How to become a medical laboratory assistant

How to become a Medical Laboratory Assistant

Becoming a medical laboratory assistant involves completing a formal education program and gaining practical experience in laboratory settings. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as a medical laboratory assistant:

• Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: The first step is to complete high school or obtain a General Education Development (GED) diploma. Courses in science, mathematics, and biology can provide a solid foundation for pursuing a career in the medical laboratory field.
• Complete a Medical Laboratory Assistant Program: Enroll in a medical laboratory assistant program offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes. These programs typically lead to a certificate or associate degree and provide training in laboratory procedures, specimen handling, medical terminology, safety protocols, and laboratory instrumentation. The program may include classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical internships to gain hands-on experience in real-world laboratory settings.
• Gain Hands-on Experience: During the program, participate in clinical internships or externships to gain practical experience working in medical laboratory settings. This hands-on training allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, learn from experienced laboratory professionals, and develop essential skills in specimen processing, laboratory techniques, and quality assurance procedures.
• Obtain Certification (Optional): While certification is not always required to work as a medical laboratory assistant, obtaining certification from a recognized certifying agency can enhance your credentials and job prospects. Organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offer certification programs for medical laboratory assistants, which typically require passing an exam and meeting certain education and experience requirements (see below).
• Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Once you have completed your education and gained relevant experience, start applying for entry-level positions as a medical laboratory assistant. Job opportunities may be available in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, research facilities, or diagnostic centers. Highlight your education, training, and any relevant certifications or internships on your resume and cover letter when applying for positions.
• Continue Professional Development: Stay updated on advancements in laboratory technology, procedures, and regulations by participating in continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars. Join professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) to network with other laboratory professionals and access resources for career advancement.

Certifications
In the field of medical laboratory assisting, certification is not always mandatory for employment, but obtaining certification from a recognized professional organization can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competency and dedication to potential employers.

• American Medical Technologists (AMT) Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA): The CMLA certification offered by AMT is designed for entry-level medical laboratory assistants. To qualify for the certification exam, candidates must complete a medical laboratory assistant program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an equivalent agency. The exam covers topics such as specimen collection and handling, laboratory safety, laboratory operations, and basic laboratory techniques.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA): ASCP offers the MLA certification for individuals seeking recognition as medical laboratory assistants. To be eligible for the MLA certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a medical laboratory assistant program approved by ASCP or an equivalent accrediting agency. The exam assesses knowledge and skills in areas such as specimen collection, processing, laboratory safety, and quality assurance.
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT): While not specific to medical laboratory assisting, the CPT certification offered by NHA is relevant for individuals performing phlebotomy and specimen collection duties in medical laboratory settings. The certification exam covers topics such as venipuncture techniques, specimen handling, patient interaction, and infection control. Medical laboratory assistants who specialize in phlebotomy may benefit from obtaining the CPT certification to validate their skills and expertise in this area.
• American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA): AAB offers the CLA certification for laboratory professionals, including medical laboratory assistants, who perform technical duties in laboratory settings. The CLA certification exam covers topics such as laboratory safety, quality control, specimen handling, laboratory mathematics, and basic laboratory techniques. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements to be eligible for the exam.
• State-Specific Certifications: Some states may have their own certification requirements for medical laboratory assistants, so it's essential to check with the appropriate state regulatory agency for specific licensure or certification requirements in your state of practice.