ASCP Membership: Resources to Make you Elite
ASCP membership enriches you with hundreds of resources that are enough for your career development and equip you with advanced knowledge.
Besides this, ASCP membership award programs are a great step that helps professionals save a lot from education products and ASCP events.
Here is why ASCP membership is important
- Fulfill your online CE credits
- Offer you opportunities to increase your network around the globe
- Offer you an outstanding discount on education services, products, and annual meetings.
- Present many opportunities to sharpen your skills and expertise.
- Stay informed by providing the latest news.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) serves the entire team of medical lab professionals by providing them with resources for their career development.
The ASCP certifications add excellence to your profile and make you elite. These certifications have the following benefits
- Make you the most sought-after individual (Top position among your peers)
- Increase your salaries more than all other professions in medical laboratory science.
- Career satisfaction and career development
ASCP certification + ASCP membership is like a cherry on the top of the cake.
You will get double advantages if you get an ASCP membership with certification.
By getting certification, you will automatically qualify for the ASCP membership.
In this article, we are going to expose all about ASCP membership, including its types, eligibility requirements, and perks.
What is ASCP?
The ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) is the world’s largest credential agency for medical lab professionals and has the goal of advancing pathology and laboratory medicine.
It presents certifications, advocacy, and education for laboratory professionals and pathologists.
It adds advancements in professional experience and skills to increase the quality of treatment for patients.
The ASCP BOC came into being in 1922, when pathology was an emerging specialty and there were no concepts to measure the laboratory technician’s experiences.
For the first time, the ASCP Board of Directors held a committee on “Registration of Laboratory Technicians.”
The aim of this committee was to inform the lab technician about the bureau that will receive their application for registration.
With time, the ASCP board made many changes to its profiles to reach its current position.
| ASCP Contribution | Time |
| The current ASCP BOC was founded | 1928 |
| CAT (Computer adaptive test) was originated | 1994 |
| Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) was developed | 1, 2004 |
| International certification was started | 2006 |
| Received accreditation from the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) | 2007 |
| Combined with the National Credential Agency, and became ASCP BOC | 2009 |
| It added more certifications to its profile | 2016-2018 |
Benefits of ASCP Memberships
ASCP memberships present you with a variety of opportunities that help you straighten out your journey.
Increase your Community
- Increase your local network by connecting with pathologists and lab professionals
- Access to 100,000 laboratory professionals and pathologists
- ASCP online communities allow you to share messages and documents with other members
- Opportunities to gain learning resources for lab professionals
ASCP Membership Awards
- Opportunities to earn up to $500,000 in scholarships
- There are some other reward programs that make you stand out in your field, like “Mastership” and “40 Under Forty.”
Keep you Up-to-date
- Access to laboratory science publications that are available all the time
- These publications include the American Journal of Clinical Pathology (AJCP), Critical Values, Daily Diagnosis, ASCP News, ePolicy News, The Pathologist, and Laboratory Medicine.
- A huge circle of social networking
Polish Your Skills
- For continuing education, 6 online CME credits
- CE credits to fulfill your requirements
- Higher opportunity to join the annual meeting (get expert experience)
Add your Part to the Profession
- Chances to serve other communities as a Pathology Ambassador (guide students to select the right career)
- Become the voice of other lab professionals
- Participate in student-focused programs like NEXTPO
- Build your visibility as an expert in your field via social media and interviews
Handle your Recertification
- Offer you 6 online CME credits for your recertification
- Offer you an exclusive discount to purchase additional credits
Some Extra Concessions
- Free shipping on physical domestic products
- Exclusive savings on insurance, vacations, and student loans.
Types of ASCP Memberships
The ASCP Board of Certification presents its membership programs for pathologists, students, residents, laboratory professionals, and professional affiliates.
Some ASCP membership options
- One-year Membership
- One-year Membership with Unlimited Online CE
- Three-year Membership that includes the Unlimited Online CE and BOC CMP fee
- One-year Young Professional Membership
Membership Categories
Following is detailed information about the ASCP membership categories:
For Pathologist
The ASCP presents four membership options for U.S. and one for international candidates.
U.S. Membership Options
Follow Membership
Eligibility Requirements: You must have certification in clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, or a pathology subspeciality from the ASCP BOC. You can get these certifications from other bodies that are equivalent to ASCP.
Follow Membership Options
- One-Year Membership: $399
- Laboratory Administrator Membership: $629
- Two-Years Membership: $749
Fellow-in-Training Membership
Eligibility Requirements: You must graduate from a residency program.
Fellow-in-Training Membership Options
- It is free
Medical Affiliate Membership
Eligibility Criteria: licensed physicians who are practicing in Canada or the United States are eligible for this membership (ASCP certification is not required).
Membership Options
- Medical Affiliate One-Year Membership: $199
Emeritus Fellow Member
Eligibility Requirements: You must be at least 65 years old and a retired pathologist after your full practice.
