Top 10 Medical Lab Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a medical lab assistant in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and patient care. A certification shows employers that the candidate has the necessary qualifications to work in a medical laboratory setting. Certification also provides recognition for the candidate’s experience and training, which can help them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can help medical lab assistants stay current with industry standards and regulations. Employers may be more likely to hire a certified medical lab assistant due to the assurance that they have been properly trained and are knowledgeable about their role.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the best certifications for Medical Lab Assistants and discuss how they can help to advance their career.

What are Medical Lab Assistant Certifications?

Medical lab assistant certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skill in performing medical laboratory tests and procedures. This certification is typically offered by organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Having a medical lab assistant certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment in medical laboratory settings. It demonstrates to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately perform tests and procedures, as well as interpret results. Additionally, having this certification may make an individual eligible for higher wages or greater job opportunities. Furthermore, some states may require individuals to have this type of certification before they are allowed to practice as a medical lab assistant.

Overall, having a medical lab assistant certification can be highly beneficial for those working in this field, as it shows employers that they are qualified and trustworthy enough to handle important tasks in the laboratory setting.

Pro Tip: Before starting the medical lab assistant certification process, research the requirements for certification in your state. In some states, certification may require additional education or experience beyond the basic certification program. Additionally, make sure to check if there are any continuing education requirements that must be met in order to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Medical Lab Assistant do?

Top 10 Medical Lab Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Lab Assistants today.

1. National Certification for Medical Laboratory Assistants (NCMLA)

National Certification for Medical Laboratory Assistants (NCMLA) is a voluntary certification program offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The NCMLA is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in laboratory procedures, safety, and quality assurance.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the requirements for the NCMLA. To get certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an accredited medical laboratory assistant program, and at least one year of work experience as a medical laboratory assistant. Applicants must then pass an exam administered by AAMA.

The cost of the NCMLA certification process varies depending on whether or not you are an AAMA member. For non-members, the fee is $150 for the application and $125 for the exam. For AAMA members, the fee is $100 for the application and $75 for the exam.

2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of medical laboratory science. The CMLA credential is designed to validate the competencies of medical laboratory assistants who are employed in clinical laboratories.

The CMLA certification requires applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as one year of full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting. In addition, applicants must pass the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as specimen collection, test performance, quality assurance and safety protocols.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and costs $125 for ASCP members and $150 for non-members. Once the exam is passed, applicants will receive their CMLA certification within four weeks.

To maintain their CMLA certification, individuals must renew it every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the BOC exam. The renewal fee is $50 for ASCP members and $75 for non-members.

3. National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Laboratory Technician/Assistant Certification

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Laboratory Technician/Assistant Certification is a credentialing program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency in the field of medical laboratory technology. This certification is offered to those who meet the educational requirements, demonstrate their knowledge through an exam, and complete the necessary continuing education requirements.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must have completed an accredited medical laboratory technician or assistant program within the past five years or have at least one year of full-time work experience in a clinical laboratory setting. The exam consists of 110 multiple choice questions covering topics such as specimen collection, safety and quality control, instrumentation and testing procedures.

The NCCT Medical Laboratory Technician/Assistant Certification is valid for two years from the date of issue. To maintain certification, individuals must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

The cost of taking the exam is $105 for NCCT members and $130 for non-members. The cost to renew your certification every two years is $45 for members and $60 for non-members.

In summary, to obtain the NCCT Medical Laboratory Technician/Assistant Certification you need to meet the educational requirements, pass an exam with at least 70% accuracy, and complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. The cost to take the exam is between $105-$130 depending on whether you are a member or not, while renewal costs are between $45-$60 depending on membership status.

4. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) is a nationally recognized certification for laboratory assistants. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who have completed an accredited medical laboratory assistant program or equivalent experience. To become certified, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as specimen collection, processing and testing; laboratory safety; quality assurance; and medical terminology.

The certification process typically takes four to six weeks, depending on the individual’s availability and the speed at which they can complete the necessary requirements. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form along with transcripts from their training program or other proof of experience in a clinical laboratory setting. Once approved, applicants must then register for and take the CMLA exam. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official certification card from AMT.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are already an AMT member or not. For non-members, it costs $125 to apply for the CMLA certification plus $150 for the exam fee. For current AMT members, it costs $95 to apply plus $150 for the exam fee.

5. International Association of Healthcare Professionals (IAHCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)

The International Association of Healthcare Professionals (IAHCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical laboratory assistants. This certification is an important step in advancing one’s career in the medical laboratory field.

To become certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of the job, from specimen collection to data entry and reporting. The program typically takes six months to two years to complete, depending on the applicant's prior experience. Applicants must also pass a written exam and demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques.

The cost of obtaining the CMLA certification varies depending on the training program chosen. Generally, it costs between $500 and $2,000 for tuition and materials. In addition, there may be additional fees for exams or other related expenses.

Once certified, CMLAs can expect to receive higher pay than non-certified medical laboratory assistants and have access to more job opportunities within their field. The IAHCP also offers continuing education programs to help CMLAs stay up-to-date with current trends in medical laboratory technology.

6. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants. It is designed to demonstrate that the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a clinical medical assistant in any healthcare setting.

In order to become certified, an individual must pass an exam administered by NHA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, patient care, and administrative duties. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CCMA certification exam, applicants must have completed at least one year of on-the-job training or a formal education program in medical assisting from an accredited institution. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of a CPR/AED certification course within two years prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CCMA certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $125-$200. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $35 which must be paid each year to maintain your certification status.

