ASCP MLS Route 2 Eligibility Requirements for certification Exam
The ASCP BOC determines many routes to make candidates eligible for the ASCP MLS (medical laboratory scientist) certificate, like ASCP MLS Route 1, ASCP MLS Route 2, and so on.
These eligibility routes are related to candidates' previous education, training, and clinical expertise regarding the field.
The ASCP medical laboratory scientist certificate is the most potent of all other ASCP certifications.
Therefore, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) only awards this certificate to eligible candidates who meet all the requirements and pass the exam.
The board determines 6 eligibility routes for U.S. candidates and 5 eligibility routes for international candidates; meeting one route requirement from all is essential to applying for the exam.
In this article, we will offer a detailed description of ASCP MLS Route 2 and briefly describe other routes.
ASCP MLS Route 2: What You Need to Meet It
To satisfy the ASCP MLS Route 2 requirements, you must have the following certificates, training program, and clinical experience:
ASCP MLS Route 2 for U.S. Candidates
- Valid ASCP MLT medical lab technician certification.
- Within the last five years, two years, full time, acceptable, clinical experience in urinalysis/body fluids, immunology, microbiology, blood banking, hematology, and chemistry.
- Baccalaureate degree with 24 quarter hours/16 semester hours in biology (with microbiology one semester) and 24 quarter hours/16 semester hours in biochemistry or organics, which must be obtained within or in addition to the bachelor's degree.
Acceptable Clinical Laboratory
JCI accreditation, DoD CLIP certificate of registration, CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation compliance, accreditation, or accreditation under ISO 15189.
The acceptable colleges and universities are
Accredited Colleges Or Universities in the United States are listed by the USDE:
- USDE–United States Department of Education
Accredited colleges or universities in Canada are listed by the following associations:
- AUCC–Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
Special Note: Successful completion of ABHES or NAACLS accredited MLT program, NAACLS accredited MLS program, or foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program (within the previous five years) can be used in place of one year of clinical experience. Furthermore, it will be considered as one semester of biochemistry or organic.
Other Routes for U.S. Candidates are listed below
- ASCP MLS Route 1
- ASCP MLS Route 3
- ASCP MLS Route 4
- ASCP MLS Route 5
- ASCP MLS Route 6
ASCP MLS Route 2 for International Candidates
The following are the requirements for ASCP MLS Route 2 to international candidates:
- Baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science from an approved institution
- Three years Clinical experience in microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and blood banking
Educational/academic institutions must be supported by the Ministry or governing regulatory association.
Your chosen clinical lab must be approved by under ISO 1518, CAP, JCI, Ministry, or authorized by a governing regulatory association.
If the countries do not have a prevalent system of accreditation, the certificate must get the institution approved by the International Advisory Board appointed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The foreign degree must be equal to U.S. degrees.
The following are the further routes for ASCP MLS (International candidates):
- ASCP MLS Route 1
- ASCP MLS Route 3
- ASCP MLS Route 4
- ASCP MLS Route 5
Common Documentations for ASCP MLS
With the ASCP MLS Route 2 requirements, you have to get some common documents.
These are
- An official transcript for academic requirements verification in the United States or Canada
- A foreign transcript evaluation is required for education outside of the U.S. and Canada.
- Experience documentation form and training documentation form with the letter of authenticity
- Military training official certificate (for U.S. candidates)
Frequently Asked Questions for ASCP MLS Route 2
What are the requirements of ASCP MLS Route 2?
MLT (ASCP) certification, clinical experience in relevant subjects, and bachelor's degree with a combination of 16 semester hours in biology and chemistry.
How many routes does the ASCP BOC recommend for the MLS ASCP certificate?
The board recommends 6 routes for U.S. candidates and 5 routes for international candidates.
Does the board offer any relaxation to meet the eligibility requirements for the MLS ASCP?
Yes, of course, the board offers some alternative options to meet its eligibility requirements. For instance, if you completed the NAACLS or ABHES MLT programs, or NAACLS-accredited MLS program within the last five years, you can use it in lieu of one year of clinical experience.
Resources: ASCP BOC.
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.
