The AMT is an organization for the promotion of allied health professionals such as medical laboratory technicians, dental assistants, medical assistants, and allied health.

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has certified more than 610,000 medical lab professionals since 1928.

Since 1939, the American Medical Technologist (AMT) has offered more than 80,000 certifications to healthcare professionals.

Nationally and globally,

ASCP is the biggest umbrella for medical laboratory science.

It offers the most prestigious and famous certifications in USA that is accepted by any laboratory within USA although the BOC tough exams.

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

The ASCP Board of Certification is a well-known and largest credential agency for pathology certification.

Since its emergence, it has offered thousands of certifications to medical technologists, technicians, scientists, and specialists.

By getting ASCP, you will be able to perform essential tasks in clinical laboratory that increase your credibility.

The mission of ASCP is to provide satisfactory treatment to patients and prepare professionals for patient care.

This is why the board establishes the best learning and performing environment for professionals.

Besides this, through the ASCP continuing education program and the Credentials Maintenance Program, you will stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.

ASCP Certification Program

The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers +25 credentials to medical lab professionals.

For scientists, the board offers one certificate, which is medical lab scientist (MLS ASCP).

For technologists, there are 9 certificates for the U.S. and 10 for international. These certificates are BB, HTL, M, CG, H, C, MB, CT, MLS, and CTgyn (international only).

For technicians, the ASCP presents four certificates for U.S. and three for international candidates. The certificates’ names are MLA (only for the U.S.), PBT, HT, and MLT.

SBB, SH, SMB, SCT, SCYM, SM, and SC are certifications for specialists.

The ASCP BOC provides many study resources to get preparation done for all these certificates. Check MLSIA Prep courses?

The resources are study guides, content guidelines, interview videos, reading lists, and interactive practice questions.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

To earn the ASCP certification, you have to meet some eligibility requirements that are specific to each credential.

These prerequisites are related to your education history, training program, and clinical experience in your field of specialty.

Here is some common:

Doctorate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in relevant subjects from an accredited college/university.
Clinical experience and training programs must be obtained from the ASCP-recommended lab and agency.
Official transcript if you are an international candidate
A letter of authenticity must be attached to clinical and training programs.

For applying the exam

First you need to meet eligibility requirements
Open your ASCP account and click on “Apply Now” option
Choose your certification category and routes and verify all information.
Fill out application forms and submit it with fee

American Medical Technologists (AMT)

The AMT is a competitor of the ASCP that came into being in 1939.

Since its inception, it also has made many contributions to allied healthcare professionals.

The mission of AMT is to encourage professionals by improving their competence and skills and offering them many opportunities to grow in their careers.

The AMT presents 11 certificates for healthcare professionals. The following are its credentials:

Medical Assistant (RMA)
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Molecular Diagnostic Technologist (MDT)
Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)
Dental Assistant (RDA)
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)
Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)
Certified Laboratory Consultant (CLC)
Allied Health Instructor (AHI)

Like ASCP, the AMT also determines the eligibility requirements, which may be:

Baccalaureate degree with combination semesters of various subjects related to the field.
Clinical experience within the required timeframe
Training program with demanded time

Like ASCP, the American Medical Technologist also offers alternative options to satisfy the eligibility requirements.

ASCP vs. AMT: Comparative Analysis

Following is a detailed comparative analysis between ASCP vs. AMT.

ASCP	AMT
Established in 1928	Organized in 1939
Provide more than 25 certification to pathologists	Present 11 certificates to healthcare professionals.
Offer certification for U.S. and international candidates	It also offers certification worldwide.
Set eligibility requirements for each certificate and also offer alternative options	Determine eligibility requirements and alternative options for candidates to meet requirements.
Offer preparation resources	AMT also offer preparation materials
Recertification and continuing education programs	It also have recertification process and continuing education program
The three-year cycle of recertification (You are responsible for submitting an application with a fee once every three years.)	It also has a three-year recertification process. But you have to pay fees on an annual basis.
Two recertification choice, by getting CE credits or Retaking the exam	Two recertification options: exam and CCP points
Recertification fee is same for all certifications	Recertification fee is not same for all certificates
The time for retaking the exam is more than 90 days	More than 45 days
All scheduling and rescheduling are done at the Pearson VUE Testing Center.	Three options are available for scheduling the exam. At school, at the Pearson VUE Testing Center, and by live remote proctoring.
Eligibility Assistant to determine eligibility	The AMT also has an Eligibility Assistant tool
ANAB accreditation	NCCA accreditation
Most famous and prestigious certificate accepted nationwide by laboratories and worldwide although the tough exam!	Acceptable with a relatively much easier exam.

Factors Influencing Certification Choice

ASCP vs. AMT. Which factors make them unique from each other?

