What is the Difference Between MLT ASCP and MLS ASCP?
Undoubtedly, both (MLT ASCP & MLT ASCP) are the most powerful work licenses presented by the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology).
What is the difference between MLT ASCP and MLT ASCP? Do you want to know?
Stay with us; this page will explore everything.
Difference Between MLT ASCP and MLS ASCP
The following is the detailed information:
Certification Specificity
The ASCP Board of Certification awards multiple credentials for the medical lab career: technologists, specialists, technicians, and scientists.
The ASCP MLS certificate only goes to lab scientists; it stands for the certified medical laboratory scientist by the ASCP.
The ASCP MLT degree is only for lab technicians; it represents the certified medical lab technician by the ASCP BOC.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for both certifications, you have to meet some eligibility conditions (educational degree, clinical experience, training program, etc.) that make you approved for this exam.
The board suggests some routes (set of requirements); 6 for ASCP MLS, 5 for MLS (ASCPi), and 4 for MLT ASCP, 3 for MLT (ASCPi) as well.
Each path prerequisite may be different from others, but there are some common;
- For MLS (ASCP): You must have a baccalaureate degree (four-year program), clinical experience, and training program in recommended years, or anything else regarding your field (according to each specific route).
- To be eligible for MLT (ASCP), you must get an associate degree (two-year program) and clinical or training experience according to your selected route.
Application Fee
To get a seat for one of these exams, there is also a difference between MLT ASCP and MLS ASCP exam costs:
- ASCP medical lab scientist exam (U.S.): $250
- ASCP medical laboratory scientist exam (international): $210
- ASCP medical lab technician exam (United States): $225
- ASCP medical laboratory technician exam (non-U.S.): $185
Application outlay is non-refundable once you pay it.
Exam Content Areas and Questions Percentages
The board fixed seven subjects for both exams.
The following are their names and question percentages regarding the exam.
| Exam Content Areas | Question Percentages | |
| ASCP MLS | ASCP MLT | |
| Blood banking | 17%-22% | 15%-20% |
| Chemistry | 17%-22% | 20%-25% |
| Immunology | 5%-10% | 5%-10% |
| Hematology | 17%-22% | 20%-25% |
| Microbiology | 17%-22% | 15%-20% |
| Lab Operation | 5%-10% | 5%-10% |
| Urine and Other Body Fluids | 5%-10% | 5%-10% |
Job Outlook
By getting ASCP credentials, you will get the job easily anywhere around the globe.
However, there is a difference between MLT ASCP and MLS ASCP job outlooks.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is likely to grow 17% and 7% job growth from 2021 to 2032 for MLS ASCP and MLT ASCP, respectively.
Salary Difference Between MLT ASCP and MLS ASCP
According to the ASCP Board of Certification,
Being an MLS (ASCP) certified; your annual average salary may be $63,728.26 ($33.13 hourly).
While an MLT ASCP-certified professional can earn $50,723.24 annually ($25 hourly).
On various platforms, there may be salary differences.
Note: This wage may increase or decrease based on certified education, years of experience, states (where he/she is practicing), etc.
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.
