ASCP MLT Routes: How to Determine Eligibility?
The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) sets two paths for the ASCP certification hopefuls to get find their eligibility for the exam.
These two ways include:
- ASCP MLT Routes
- BOC Eligibility Assistant
In this article, we will explain both in detail. Stay with us to get everything in this regard.
ASCP MLT Routes: For U.S. and Non-U.S. Applicants
For United States Applicants
The ASCP BOC fixed 4 sets of eligibility requirements for United States candidates: These are given below:
ASCP MLT Routes | Requirements |
1 | From approved institution (nationally/regionally), associate degree If one does not have an associate degree, academic credits’ 60 semester hours can be accepted by the board Successful completion of MLT program offered by the ABHES/NAACLS |
2 | This route requirement has been discontinued by the board as of 1,2023 |
3 | Associate degree with 6 semester hrs in biology & 6 semester hrs in chemistry from an approved college/university OR 60 semester hrs of academic credits with six semester hrs in biology & six semester hr in chemistry from an authorized institution. Successful completion of U.S. military medical lab training course (50 weeks) |
4 | Associate degree with 6 semester hours in biology and chemistry. Academic credit 60 semester hours with 6 semester hours in biology and 6 semester hours in chemistry can be used in lieu of associate degree Clinical experience of three years in microbiology, chemistry, blood banking, immunology, hematology, urine/other body fluids. |
For Non-U.S. Applicants
For international applicants, the board suggested three ASCP MLT routes. These include:
ASCP MLT Routes | Eligibility Requirements |
1 | MLS (Medical Laboratory Science) diploma of 2 years, which includes training in microbiology, hematology, blood banking, chemistry, and hematology. MLS degrees/diplomas include medical lab science, medical technology, biomedical lab science, and clinical lab science. |
2 | Chemistry/biological science 2-year diploma from an authorized educational institution Medical Laboratory Science training program. This training must be in hematology, chemistry, immunohematology (blood bank), and microbiology. |
3 | 3 years of clinical experience with training in chemistry, blood banking, microbiology, and hematology. Two-year diploma in chemistry/biological science |
ASCP MLT Routes: Things to Remember
- Whether you are a U.S. or foreign applicant for the MLT ASCP certification, you must meet at least one route criteria in all available.
- ABHES/NAACLS approved program is only acceptable for the duration of 5 years from the completion date.
- For U.S candidates: Your military code’s official documentation (AFSC code/68K, MOS, NEC), an official copy of your ERB, DD215 form, or SRB, official certificate of training verification must be uploaded in PDF format.
- Accredited laboratory include
- Accreditation under ISO 15189
- JCI accreditation
- DoD CLIP certificate of accreditation, registration, compliance
- CMS CLIA certificate of registration, accreditation, compliance
- One year of clinical experience (full-time) can be used in the place of foreign medical lab science training program (clinical) or ABHES/NAACLS MLT program
- For International candidates: Make sure to get programs or educational degrees from educational institutions accredited by an International Advisory Board mentioned by the ASCP BOC if your country has no prevalent system for approval/accreditation. The foreign certificate must be equal to a U.S. certificate.
BOC Eligibility Assistant
The ASCP Board of Certification offers a lot of certifications; each comes with its own eligibility requirements.
BOC Eligibility Assistant is an easy and fast way to find your eligibility for the ASCP credentials, including MLT.
It is a tool that helps candidates figure out their eligibility.
After asking the answer to a few questions (related to your education), this tool will determine whether you can apply for the exam or not.
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.