Please refer to Tuition& Fees page.
The 12 month program is full-time, in-person, Monday-Friday for one year.
Most learning experiences occur during the day, Monday-Friday. Shifts can start as early as 5am. Students may be required to rotate on an evening shift, but currently are not rotating on night shift. Students must complete the entire training to graduate and be eligible to take the national certification exam. Please inquire as to the availability of learning tracks prior to applying.
Students who choose to work usually do not work over 16 hours per week, and typically work on the weekends. Entry level jobs in the laboratory may be available for student hire depending on regional needs. Tuition assistance may be available to current, qualified Providence caregivers.
Clinical rotations are offered in all core disciplines required for generalist training, including chemistry, microbiology, hematology, and transfusion medicine. Clinical rotations are offered at urban, rural and reference laboratories. Depending on regional rotation availability, students may be able to rotate in specialty laboratories such as molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, special chemistry, advanced coagulation, virology, parasitology and mycology.
Qualified students receive notification of acceptance two months after the application is due.
Interviews must be in person and are required as part of the selection process. Interviews are held two to six weeks after the application is due.
Medical Laboratory Scientists have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Medical Laboratory Technicians have, at minimum, an associate’s degree or technical certificate. Some institutions or states limit the type of testing MLTs can perform. Generally, a MLS performs more highly-complex testing, requiring interpretations and correlation of data, as well as more intense trouble-shooting processes.
For more information on MLT programs operating in Spokane, WA region, please visit the following schools:
No, these are all titles given to scientists who work in clinical laboratories. In 2009, the two major national certifying agencies (ASCP and NCA) joined as one under the ASCP Board of Certification, thus combining titles of laboratory scientists/technologists. Now the official title from ASCP and AMT is Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). In 2012 our school’s name changed to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center School of Medical Laboratory Science to help mainstream the terminology associated with our profession.
Yes, for applicants who meet all California CLS educational requirements and obtain the CA CLS Trainee License prior to starting our program. Starting in 2026-27, the School of MLS (SMLS) will meet the CA CLS licensure requirement of one year of post-baccalaureate clinical training for those applicants interested in working in CA after SMLS completion. Applicants are responsible for verifying their eligibility for CA licensure, as we cannot guarantee licensure eligibility for another state. We support CA licensure application by attesting to SMLS graduates' education and clinical experience. Our program does not offer concurrent training with CA universities.
If operating under a visa, we recommend application to NAACLS accredited university-based programs, as most are federally qualified to accept visas. The School of MLS is a hospital-based program with a different federal classification, which limits acceptable visa types.
A concurrent training applicant enters the School of MLS while still enrolled in university. An affiliation agreement must be established between your university and our MLS program in order for you to enter the program as a concurrent student. Please refer to the Program Description page for a current list of Academic Affiliates.
Yes, the School of MLS is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. NAACLS 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont IL 60018-5119; ph: 773.714.8880; fx: 773.714.8886; info@naacls.org.
Since 1928, ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Board of Certification (BOC) (formerly the ASCP Board of Registry) has been widely recognized as the preeminent leader in the certification of medical laboratory professionals. The majority of employers hire only certified staff.
