FAQs: Medical Laboratory Assistant Online Certification Training
A medical laboratory assistant is a healthcare professional who collects and prepares patient samples like blood and tissue for analysis. They often interact directly with patients, especially during sensitive times and work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and research labs. Additionally, they may specialize in fields like hematology, immunology or microbiology, among others.
The employment of clinical laboratory technologists assistants is expected to grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all jobs. Annually, about 24,000 job openings are projected over this period, largely due to workforce turnover and retirements.
The average starting salary for medical laboratory assistants is $33,297. Salaries can vary based on location, experience and the specific setting in which they work.
To start your career journey as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a formal training program such as MedCerts, pass the CMLA exam offered by the AMT and optional CPT exams offered by the NHA. Students who pass the CMLA exam are required to complete 120 hours of documented and approved clinical laboratory experience within 1 year of passing the exam. Students who choose to sit for the CPT exam will be required to perform 10 capillary sticks and 30 venipuncutres on live individuals within 90 days of passing the CPT exam.
In the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, you’ll learn:
- Knowledge of Laboratory Testing in Various Laboratory Departments
- Responsibilities of Patient Care and Safety Related to Preparation and Collection Complications
- The Importance of Infection Control and Safety Compliance with Diagnostic Testing
To enroll in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with internet connection and course registration & payment.
The cost of the program is $4,000. The cost includes all of your materials and certification exam fees for the CMLA and CPT examinations.
MedCerts offers various payment options for the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, including monthly payments as low as $346 or the option to utilize government grant funding.
While MedCerts does not offer financial aid, some students may be eligible for sponsorship through the following channels:
Workforce Funding (including WIOA)
MedCerts also offers payment plan options.
This course is 16 weeks long if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
MedCerts’ certification programs are fully online and designed for remote learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The instructional design incorporates interactive elements, simulations and expert instruction.
Required courses for the Medical Laboratory Assistant program include Professionalism in Allied Health, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, Phlebotomy and Medical Lab Assisting.
Yes, the program includes a strategic exam preparation process and dedicated Student Success Advisors to provide tailored support based on performance.
The program includes expert-led video training, eBooks and competency assessments. MedCerts-covered materials also include exam fee coverage. Students get access to additional services like dedicated advisors and tailored support as well.
Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authorities, the American Medical Technologists and the National Healthcareer Association. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.
To become fully certified, students must complete the AMT Competency Checklist within 1 year of passing the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) exam offered by the AMT. Students will have the option to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) offered by the NHA. Students who choose to sit for the CPT exam will be required to perform 10 capillary sticks and 30 venipunctures on live individuals within 90 days of passing the CPT exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites.
