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Medical Laboratory Scientist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Port Orchard, WA, 98366
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
Port Orchard offers a moderate demand for Medical Laboratory Scientists, with steady openings driven by regional healthcare expansions like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Compared to larger metro areas, competition may be less intense, providing a balanced opportunity for clinical lab scientists seeking roles within Puget Sound’s healthcare network.
While a state license isn’t mandatory, Catholic Health Initiatives favors MLS (ASCP) certification or equivalent credentials, aligning with Washington’s clinical laboratory standards. Such certification ensures compliance and demonstrates advanced proficiency, which is valued especially in a regulated healthcare environment like Port Orchard.
Beginning as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Port Orchard often leads to specialized roles such as senior lab scientist or clinical laboratory technologist. Opportunities for leadership, research involvement, and advanced technical training are common, especially within organizations emphasizing professional growth like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
This role directly supports clinical decision-making by delivering accurate, timely lab results. The scientist’s clinical correlation of data and rapid communication of critical values play pivotal roles in patient diagnosis and treatment, enhancing the overall quality of healthcare provided at Catholic Health Initiatives.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes humankindness and professionalism, fostering a collaborative culture that respects patient-centered care. Their Medical Laboratory Scientists not only handle complex testing but also engage meaningfully with physicians and patients, reflecting the organization’s holistic healing philosophy.
Medical Laboratory Scientists in Port Orchard typically earn between $65,000 and $80,000 annually, slightly below Seattle’s average due to cost-of-living differences. However, compensation packages often include benefits aligned with regional healthcare standards, balancing the overall employment value.
Many believe the job is purely technical; however, it involves critical analysis, quality control, and proactive communication with healthcare teams. Medical Laboratory Scientists must interpret complex data and ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards, making their role integral to patient outcomes.
Yes, ongoing education is encouraged to keep staff updated with evolving laboratory technologies and regulatory requirements. Catholic Health Initiatives supports professional development through workshops and training, enhancing technical skills and fostering career advancement within the clinical laboratory sciences.
Challenges include managing high test volumes with strict turnaround times, troubleshooting complex instrumentation, and maintaining precise quality control. Balancing technical accuracy with effective communication to rapid-response clinical teams is essential in such a dynamic healthcare setting.
Positions typically follow scheduled shifts allowing consistent hours, with some flexibility depending on department needs. Catholic Health Initiatives promotes a supportive work culture that values staff wellbeing, helping maintain balance amidst the demands of healthcare service delivery.