Membership Options
- Active Emeritus Fellow One-Year Membership: $119
International Membership Options
Physician Membership
Eligibility Requirements:
You must have certification in clinical and anatomic pathology, be a licensed physician, or have a membership in any approved lab or medical association (You must get certification or membership in the region or country in which you practice.)
International Physician Membership Options
- One-Year Membership: $119
For Laboratory Professionals
The ASCP BOC determines four membership options for U.S. candidates and two for international candidates.
U.S Membership Options
Laboratory Professional
Eligibility Requirements: If you are current or have earned ASCP certifications, you can apply for this.
Lab Professional Membership Option
- One-Year Membership: $119
- Three-Year Membership: $389
- Laboratory Administrator Membership: $279
Young Professional Member
Eligibility Measure: You must get ASCP certification for this.
Membership Options
- One-year Membership: $59
- First-year Membership: Free
Clinical Scientist Member
Requirements: An academic doctorate (Ph.D.) is required for this.
Membership Option
- One-year Membership: $119
- Lab Administrator Membership: $279
Emeritus Lab Professional Member
Eligibility Requirements: A retired medical lab and at least a 65-year-old physician can qualify for this membership.
Membership Options
- Active Emeritus Laboratory Professional One-Year Membership: $29
International Membership Options
International Member
Eligibility Requirement
- You must be a current professional or ASCP-certified in one or more specialties.
- You must have membership in any accredited lab or medical association ( this association must exist in the country in which you practice)
Membership Options for International Members
- New International Certificants: Free
- One-year Membership: $79
International Clinical Scientist Member
Requirements: Academic doctorate (PhD) (not ASCP certified)
Membership Options
- One-Year Membership: $79
For Resident
The ASCP Board of Certification fixes two membership options for the U.S. candidates and one for international candidates.
U.S. Membership Option
Resident
Eligibility Requirements: To apply for this membership, you must get pathologist residency training from an approved program in the U.S. and Canada.
Membership Option
- Resident Membership: free
Follow-in-Training Member
A residency program graduate person can get this.
Membership Option
- Follow-in-Training Membership: free
International Membership Option
International Resident Member
Qualified physicians with training in the pathology field can get this.
Membership Option
- International Resident membership: Free
For Students
The board sets two membership options for U.S. residents and two for international residents.
U.S Membership Options
Medical Student
- You are eligible for this membership if you enroll in the following medical institution
- American Association of Medical College
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education of the American Medical Association
- An osteopathic medical school approved by the Bureau of Professional Education of the American Osteopathic Association
- Committee on Accreditation of the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges
Membership Options
- Medical Student Membership: Free
Laboratory Student Membership
- Eligibility Requirements: You can apply for this if you have to enroll in any approved institution.
Laboratory Membership Option
- Laboratory Student Membership: Free
International Membership Options
Medical Student Membership
Requirements: Enrollment in any approved and appropriate agency
Membership Options
- International Medical Student Membership: Free
International Lab Student Member
Requirements: Enrollment in any accredited institution or approved medical lab science program
Membership Options
- International Lab Student Membership: Free
For Professional Affiliate
U.S. Professional Affiliate
Requirements: Employer of medical lab or other medical settings can apply for this ( if not meet the requirements of other categories)
Membership Options
- One-Year Membership: $59
- Lab Administrator Membership: $279
International Professional Affiliate
Requirements: Employer of medical lab or other diagnostic settings can get this option (not meet the requirements of other categories and are practicing outside the United States or Canada)
Membership Options
- One-Years Membership: $39
- Lab Administrator Membership: $279
How to Apply for ASCP Membership
- You have to create an account on the ASCP official website
- Enter all required information (personal information)
- Add your usernames and fixes passward
- Enter your mailing address (be sure it indicates your residence: U.S. or international)
- Under all ASCP activities, explore the “Membership”
- Click on “Become a Member” and choose categories in which you want to get membership
- Click on “Join Now”
ASCP Certification and Credentials
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) delivers many certifications for medical lab professionals.
ASCP certifications are enough to change the lives of professionals in many ways.
- By getting involved with ASCP, you will acquire the opportunity to increase your communities within and outside of the country
- ASCP membership and membership reward program help you a lot to reduce your stress related to education expenses and career development
- ASCP continuing education program keeps you in touch with latest learnings
- ASCP CMP updates your certificates after every three years (add excellence and latest skill into your experience)
Overview of ASCP Certification
ASCP covers all fields of laboratory medicine and pathology through it certifications.
