Top 11 Medical Laboratory Technician Certifications

Certifications for medical laboratory technicians are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a technician is qualified and knowledgeable about the field. Certifications also help technicians stay up-to-date on the latest technology, techniques, and procedures. They can also give employers confidence that technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties properly and safely. Certified technicians may be given preference over non-certified technicians when applying for positions, as they are seen as more reliable and trustworthy. Certifications can also open up opportunities for advancement within the profession, such as becoming a supervisor or manager.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Medical Laboratory Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a medical laboratory technician's career.

What are Medical Laboratory Technician Certifications?

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification is a voluntary process by which individuals demonstrate their competency in specific areas of laboratory medicine. It is designed to verify that an individual possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to perform laboratory testing safely and accurately. It also helps employers identify qualified personnel for their laboratories.

MLT certification is obtained through a variety of organizations, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA). To become certified, individuals must usually pass an exam after completing a qualifying educational program or having sufficient work experience in laboratory medicine.

The advantages of earning MLT certification include increased job opportunities, higher wages, enhanced professional recognition, and greater job security. MLT certification provides employers with assurance that their technicians have met certain standards of competence in laboratory medicine and can be counted on to provide accurate results in a timely fashion. Additionally, many states require MLT certification for licensure.

In summary, attaining MLT certification can help individuals advance their careers in the field of laboratory medicine by providing them with greater job opportunities, higher wages, enhanced professional recognition, and greater job security.

Pro Tip: To become a certified Medical Laboratory Technician, you must complete an accredited program and pass a national certification exam. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date with all continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Medical Laboratory Technician do?

Top 11 Medical Laboratory Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Laboratory Technicians today.

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional membership organization that certifies individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements to practice as a medical laboratory technologist or technician. ASCP Certification is an important step in becoming a qualified medical laboratory professional and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field.

To become certified, individuals must first meet the education and experience requirements set forth by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC). This includes completing an accredited program in medical laboratory technology or science and gaining at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the certification exam.

The BOC offers two levels of certification: Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) and Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). The MLT exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions, while the MLT exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions. Both exams take approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of taking the ASCP certification exam varies depending on how many sections you choose to take. The cost for taking one section is $135, while taking both sections costs $195. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 which must be paid when registering for the exam.

Once applicants have successfully passed their exams they will receive their official certificate from the ASCP Board of Certification within four weeks after passing their exams. This certificate serves as proof that they have achieved a high level of competency in medical laboratory technology or science and are now eligible to work as a certified medical laboratory technologist or technician in any state that recognizes ASCP certification.

2. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification is a voluntary certification program that provides recognition to laboratory professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The NCA offers certification in various laboratory disciplines, including medical technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and histotechnicians.

The NCA Certification process typically takes between 3-6 months to complete. To get certified, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements for the specific discipline they are seeking certification in. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, completing at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience within the past five years, and passing a comprehensive written examination.

The cost of obtaining NCA Certification varies depending on the specific discipline being sought after. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$600 to register for the exam and receive your certification once you pass it.

3. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification is a voluntary certification program for medical laboratory professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who have met specific criteria in their field of practice. The AMT Certification Program offers credentialing in the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Histology Technician, Cytotechnologist, and Medical Laboratory Assistant.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the process of obtaining an AMT certification. The first step is to meet the eligibility requirements for the particular certification being sought. This includes having a minimum level of education or experience in the field, as well as passing a written exam and/or clinical practicum exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants must submit an application packet that includes official transcripts or other documentation verifying their qualifications and a fee for processing the application.

The cost of obtaining an AMT certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and whether or not additional exams or practicums are required. Generally speaking, fees range from $150-$300 for most certifications. Additional fees may be required if additional exams are needed or if applicants choose to take advantage of any special offers or discounts that may be available at certain times throughout the year.

Overall, obtaining an AMT certification can be a great way to demonstrate expertise in one’s chosen field and can help open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

4. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification is a voluntary certification program for professionals working in the field of bioanalysis. It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the practice of bioanalysis. The AAB Certification Program provides a means for members to demonstrate their professional competence, knowledge, and experience in the field of bioanalysis.

