Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
How is the professional year structured?
The Providence School of MLS is a 12-month, full-time, hospital-based program that
integrates classroom instruction, patient-specimens, clinical instrument
operation, competency assessment, and supervised laboratory training led by practicing,
certified MLS. Students develop professional competencies through didactic
coursework, patient-specimen testing, simulation, and hands-on clinical
experience.
Does the
program include clinical laboratory training throughout the year?
Yes. Throughout the professional year, students participate in laboratory
training that includes patient specimen analysis, clinical instrument
operation, quality control, troubleshooting, and clinical correlation
exercises under the supervision of practicing, certified MLS and other
credentialed laboratory professionals.
Students must demonstrate progressive competency prior to advancing to
more complex testing responsibilities and clinical experiences.
How
does the School of MLS simulated laboratory differ from a traditional
academic laboratory?
The Providence simulated laboratory is designed to model professional clinical
laboratory practice. Students utilize authentic patient specimens, de-identified
patient data, clinical methodologies, and maintained clinical laboratory
instrumentation under the supervision of practicing, certified MLS. Training
emphasizes competency development, clinical correlation, quality systems,
troubleshooting, and professional laboratory practice.
What are the rotations offered by the program?
Providence students complete supervised clinical rotations and competency-based
laboratory training in:
- Microbiology
- Chemistry & Immunology
- Hematology & Coagulation
- Urinalysis & Body Fluids
- Immunohematology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Phlebotomy
- Laboratory Operations
- Research/Management
Clinical rotations are offered at urban, rural and reference laboratories.
Depending on regional rotation availability, students may additionally
rotate in specialty laboratories.
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 available based on local demand. Qualified Providence
caregivers may be eligible for some tuition reimbursement.
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.
Shifts can start as early as 0500 and extend to as late as 0100. 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.
Is this program nationally accredited?
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.
Does this program meet CA State licensure requirements?
Yes.
Applicants pursuing California licensure must meet all California CLS educational
requirements and obtain a CA CLS Trainee License
before entering the program. The School of MLS supports graduates seeking
California licensure by attesting to completed education and clinical training; however, applicants are responsible for verifying individual licensure
eligibility with California. 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.
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.
When are students notified of the selection decision?
Qualified students receive notification of acceptance two months after
the application is due.
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.
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 possible available openings by the time
of interview. Contracted locations may include Providence laboratories
in WA, OR, AK, & MT.
If you have questions regarding additional policies or procedures that
govern students while attending the School of MLS, please
contact us for further information.
