Current
- Executed toxicology testing, ensuring accuracy in drug screens and urine alcohol levels for reliable patient results.
- Performed instrument calibration, routine maintenance, and technical troubleshooting to reduce downtime and maintain operational readiness.
- Oversaw laboratory operations across 4 clinic locations, streamlining workflow and enhancing sample processing efficiency.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Alverno Clinical Lab, St. Joe's Medical Center
Joliet, Illinois
09.2010 - 03.2025
- Coordinated daily operations for hematology and coagulation departments, enhancing workflow and accuracy.
- Supervised and trained medical technicians on testing protocols, safety compliance, and laboratory instruments.
- Acted as key operator for TOPS 750 and TOPS 550 analyzers, optimizing equipment performance.
- Compiled and reviewed monthly QC reports, identifying analytical trends and implementing corrective actions to maintain quality standards.
- Led lot-to-lot crossover studies, validating new coagulation testing materials for precision and reliability.
- Assumed full Charge Tech responsibilities in the absence of the laboratory supervisor, resolving escalated technical issues.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Alverno Clinical Lab, St. James Hospital
Chicago Heights, Illinois
05.2006 - 09.2010
- Performed generalist laboratory testing across chemistry, hematology, coagulation, serology, urinalysis, microbiology, and blood bank.
- Calibrated and maintained laboratory instrumentation, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of clinical results.
- Coordinated staff scheduling and task allocation to enhance laboratory efficiency and ensure adequate coverage.
Veterinary Assistant
Peotone Animal Hospital
Peotone, Illinois
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Assisted veterinary technicians and veterinarians during diagnostic, clinical, and complex surgical procedures to ensure optimal patient care.
- Managed sterile surgical room preparation, patient restraint, radiology procedures, and comprehensive exam room sanitation.
- Prepared and maintained medical equipment and surgical instruments.
- Monitored animal health and reported changes to the veterinary team.
Additional Healthcare Experience
PostPartum Doula - Independent and Agency-Based
Chicago, Illinois
01.2026 - Current
- Provide individualized postpartum support and education to new parents, helping families navigate recovery, newborn care, feeding support, and the transition home.
- Utilized strong communication, empathy, organization, and confidentiality to provide patient-centered support for families during significant life transitions.
- Executed daily tasks with precision and effectiveness.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Care Leadership
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL07-2018
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL05-2006
Certificate - PostPartum Doula
Birth And Baby University
Chicago, IL01-2026
Skills
- Generalist: Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Serology, Urinalysis, and Microbiology
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality assurance
- Laboratory Informatics: Meditec system, Remesol, Immulink, SoftLab, Lab Trak, LIS
- Microsoft Excel
- Leadership & Oversight: Laboratory Administration, Charge Tech, Process improvement, Staff Training, and Inventory, Communication, Time Management, Laboratory Safety, Analytical Skills, Data Entry, Customer Service, Teamwork
Timeline
Additional Healthcare Experience
PostPartum Doula - Independent and Agency-Based
01.2026 - Current
Medical Laboratory Technician
Modern Pain Consultant
03.2025 - Current
Medical Laboratory Technician
Alverno Clinical Lab, St. Joe's Medical Center
09.2010 - 03.2025
Medical Laboratory Technician
Alverno Clinical Lab, St. James Hospital
05.2006 - 09.2010
Veterinary Assistant
Peotone Animal Hospital
01.2001 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Health Care Leadership
University of St. Francis
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Kankakee Community College
Certificate - PostPartum Doula
Birth And Baby University