Medical Laboratory Scientist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 36.28-56.37 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary / Purpose
Accurately analyzes and reports all tests ordered by the Medical Staff in a timely manner and according to laboratory procedures and regulatory guidelines to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Performs and reports waived, moderately complex, and highly complex test procedures on patient specimens adhering to the Section’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- Provides excellent patient care through clinical correlation of results, identification of patterns of bias, rapid notification of appropriate caregivers of critical values, and completion of testing within established turn-around-time limits
- Ensures that major automated equipment is operational by performing required maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures; including contacting of instrument vendor for assistance or repair
- Performs required calibration and quality control procedures and maintains records to ensure tests are being performed within established parameters
- Performs proficiency testing as assigned and review results with laboratory clinical leaders
- Assists in evaluation and generation of compliant documentation for the validation of new procedures and equipment to provide the physician with the most current laboratory technology
- Participates in opportunities for continuing education and/or teaching, training according to the Section Performance Standards to enhance technical skills of students, trainees, coworkers, and self
- Responsible for inventory of supplies, including providing assistance with monitoring supplies, ordering, and placing received supplies into storage
- Completes all work and resolves or appropriately passes ongoing issues to incoming staff within the scheduled shift
- As a representative of CommonSpirit Health, utilizes professionalism and HumanKindness while communicating with physicians, hospital staff, patients, coworkers, other stakeholders in laboratory operations, and all members of the general public, whether in email, instant messaging, telephone, or face-to-face interactions
- Adheres to all regulatory requirements
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in a biological or chemical science as defined by CLIA.
Required Licensure and Certifications:
Other state license not required
Certification Preferred:
MLS (ASCP) or equivalent (Per requirement sheet)
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training:
- Must be appropriately trained in clinical laboratory science as evaluated by the Director of the Clinical Laboratory
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
In Tacoma, Medical Laboratory Scientists prioritize rapid and precise analysis of patient specimens, adhering to strict regulatory protocols. They collaborate closely with clinicians to ensure critical values are reported promptly, supporting timely treatment decisions in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Medical Laboratory Scientists usually perform complex testing and interpret results, requiring a bachelor's degree and certifications, whereas Technicians often handle routine tasks under supervision. Scientists bring deeper analytical skills essential for sophisticated diagnostics and quality control.
While a state license isn't mandatory in Washington, employers like Catholic Health Initiatives favor MLS (ASCP) certification or its equivalent, reflecting regional standards that emphasize proficiency and compliance within medical laboratory sciences.
Tacoma offers growing opportunities with moderate competition due to expanding healthcare facilities, whereas Seattle's larger market sees more applicants. However, Tacoma's collaborative health networks provide attractive career advancement for qualified lab scientists.
Professionals often advance to senior specialist roles, laboratory management, or clinical education positions, supported by ongoing training and certifications. Tacoma’s integrated health networks encourage growth aligned with technological advancements and leadership development.
Yes, CHI emphasizes continuous learning through hands-on training, cross-departmental collaboration, and access to cutting-edge laboratory technologies, fostering a culture of excellence and supporting MLS staff in achieving clinical and educational milestones.
The organization’s focus on compassion and teamwork creates an environment where Medical Laboratory Scientists engage collaboratively with clinical teams, ensuring not only accurate testing but also effective communication and patient-centered care.
Medical Laboratory Scientists in Tacoma typically earn between $65,000 and $80,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications like MLS (ASCP), and the specific healthcare institution, with Catholic Health Initiatives aligning compensation competitively within the Puget Sound region.
They perform routine calibration, preventative maintenance, and troubleshoot instrument issues promptly, often coordinating with vendors to minimize downtime, ensuring consistent test accuracy in fast-paced hospital labs.
Managing a wide variety of complex specimens, meeting turnaround times, and staying current with evolving lab technologies are common challenges, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills within a comprehensive multi-site system.