7. National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician/Assistant

The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician/Assistant is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a phlebotomist. This certification is designed for those who are currently employed in the field of phlebotomy or those who are interested in pursuing a career as a phlebotomist.

The NPA Certified Phlebotomy Technician/Assistant certification requires successful completion of an approved training program, which typically takes between three and six months to complete. The training program must include classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience. Upon completion of the training program, applicants must pass an examination administered by the NPA to become certified.

In order to get certified, applicants must submit an application with proof of completion of the required training program and pay an application fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are applying as a technician or assistant; it is $150 for technicians and $100 for assistants.

Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses and paying a renewal fee of $50.

8. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Clinical Lab Technician/Assistant

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Clinical Lab Technician/Assistant (CCLT/A) is a voluntary certification program for laboratory professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competence in the field of clinical laboratory science. The certification is granted to individuals who meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and adhere to a code of ethics.

To be eligible for the AAB CCLT/A certification, applicants must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in medical technology or a related field, have at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience, and have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in the past three years. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, quality assurance, instrumentation, specimen collection and processing, and other areas related to the practice of clinical laboratory science.

The AAB CCLT/A certification exam is administered twice a year by Pearson VUE Testing Centers located throughout the United States. The cost for the exam is $250 USD. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

Once certified, AAB CCLT/A holders are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years. The cost for recertification is $100 USD per two-year period.

9. American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP BOR) Medical Laboratory Technician/Assistant

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP BOR) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical laboratory technicians/assistants. It is the most widely recognized certification for medical laboratory technicians/assistants in the United States and Canada.

To receive ASCP BOR certification, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and pay a fee. The exam covers topics such as specimen collection, processing, testing, quality control, safety procedures, and more.

It typically takes two to three months to complete all of the requirements for ASCP BOR certification. First, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements by completing an accredited program in medical laboratory technology or equivalent education and experience. Then they must register for the exam with ASCP BOR and pay a fee of $225 USD ($300 CAD). After registering for the exam, individuals can study using practice exams or other resources available through ASCP BOR to prepare for the test. Once they have passed the exam they will be certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician/Assistant by ASCP BOR.

The cost of obtaining ASCP BOR certification includes registration fees ($225 USD/$300 CAD), study materials (if applicable), and any other related costs such as travel expenses or lodging if taking an on-site exam.

10. International Certification Commission for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (ICC-CLP): Certified Clinical Lab Technician/Assistant

The International Certification Commission for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (ICC-CLP) is a certification program that provides recognition to clinical laboratory personnel who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in their field. The ICC-CLP certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the required education and training, and passed the ICC-CLP examination.

To be eligible for the ICC-CLP certification, applicants must have at least an associate degree from an accredited institution in medical laboratory technology or a related field. In addition, they must have completed a minimum of one year of full-time experience as a clinical laboratory technician/assistant in a hospital or other healthcare setting.

The process of obtaining the ICC-CLP certification usually takes between four to six months. During this time, applicants must complete all necessary paperwork, submit transcripts and proof of experience, take and pass the written exam, and pay all applicable fees. The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on the applicant’s location but typically ranges from $375-$500 USD.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credential by completing continuing education courses every two years. This ensures that those with an ICC-CLP certification remain knowledgeable about current standards and practices in the field.

Do You Really Need a Medical Lab Assistant Certificate?

Yes, a medical lab assistant certificate is necessary for those who want to work in the field. A medical laboratory assistant certificate provides formal training and education to individuals interested in working in a clinical laboratory setting. This type of certification will demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a lab assistant.

The duties of a medical lab assistant vary depending on the specific position, but generally include performing basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis, blood tests, and other diagnostic testing. They are also expected to be able to accurately read results from test results and provide interpretation when needed. Additionally, they may be responsible for collecting specimens, preparing slides for microscopic examination, labeling specimens, and maintaining accurate records.

Having a medical laboratory assistant certificate indicates that an individual is knowledgeable about safety protocols in the medical field and can use proper techniques when handling hazardous materials. The training that comes with this certification also helps prepare them to handle any unexpected situations that may arise while performing their job duties.

Overall, having a medical lab assistant certificate is important because it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and provides assurance to employers that they have the necessary qualifications to do the job effectively. It is also beneficial because it can open up more opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the industry.

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FAQs About Medical Lab Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Medical Lab Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Medical Lab Assistant Certification is a professional certification that provides recognition of the knowledge and skills needed to work in a medical laboratory setting. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of specimen collection, lab safety, patient care and testing techniques.

2. How do I obtain a Medical Lab Assistant Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Medical Lab Assistant Certification, you must complete an accredited program that meets the requirements set forth by the certifying agency. Most programs require completion of coursework and/or clinical experience as well as passing a certification exam.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Medical Lab Assistant Certification?

Answer: Having a Medical Lab Assistant Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work competently in this field. It can also open up new career opportunities and may lead to higher wages or promotions.

4. Does having a Medical Lab Assistant Certification guarantee me employment?

Answer: No, having a Medical Lab Assistant Certification does not guarantee employment; it only demonstrates your knowledge and skills related to this field. You will still need to apply for positions and meet other criteria required by employers in order to be hired for available positions.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Medical Lab Assistant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying agencies require continuing education credits or workshops every two years in order for you to maintain your certification status. Check with your certifying agency for specific requirements related to your certification program.