The AAB Certification Program consists of two levels: Certified Bioanalytical Scientist (CBS) and Certified Senior Bioanalytical Scientist (CSBS). To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience related to bioanalysis and meet certain educational requirements.

It typically takes 6-12 months to get certified by AAB. Applicants must first submit an application form with supporting documentation such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of professional experience. Once approved, applicants must pass an examination administered by the AAB. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as biochemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumentation, data analysis, and laboratory safety.

The cost for the AAB Certification Program varies depending on the level you are applying for. The CBS level costs $375 USD while the CSBS level costs $450 USD. This fee includes the application fee as well as the cost of taking the exam.

5. Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (BOR-ASCP) Certification

The Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (BOR-ASCP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards in their field. The BOR-ASCP certification is a voluntary credentialing program that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the practice of clinical pathology. It is designed to ensure that laboratory professionals have the necessary competencies to provide accurate and reliable patient care.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete the requirements for BOR-ASCP certification. The first step is to meet the eligibility criteria, which include having a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, completing an accredited clinical pathology training program, and passing an exam. After meeting these requirements, individuals must submit an application form and fee to take the examination.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether it is taken online or in person. The online version costs $350 while the in-person exam costs $450. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate from BOR-ASCP within four weeks after successful completion of all requirements.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also maintain their certification by participating in continuing education activities every three years. This includes attending conferences or workshops as well as taking classes related to clinical pathology topics.

6. International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certification

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) is a professional organization that provides certification for clinical laboratory technicians. The ISCLT certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the medical laboratory field. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of technical and scientific principles related to the practice of clinical laboratory technology.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by the ISCLT. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory safety, quality assurance, hematology, immunology, microbiology, chemistry, molecular diagnostics, and instrumentation. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time clinical laboratory experience or equivalent part-time experience within the past five years.

The process typically takes about six months to complete from start to finish. To get started, you will need to submit an application form along with all required documentation and fees. The application fee is $200 USD and the exam fee is $150 USD. Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time. After passing the exam, you will be awarded your certification which is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.

Overall, obtaining ISCLT certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in clinical laboratory technology as it demonstrates mastery of essential concepts and skills needed in this field.

7. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certification

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is a non-profit organization that provides accreditation to educational programs in the clinical laboratory sciences. NAACLS accreditation ensures that programs meet nationally recognized standards of quality and excellence.

In order to become certified, students must complete a program accredited by NAACLS and pass a certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The certification process typically takes two years to complete, depending on the type of program and individual student progress.

To get certified, students must first enroll in an accredited program. After completing the program, they must apply for ASCP certification by submitting an application form and fee. Once accepted, students can take the certification exam at any authorized testing center.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, tuition fees for accredited programs range from $5,000-$30,000 or more depending on the length of study and type of program. In addition to tuition costs, there is also a fee associated with taking the ASCP certification exam which currently stands at $195 USD for US residents and $245 USD for international applicants.

8. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certification

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is a professional organization that provides certification to individuals who have achieved expertise in the field of clinical chemistry. The AACC Certification Program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of competence and performance among clinical chemists.

The AACC offers two levels of certification: the Certified Clinical Chemist (CChem) and the Board Certified Clinical Chemist (BCCC). The CChem certification requires a minimum of three years of post-baccalaureate experience in clinical chemistry, while the BCCC requires five years of post-baccalaureate experience in clinical chemistry. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by the AACC.

It typically takes between six months to a year to complete the certification process, depending on how quickly you can complete all requirements. To get certified, you must first apply online with your credentials and pay an application fee. Once your application has been accepted, you will be sent an eligibility letter with instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, you will need to submit proof of completion of continuing education credits as well as pay a certification fee before receiving your certificate.

The cost for applying for AACC certification is $300 USD for either level, plus any additional fees associated with taking and passing the exam.

9. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Laboratory Technician Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Medical Laboratory Technician Certification is a credential that demonstrates competency and proficiency in the field of medical laboratory technology. This certification is available to individuals who have completed an accredited program in medical laboratory technology and have at least two years of full-time work experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT).

