Prepares students to work in clinical laboratories performing routine analysis on blood and body fluids. 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. 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.