Is becoming a medical laboratory technologist right for me?
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How to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist
To become a medical laboratory technologist, individuals must complete specific education, training, and certification steps. Here’s a general guide:
- Education: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Majoring in medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, or a related field is recommended. Coursework usually includes biology, chemistry, microbiology, mathematics, and laboratory science.
- Clinical Training: Complete a clinical practicum or internship as part of the bachelor’s degree program. This supervised experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world laboratory settings, working in areas such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics.
- Certification: Most employers prefer or require certification through a nationally recognized certifying agency, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Certification demonstrates professional competency and enhances employment opportunities.
- Pass Certification Exam: Prepare for and pass the certification examination administered by your chosen agency. The exam assesses knowledge in laboratory procedures, safety, quality assurance, and ethics. Successful candidates earn credentials such as Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through ASCP or Medical Technologist (MT) through AMT.
- State Licensure: Some states require medical laboratory technologists to obtain licensure or state registration to practice. Requirements vary by state but may include additional exams, coursework, or continuing education. Check your state’s health department or licensing board for details.
- Continuing Education: Maintain certification by completing ongoing continuing education requirements set by the certifying agency. Continuing education ensures technologists stay current on laboratory technology, best practices, and industry standards.
Certifications
Medical laboratory technologists can pursue certification through nationally recognized agencies to validate their skills and enhance career advancement:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) – Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Certification: The ASCP offers the MLS(ASCP) credential to candidates who complete an accredited bachelor’s degree and required clinical experience. This is the most widely recognized certification in the United States and demonstrates broad proficiency across all areas of clinical laboratory science.
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) – Medical Technologist (MT) Certification: The AMT offers the MT(AMT) credential to individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field and met the required experience. This certification validates competency in laboratory procedures, safety, and quality control.
- American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) – Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Certification: The AAB provides the MLS(AAB) credential to individuals who meet education and experience standards and pass the certification exam. This credential demonstrates expertise in performing and interpreting complex laboratory tests.
Note: The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) merged with the ASCP in 2009. All NCA certifications are now issued under the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC).