Medical laboratory professionals perform laboratory tests necessary to provide information for use by physicians in detecting, diagnosing or treating diseases. They are vital members of the health care team; 70-80% of all clinical diagnosis is based, in some way, on laboratory test results.

Training and Requirements

The minimum education requirements for the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) / Medical Technologist (MT) is the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree program, which includes three to four years of course work plus a clinical experience in an accredited educational program in clinical laboratory science. Academic course work is available at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, the University of Washington and Washington State University. The education programs providing the clinical experience are Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, the University of Washington, and Heritage University CLS Program.

The most common training for the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a two-year Associate Degree program. In Washington, training for MLT-AD is available at Clover Park Technical College, Shoreline Community College and Wenatchee Valley College. Wenatchee Valley College also has regional programs located in Spokane, Omak, Tri-Cities, Pendleton, Walla Walla, and Moses Lake.