ASCP Certification for Scientists
- MLS ASCP (Medical Lab Scientist)
ASCP Technician Credentials
- HT ASCP (Histotechnician)
- MLA ASCP ( Medical Lab Assistant)
- MLT ASCP (Medical Lab Technician)
- PBT ASCP (Phlebotomy Technician)
ASCP Technologist Certification
- BB ASCP (Technologist in Blood Banking)
- C ASCP (Technologist in Chemistry)
- CG ASCP (Technologist in Cytogenetics)
- CT ASCP (Cytologist)
- H ASCP (Technologist in Hematology)
- HTL ASCP (Histotechnologist)
- M ASCP (Technologist in Microbiology)
- MB ASCP ( Technologist in Molecular Biology)
- CTgyn ASCP (International Gynecologic Cytologist)
ASCP Specialist Credentials
- SBB ASCP ( Specialist in Blood Banking)
- SC ASCP ( Specialist in Chemistry)
- SCT ASCP ( Specialist in Cytology)
- SCYM ASCP (Specialist in Cytometry)
- SH ASCP ( Specialist in Hematology)
- SM ASCP ( Specialist in Microbiology)
- SMB ASCP ( Specialist in Molecular Biology)
How to Apply for ASCP Certification?
- First, you need to check your eligibility for your desired certificate (To check, you can use eligibility routes or BOC Eligibility Assistant)
- Create an account on the ASCP website ( avoid creating a duplicate account)
- Add personal information (your first and last name and ID number)
- Select your certificate category and route
- Varify your contact information to complete the application form
- Submit application fee with application because board do not take any action without receiving the application fee
Continuing Education and Professional Development
The ASCP continuing education program plays an important role in keeping you informed of the latest developments.
To maintain continue education, the board offers many resources.
These resources are
ASCP Case Report
The ASCP Case Report is an online self-learning tool that is presented in eight different series and navigates almost all important areas of clinical and anatomic pathology.
Area of Study
- Transfusion Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
- Renal Pathology
- Microbiology
- Hematopathology
- Forensic Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Clinical Chemistry
Features of Products
- Cover major areas of medical and clinical pathology
- You will get 2 CMLE/CME credits per exercise
CE Packages
- One-Year Unlimited CE Packages
- Multi Credit Online CE Packages
Product Features
- Meet your certification and license requirements
- Fulfill your CE requirements
ASCP LabQ
It is an online self-study tool consisting of 18 real-life case studies.
Features of Product
- Meet your CE credit requirements
- Each case comprises tables, digital images, lab test results, figures, and reference links for further information.
ASCP Patient Safety
It is a set of case-based safety practices that educate and train medical lab professionals to promote patient safety.
Product Features
- Offer CE credits
- Highlight several diseases and their solutions
The ASCP BOC also designed many other resources, such as BOC Interactive Practice Question and Resident Question Banks that help you a lot to get your certification.
Networking and Community Opportunity
ASCP membership offers you chances to increase your networking around the globe.
ASCP Annual Meeting
- You will meet with experts and get their points of view related to your field
- Access to experts, resources, and knowledge that help you to boost your career growth
- You will also earn CE credits
ASCP Roundtable
- Cover specific topics related to your field
- Increase your area of thinking about your field
ASCP Webinar
- You will get best instruction about to promote your career in the ASCP webinars.
ASCP Public Group
- ASCP also has public groups, where you can meet with experts around the world
- Get the soundest advice about the ASCP certification
- Receive all updates regarding the ASCP
Resources and Tools for Members
The Board presents many resources and tools for its members to expand their profession.
ASCP Books and Journals
Below is detailed information about the ASCP books and journals
ASCP Press
- The ASCP members get bundles of books and ebooks that cover a lot of topics of pathology and lab science fields.
ASCP BOC Study Guide
- This is the best tool for ASCP certification preparation that overcomes major ASCP exam content with practice questions.
ASCP Journal of Clinical Pathology
- It is an official journal of ASCP and the Academy of Clinical Lab Physicians and Scientists.
- Its publication emphasizes human diseases and their identification and cure
Laboratory Medicine
- It is dedicated to demonstrating information regarding professional career development, continuing education, and new technologies information.
How to Maximize Your ASCP Membership
You must utilize all the resources that the board presents to get all the benefits of ASCP membership.
- Join the ASCP annual meeting
- Use tools like books and journals
- Purchase its courses (you will get a discount)
- Join ASCP online community
Final Verdict for ASCP Membership
If you belong to the medical lab field, do not waste your chances to become a member of ASCP.
ASCP membership leverages your career with its tremendous benefits.
From getting ASCP certification to re-certification, you will feel its importance and get its benefits.
When it comes to bearing education expenses, student loans, and traveling, ASCP membership stands with you in all situations.
FAQs for ASCP Membership
Why should I get the ASCP membership?
Ascp membership offers you unbelievable advantages that skyrocket your visibility and career growth.
Is there any option to become an ASCP member?
Yes, of course, the ASCP BOC determines many options, including student memberships, pathologist memberships, etc. You can choose one after meeting its requirements.
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.