This program is four quarters in length, offered in two phases: 23 weeks of academics and 19 weeks of clinical experience, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.

During the academic phase (Spring and Summer quarters, and three weeks of Fall quarter), the students are on campus in a simulated clinical laboratory, and study focuses on the theory of laboratory testing of body fluids.

Basic skills, normal values, the significance of abnormal values and quality control are emphasized. Normal human anatomy and physiology, and the changes that occur in disease states are also studied.

During the clinical phase (Fall and Winter quarters), the students are assigned to affiliated clinical laboratories in the Puget Sound area. Each student rotates through all the departments of the clinical laboratory, spending appropriate lengths of time in each.

Eight-hour day shifts are assigned by the affiliated laboratory during the clinical phase. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to take a certification examination qualifying them for employment as a Clinical Laboratory Technician (NCA) or a Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP).

Included in this program are academic courses in communication (English composition, speech), quantitative reasoning (math), and social sciences (psychology) that provide knowledge and abilities upon which technical skills are built and enhance personal development.

This program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 8410 West Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 670, Chicago IL 60631-3415, (773) 714-8880.

Each student is required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout their clinical rotations. Quarterly based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the counseling office.

No student will be allowed at a clinical site without proof of insurance.

Prerequisites: High School diploma, or GED, as well as college level courses in both Biology and Chemistry completed within five years prior to enrollment with a grade of C or better prior to admission into the program.  In order to participate in the clinical aspect of the program, students must receive a “No Record On File” report from the Washington State Patrol, related to Crimes Against Persons, and students must have current immunizations or laboratory verification of immune status. This includes, but is not limited to, Hepatitis B series, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Tuberculosis Test, Measles/ Mumps/Rubella, and Varicella as required by contracts with clinical facilities and CDC recommendations. Proof of immunizations is required by the last day of class in Spring Quarter, without exception.

Admission Dates: Spring quarter.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

MLT 110	Introduction to the Laboratory	2
MLT 203	Hematology	10
MLT 204	Hemostasis	5
MLT 208	Phlebotomy/Processing	2
MLT 210	Immunology	7
MLT 214	Immunohematology	6
MLT 216	Clinical Blood Banking	5
MLT 217	Microbiology	10
MLT 218	Urinalysis	3
MLT 221	Body Fluids	1
MLT 227	Clinical Chemistry	8
MLT 232	Clinical Experience I	11
MLT 235	Clinical Experience II	9
MLT 236	Clinical Experience III	7
ENGL& 101	English Composition (or higher) or CMST& 220	5
MATH& 141	Precalculus I	5
PSYC& 100	or other social science or humanities class	5

TOTAL CREDITS FOR COMPLETION               101

Optional Electives

Students may also choose to take any course in the Hemodialysis Technician program as an optional elective for this program.