Laboratory Technical Coordinator
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 38.09-59.13 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Oversees laboratory personnel and operations in one or more laboratory sections to ensure compliance and quality in accordance with laboratory work process. Responsible for the technical and scientific oversight of the clinical or pathology laboratory department.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
Coaches laboratory personnel to train for adherence to relevant policies and ethics
Oversees most laboratory day-to-day operations and exercises authority over operational decisions
Analyzes and interprets laboratory results in accordance with established laboratory work processes
Administers laboratory inventories such as supplies, equipment and consumables
Assists with selection of test methodology that is appropriate for the laboratory use of the test results
Verification of the test procedures performed and establishment of the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system
Performance within an HHS approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered
Administration of a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results
Trains staff in and assists with the resolution of technical problems and ensuring that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
Ensuring that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly
Identifying training needs and assuring that each individual performing tests receives regular in-service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed
Qualify and function as the CLIA defined Technical Consultant. Evaluating the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that the staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently.
Job Requirements
Required Education:
Bachelor of Science degree in a chemical or biological science as defined by CLIA.
Required Experience:
2 years clinical lab experience in the designed lab area/speciality.
Required Licensure:
California: CLS:CA
Nevada: CLS:NV or GS:NV
North Dakota: MT-L:ND
Tennessee: MT-L:TN
Georgia: MT ASCP or equivalent certification (per requirement sheet)
Other state license not required
Preferred Licensure and Certifications:
Clinical Laboratory departments (AU750000):
MT or CLS or MLS certification, ASCP or equivalent (per requirement sheet)
Pathology Laboratory department (AU 752000):
CT or HTL certification required, ASCP or equivalent
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, WA, certifications like MT or CLS with ASCP accreditation significantly boost a Laboratory Technical Coordinator's profile. Local labs, including Catholic Health Initiatives, often prefer these credentials for ensuring compliance and quality in clinical laboratory operations.
Tacoma's healthcare landscape, with its mix of community-focused and regional medical centers, demands Laboratory Technical Coordinators to balance hands-on oversight with regulatory adherence. This contrasts with larger metros where roles may be more segmented, making Tacoma’s coordinators versatile leaders.
Strong expertise in CLIA guidelines, proficiency in test procedure verification, and leadership in staff competency assessments are crucial. Coordinators must also adeptly manage lab inventory and quality control to align with Tacoma's healthcare standards.
Daily tasks involve supervising laboratory personnel, overseeing test accuracy, managing supplies, and troubleshooting technical issues. This role ensures all lab operations comply with quality standards and that patient results are accurate and timely.
Based on regional market data, Laboratory Technical Coordinators in Tacoma earn between $65,000 and $80,000 annually. Salaries reflect experience, certifications, and the complexity of lab services managed within healthcare systems like Catholic Health Initiatives.
Catholic Health Initiatives promotes ongoing education and hands-on training to advance technical skills. Coordinators benefit from a collaborative environment emphasizing quality assurance, leadership development, and access to cutting-edge laboratory technologies.
Coordinators navigate regulatory compliance amidst high-volume testing, ensuring staff competency while maintaining quality control. Adapting to evolving lab methodologies and integrating new testing protocols are ongoing challenges in this dynamic healthcare setting.
The Puget Sound area's expanding healthcare network has increased demand for skilled coordinators, intensifying competition. Facilities emphasize candidates with strong technical oversight capabilities and leadership in maintaining lab accreditation standards.
Tacoma’s urban layout and traffic patterns mean commute times vary widely. Proximity to major highways and public transit options can reduce travel stress, impacting job satisfaction for Laboratory Technical Coordinators balancing operational duties with timely presence.
Washington’s specific licensing requirements and CLIA regulations mandate that coordinators ensure all testing personnel maintain certifications and that test methods meet state quality standards. This regulatory environment shapes the oversight role significantly.