Industry Perception and Recognition

The American Society for Clinical Pathology and the American Medical Technologist offer their students and members many opportunities to enhance their recognition.

Through annual meetings, the candidates meet with experts and gain their experience.

The annual meetings and membership programs of both boards help to increase your network circle around the globe.

The AMT also offers its members national, state, and students awards.

Career Opportunities and Advancements

By getting the medical certification from the American boards, you get many opportunities to advance your career.

With the latest news, journals, annual meetings, and by joining the board’s social media professional groups, you become an expert in your field.

With the power of these certificates, you get better job chances not only in your country but also outside the country.

Besides this, the ASCP and the AMT continuing education and certification renewal programs keep candidates in touch with emerging health-related technologies.

Insight from Professionals: Voices from the Field

What amazing boards offer you chances to get insight from professionals?

If you want to become the voice of professionals in your field, you must become the member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology or the American Medical Technologists.

Because here you will get the best opportunities to meet with professionals.

Making an Informed Decision (ASCP vs. AMT)

Which should you choose? ASCP vs. AMT

Both are American boards and also offer many similar services, including study resources, eligibility criteria, recertification programs, and continuing education for their candidates.

The one key difference between both is their area of certification offering.

The ASCP offers its certification to medical lab pathologists, including generalists and specialists.

While the AMT concentrates on allied health professionals, including medical lab technologists, technicians, etc.

AMT also have certification for other professionals like dental assistants while the ASCP only focuses on pathologists.

Which American Board certification you should get between ASCP vs. AMT, depends on your areas of interest.

Cons ASCP vs. AMT

For both certifications, your fee is non-refundable, whether you sit for the exams or miss them.
Certificates are only valid for three years; after this, you have to participate in the recertification process.
Very challenging exams only a qualified person can pass them

However, their challenges are nothing compared to their benefits.

Success Stories of ASCP and AMT

ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology)

“The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) affirms that an individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to perform the essentials task in the medical laboratory. My certification and involvement with the BOC have enriched my life in many other ways.”
Karen A. Brown, MLS, and MS ASCP

“As laboratory professionals, we must endeavor to be lifelong learners in order to maintain and expand our knowledge to stay current in our profession. The Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) challenges me to maintain and expand my knowledge across disciplines within the laboratory medicine field.”
Walter Oliveira, MLS and M ASCP

American Medical Technologist (AMT)

“I am certified as an RMA since 2003. Currently I am both laboratory assistant and lead phlebotomist at a county hospital and a phlebotomy instructor at a community and technical college. My AMT leadership roles include proudly serving on the AMT national board from 2017 to 2020 and as the Kentucky State Society Vice President.”
Lisa Bromley-Goforth, RMA AMT

“Being an active AMT member means keeping up with CE requirements, paying annual renewal fees, and inspiring others to do their best every day. Being active is being proud to be an AMT member.”
Jill Carlson RMA AMT

Beyond Certification: Professional Developments

Both ASCP and AMT offer you many opportunities for professional development.

Through the continuing education program, you access various resources, including the latest news, articles, webinars, conferences, and meetings.

By accessing these resources, you will get advanced and up-to-date information regarding your professions.

These resources help you earn CE credits for ASCP and AMT recertification programs.

Besides this, your area of the network within your community increases many times more by getting these certifications as compared to not being certified by the board.

ASCP vs. AMT: Navigating the Certification Option (Final Verdict)

ASCP vs. AMT: which one is best? Both are best.

Because, both present all that you need to become a sought-after professional in your field.

Best certification options, details information related to preparation resources, recertification programs, continuing education resources, and much more.

I think their benefits are indescribable.

Choose your interested certificate category and dive into one board that offers it, and be ready to get the advantages of American board certification.

ASCP vs. AMT (FAQs)

What is ASCP vs. AMT?

Both are American boards. ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) and AMT (American Medical Technologist).

How many certificates does the ASCP offer and who can get them?

The ASCP presents more than 25 certificates. All certifications are for medical lab pathologists.

How many certificates does the AMT present and who can get them?

The AMT provides 11 certifications for allied health professionals.

Which is better ASCP vs. AMT?

Both are the best. These boards not only offer you excellent certification but also resources to brighten your professional life in many ways.

Elshawadfy Abdelhalim, PhD, MLS(ASCP), SM, MB

Abdelhalim Elshawadfy is an ASCP certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS ASCP), Specialist in Microbiology (SM ASCP), and Molecular Biology Technologist (MB ASCP) with a distinguished career marked by expertise, continuous learning, and a commitment to elevating the standards of clinical laboratory science. As an ASCP Certification Expert and American Board Certification Expert, Abdelhalim Elshawadfy continues to make invaluable contributions to the field, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.

ASCP vs. AMT: Navigating the Certification Option