When Did ASCP Change from MT to MLS? ASCP Transition Process
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) changed from MT to MLS in early 2023.
Why did ASCP change from MT to MLS?
- To offer potent identification to certified professionals.
- Remove the redundancy to the certification.
Why Did ASCP Change from MT to MLS? Comprehensive Facts
The ASCP Board of Certification transitioned all its MT (ASCP) & MT (ASCPi) licenses to MLS (ASCP) & MLS (ASCPi), respectively.
In the same time frame, the board also switched its ASCP MP (molecular pathology) credential to ASCP MB (molecular biology).
Besides this, the ASCP BOC BOG (Board of Governors) also approved the transition of some other certifications, including, ASCP CT (Cytotechnologist) to ASCP CT (Cytologist) and ASCP SCT (Specialist in Cytotechnology) to ASCP SCT (Specialist in Cytology).
The purpose of the ASCP change from MT to MLS is to elevate the laboratory’s visibility.
The ASCP BOC BOG Chair Susan Graham, MS, MT(ASCP)SHCM, wrote in the BOC Newsletter (May 2022);
“Using and sharing these titles broadly will create a culture of solidarity and cohesion.”
“A unified front will strengthen the effectiveness of advocacy for our professionals. While the pandemic has raised awareness of the increasing needs of health professionals and the workforce crisis, legislative efforts continue to focus on the shortage of nurses and physicians. We need to be consistent in advocating for the inclusion of laboratory professionals in actions that help in the recruitment and retention of the healthcare workforce.”
Amy Spiczka (Executive Director of the ASCP BOC), MS, HTL(ASCP)CHSCT, MBCM, CPHQ, said,
“Providing recognition and visibility to the value laboratory professionals bring to the patients we serve resonates a spirit of advocacy and highlights medical laboratory scientists as a unified specialty.”
How Was the ASCP Renamed MT to MLS?
Want to Know How did the ASCP change from MT to MLS?
The CLS (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) certificate was offered by the National Credentialing Agency of Laboratory Personnel (NCA).
While the ASCP Board of Registry delivered MT (medical technologist).
In 2009, both authorities decided to unite their certifications to remove their sameness and present a singular but robust certificate with an ultimate title; MT to MLS (medical laboratory scientist).
Why Should I Earn the MLS/MT ASCP?
The ASCP transitioned MT to MLS, which means it is a gold standard license.
Being a medical lab scientist, you must flourish your career with this innovative credential.
According to Tiffany Channer, MLS(ASCP)CM
“When I realized all of the opportunities that being a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) provides—the versatility you get with only one degree—I said, sign me up; it is a really wonderful career.”
Once you pass this rigorous exam and qualify for ASCP MLS, you will see remarkable changes in your personal and professional life.
- The MT/MLS ASCP license improves your job prospects.
- Greater occupation satisfaction
- Higher salary (according to ASCP, the hourly wage for staff MLS is $31.96, for MLS leads is $36.09, for MLS supervisors is $36.67, and for MLS managers is $38.26).
- Opportunity to practice with qualified physicians in the best hospitals and research centers.
- Career development programs
- A lot of job opportunities (microbiology technologist, molecular biology technologist, blood bank technologist, immunology technologist, 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.