To obtain the NHA Medical Laboratory Technician Certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as specimen collection, processing, testing, and reporting; quality assurance; safety; and professional practice. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NHA Medical Laboratory Technician Certification, applicants must meet certain requirements: they must have successfully completed an accredited MLT program or equivalent education/training; they must have at least two years of full-time work experience as a MLT; they must be able to provide proof of current employment in a clinical laboratory setting; and they must submit a completed application form with all required documentation.

The cost for the NHA Medical Laboratory Technician Certification exam is $125.00 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certification within 6-8 weeks.

10. International Academy of Pathology and Cytotechnology (IAPC) Certification

The International Academy of Pathology and Cytotechnology (IAPC) is an international, non-profit organization that provides certification in the field of pathology and cytotechnology. The IAPC Certification Program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. It is intended to promote excellence in the practice of pathology and cytotechnology by providing a standard of professional competence for practitioners.

The IAPC certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience and qualifications. To be eligible for certification, applicants must possess a minimum of five years' experience in the field, as well as a degree from an accredited institution. In addition, applicants must complete an application form, provide documentation of their qualifications, and pass a written examination.

The cost for IAPC certification varies depending on the individual's qualifications and experience. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $1000 USD or more. This fee covers the cost of processing applications and administering examinations.

To obtain IAPC certification, interested individuals should contact the IAPC directly for more information about requirements and fees.

11. Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certification

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional qualifications of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in Canada. It is designed to ensure that MLTs meet the highest standards of practice and quality care.

To become certified, an individual must complete a CSMLS-accredited MLT program at an approved educational institution, pass the CSMLS certification exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education activities. The process typically takes about two years to complete, depending on the individual’s background and experience.

In order to get certified, individuals must first apply for the CSMLS Certification Exam. This includes submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts from their accredited MLT program, proof of work experience if applicable, and payment of the exam fee. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive a letter confirming they have been accepted into the certification program.

The cost of taking the CSMLS Certification Exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of CSMLS. If you are not a member, then it costs $395 CAD plus applicable taxes; however if you are a member then it costs $295 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Once applicants have successfully completed all requirements for certification, they will be issued a certificate that is valid for three years and can be renewed every three years by completing additional continuing education activities.

Do You Really Need a Medical Laboratory Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on what type of medical laboratory technician role you are seeking. A certificate may be necessary for certain entry-level positions, while higher-level roles may require additional qualifications such as a degree or specialized certification.

For those considering a career in the medical laboratory technician field, it is important to research the specific requirements for the position you are interested in. In some cases, a certificate may be required by employers in order to ensure that potential employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the role. For example, many employers prefer that medical laboratory technicians hold at least an associate's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. Other certifications such as those offered by The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification or The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel can also be beneficial when looking for employment.

In addition, having a certificate can provide job seekers with an edge over other applicants who do not have any formal training or credentials. Having certification demonstrates that you are committed to your chosen profession and have taken steps to further your education and develop your skills. Furthermore, having a certificate can open up more opportunities and give you access to higher-paying positions within the industry.

Overall, whether or not you need a medical laboratory technician certificate depends on what type of career path you are looking to pursue. It is important to research the specific requirements for each job and determine if having a certificate is necessary in order to succeed in that particular role.

Related: Medical Laboratory Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Laboratory Technician Certifications

1. What type of certification is needed to become a Medical Laboratory Technician?

Answer: To become a Medical Laboratory Technician, one must have an associate degree or equivalent from an accredited program and be certified by a recognized certifying agency, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).

2. How long does it take to complete certification?

Answer: Depending on the certifying agency, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete certification. It is important to check with the certifying agency for their specific requirements and timelines.

3. Is there any continuing education required after certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying agencies require continuing education courses or credits in order to maintain certification. This can range from 12-24 hours per year depending on the certifying agency.

4. What is the cost of certification?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on which certifying agency you choose and whether you need additional coursework or testing materials in order to gain certification. Generally, costs range between $200 - $500 USD.

5. What is the job outlook for Medical Laboratory Technicians?

Answer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for Medical Laboratory Technicians are expected to grow 11% through 2028 due to increased demand for healthcare services and diagnostic testing procedures in hospitals, clinics and other medical settings.