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What do I need to do in order to qualify for an MLT certification?

I am nearing the end of my M.S. program in Biology and I do not have an MLT certification that a lot of CLIA laboratory jobs require. Only a few colleges provide an MLT program and I can't afford a $5k program right now. The other option is to spend three years in a clinical lab but no lab has responded because they all require an MLT to begin with, so I have no idea how to actually qualify for the MLT certification exam despite having a B.S. in Biology and soon an M.S. in the same field. What do I need to do that is affordable and practical for me to get an MLT certification? I desperately need professional advice, as my professors do not even know how MLT certification works.

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Thank you comment icon Update as of March 19th, 2023: I'm still trying to find employment in a lab, unfortunately I did not get into any MLT/MLS programs this year. My applications to Red Cross and other Phlebotomy lab positions has not led to any job offers despite multiple interviews, with the same lack of results for my applications to other laboratory positions elsewhere. Unfortunately I have to find work in-state as my current lease does not allow me to leave until the end of the year, so I'm struggling to make ends meet while looking for work. Ryan
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Aimee’s Answer

I'm sorry. You seem to have taken the route many do when trying to get into a hospital laboratory since our career is not very visible.

MLT (medical laboratory technician) is generally a 2 year program. Since you already have 4+ years you'd qualify for an MLS (medical laboratory science) clinical program. Clinicals usually only take 1-2 years.

Otherwise some hospitals are willing to hire equivalent degrees and usually a biology degree would qualify. I wouldn't recommend this because it usually takes that whole year of clinicals to really understand how laboratory work is done.

If you cannot afford clinicals at this time you could get a job in a hospital for a lab assistant or phlebotomy position which would still be in the hospital laboratory but not running the equipment/testing for the most part.

Then you can see if the hospital has any sort of tuition reimbursement and look for a clinical program to accept you while you work.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the detailed response! I thought laboratory jobs would be my end goal since my main focus of coursework in college was microbiology, I didn't realize how little that material applies outside of clinical labs until now. If I could find any work related to microbiology that doesn't require an MLT that would be great too Ryan
Thank you comment icon There might be industry lab jobs that won't require a certification or clinical component as well. I worked at a brewing company laboratory myself and while that specific job didn't require a degree you might be able to find something more along that line too. Aimee Kneip
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Valerie’s Answer

Would you consider working in a veterinary reference laboratory. They don't require you to have a certification and you degree would qualify.
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Deborah’s Answer

In smaller laboratories, you may be able to find a position such as specimen processor or in the microbiology section, our lab has hired a few Biology degreed people this way. However, in order to do the actual lab work, you will need that clinical component. Several of our people have done online programs then done their clinicals with us.
Check into a community College nearby to see if they have a program.
Unfortunately I hear of many people going this route because they just don't know how the lab field/credentials work.
My best advice to anyone considering lab work is the MLS 3+1 programs or the 2 year MLT programs, these will be the fastest and cheapest routes.
Thank you comment icon I wish my college offered the MLS 3+1 or even just an MLT program, it seems that the closest program offered by a university is Emory University Hospital. I never would have even considered Emory starting out as an undergraduate, and I'm not sure if I would have been accepted back then. I guess the main issue is the scarcity of program opportunities Ryan
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Thomas’s Answer

There are other ways but it requires you to take a step away from the hospital. other labs that require CLIA which is the main oversite board would be your best bet. you could look at places like lab core. these environments would allow you the clinical time to get your ASCP certification. other examples. American red cross has programs for blood banks, and many local blood banks might also accept your MS degrees while they train you. the biggest thing that you have to express in your resume is that you are able to perform High complexity testing. I also know that some hospitals would have non-credential laboratory positions that will allow them to teach.
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Valerie’s Answer

Since you're in GA like myself Emory has a program that would fit you needs. I use to teach phlebotomy in the program. Here is the link: https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/careers/medical-technology.html
Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program this is an excellent program and it last for one year. You maybe able to work in the lab as a specimen processor while you train and study. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me. Also they only take a limited number a year.
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LaTausha’s Answer

As you have realized a biology degree isn't sufficient. I too got a BS in Biology and had to go back to school for 2 years for CLS degree.
ASCP provides some guidance for those with physical science degree. The certification exam is challenging if you haven't had the coursework. I hope you are able to get in a program. Otherwise I think research labs are the main option
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Mary’s Answer

In order to qualify for an MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) certification, you typically need to complete an MLT program that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, or universities with clinical laboratory science departments.

If you are unable to afford an MLT program, another option may be to complete a training program offered by an employer in a clinical laboratory. This type of program typically involves several months of on-the-job training and may include classroom instruction as well.

Once you have completed an MLT program or training, you will need to pass a certification exam in order to become certified as an MLT. The exam is typically administered by a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and covers topics such as laboratory operations, quality control, and clinical laboratory science.
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