HI 6600
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Collect, prepare, and transport patient specimens, and perform various testing on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.
Program Overview
Certifications earned
Medical Laboratory Assistants play a very important role in patient health. They are responsible for collecting blood, tissue and other samples from patients, and preparing samples for testing and analysis. Lab Assistants are also hands-on health workers, working directly with patients, often during sensitive times, and may accompany patients through difficult processes. Medical Lab Assistants typically work in inpatient or outpatient medical facilities, however, are often employed in private and public labs or research institutions. Some choose to specialize in biochemistry, cytology, hematology, histopathology, immunology, or microbiology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the soft skill expectations of an allied healthcare professional
- Grasp the importance of customer service, communication skills and professionalism
- Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory testing in various laboratory departments
- Understand responsibilities of patient care and safety related to preparation and collection complications
- Maintain solution-oriented conversations, manage conflicts,,and build self-confidence
- Recognize the importance of infection control and safety compliance with diagnostic testing
What You’ll Learn – HI 6600 Medical Laboratory Assistant
A Medical Laboratory Assistant (also known as Lab Aid/Assistant, Specimen Processor/collector), is an important member of the laboratory healthcare team. They collect, prepare, and transport patient specimens, and may perform various testing on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. Lab Assistants perform the tests and procedures that physicians and other healthcare providers order, which are often used for the diagnosis of disease. Depending on the laboratory department, the Medical Lab Assistant may be responsible for test kit management and quality control which includes proper ordering, inventory, and storage. The Medical Lab assistant role will also include accurate documentation, records management, and communication with other ordering physicians. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. After testing and examining a specimen, they analyze the results and relay them to physicians.
The MedCerts Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides students with immersive and virtual hands-on learning experiences. Procedures are demonstrated using virtual tools or live-recorded video and are simulated – allowing the students to immerse themselves into a virtual experience that is engaging, safe, and repeatable.
This program is ideal for individuals that have an interest in healthcare science and who desire to be part of a highly skilled team in a growing field. To be successful as a Medical Lab Assistant, individuals must be comfortable working with bodily fluids, thus this is not a career for the squeamish. Because of the physical requirements of the job, techs must generally have strong manual dexterity and physical stamina. This program is not only ideal for entry-level career seekers but also provides a great opportunity for those already working in allied health to upskill and advance into a new career direction. This is also a great way for a Phlebotomist to advance his/her career.
This program prepares students for the Certified Medical Lab Assistant (CMLA) certification exam, offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). MedCerts graduates are eligible to take the exam and will earn provisional certification upon passing. Once employed as a Lab Assistant, graduates will gain the 120 hours of documented, approved clinical laboratory experience required for the grant of full certification.
While the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification is not required for the CMLA certification, students have the option to obtain this certification upon the completion of their CMLA exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites to complete the CPT requirements.
We strongly advise students to research target job posts from area employers and relevant state requirements, barriers, or restrictions prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility upon graduation.
Note: 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.
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Find your next careerSome 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.
These restrictions may not apply to students taking programs through an employer, academic or government-sponsored model – including MyCAA and Army, Air Force or Coast Guard. Credentialing Assistance. To determine eligibility, please confirm with your sponsor or review our military spouse MyCAA-approved or Military Credentialing Assistance-approved programs
Program Details
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- Expert-led video based training
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
- eBook: Phlebotomy Worktext and Procedures Manual
- Textbook: Clinical Laboratory Science
*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by MedCerts. They are not included in the tuition costs and the student is not liable for any costs or fees related to the above materials.
- Dedicated Student Success Advisors
- Tailored support based on performance & behavior
- Exam preparation process
- 1 yr. post-program extended access to Career Center & Career Coaches
To become fully certified, students must complete 120 hours of documented and approved clinical laboratory experience 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.
- CMLA: 120 hours of documented, approved clinical laboratory experience
- CPT: 30 venipuncture and 10 capillary sticks
Career Outlook
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Job Opportunities
openings in the US
potential
Tuition Cost
Medical Lab Assistant Online Training
Monthly, weekly and bi-weekly payment plan options are available. These payment plans include a 3.5% fee per transaction. Students who choose to pay in full will not be charged the transaction fee.
Active Duty Military Grants
MedCerts accepts education benefits from the Department of Defense for Active Duty Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.
Military Spouse Grants
Spouses of Active Duty Service Members in certain ranks may be eligible for assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Workforce Grants
MedCerts partners with American Job Centers in 30+ states and accepts Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce grant funding.
FAQs
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 120 hours of documented and approved clinical laboratory experience 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.
Disclaimers
- The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) certification is recognized in all 50 states. The job duties of a Medical Lab Assistant may include drawing blood. Individuals who intend to work in the states of California or Washington should be aware that this program is not approved to prepare students to draw blood.
- The job duties of a Medical Lab Assistant may include drawing blood. Individuals who intend to work in the states of California or Washington should be aware that this program is not approved to prepare students to draw blood.
- While MedCerts training and related target certifications may be accepted and/or approved by your state of residency, employers reserve the right to dictate prerequisite education, experience, or certification/licensure requirements for their positions. We strongly advise students to research target job posts from area employers and relevant state requirements, barriers, or restrictions prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility upon graduation.
