Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of tuition and fees?

How do contracted student positions work?

Affiliated labs partner with the School of MLS (SMLS) to offer students tuition assistance and clinical rotations in exchange for a 30-month work commitment after graduation. Contract locations change based on site needs, and SMLS notifies candidates of available openings before the February 1^st application due date.
Contracted locations may include Spokane, WA, Stevens County, WA, Southeast WA, North and South Puget Sound, WA, Oregon, and rural Alaska sites.

Are there opportunities to attend the program at night, on the weekends or part time?

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.

Are there opportunities to work while in the program?

Most students work fewer than 16 hours per week, usually on weekends. Entry-level lab positions may be offered based on local demand. Qualified Providence caregivers may be eligible for tuition reimbursement.

What are some of the rotations offered by the program?

Clinical rotations encompass all core disciplines essential for generalist training, such as 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 flow cytometry, special chemistry, advanced coagulation, parasitology and mycology.

When are students notified of the selection decision?

Qualified students receive notification of acceptance two months after the application is due.

Can I request a phone interview or does it have to be in person?

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.

What is the difference between a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)?

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) need at least a bachelor's degree, while Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) require an associate’s degree or technical certificate. MLTs may be restricted in the tests they perform, whereas MLS professionals typically handle more complex testing, data interpretation, and troubleshooting, complying with the bachelor’s degree requirement outlined by CLIA.

For more information on MLT programs operating in Spokane, WA region, please visit the following schools:

Is there a difference between a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), or Medical Technologist (MT)?

No. Certified scientists working in clinical laboratories are now officially titled Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS). The ASCP Board of Certification introduced the MLS(ASCP) designation in 2009, and AMT aligned with this standard in 2023, collaborating with ASCP and ASCLS. Some states still use CLS for MLS licensure, but MLS is the national title. In 2012, our school updated its name to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center School of Medical Laboratory Science to reflect these changes.

Does this program meet CA State licensure requirements?

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.

Are international applicants operating under a visa eligible to apply?

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.

What is the difference between a post-baccalaureate vs. a concurrent training applicant?

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.

If not selected for the program, what options are available to me?

You are welcome to improve upon your qualifications and reapply to our program the following year.
Consider applying to other schools.
Occasionally an accepted student declines their position. If this happens, the next applicant on the waitlist would be selected and contacted.

Is this program nationally accredited?

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.

What is the national certification exam or BOC?

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.

If you have questions regarding additional policies or procedures that govern students while attending the School of MLS, please contact us for further information.