The profession of medical technology is individually regulated by states, which typically have different requirements regarding licensing or certification. Although certification and a license are not the same thing, states may require certification in lieu of or in addition to a license. Medical laboratory technologists -- also called medical laboratory scientists -- must meet different requirements depending on the state.
MLTs usually need a bachelor's degree in their field. In order to become licensed or certified, the MLT must complete a course from an accredited program, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some employers require certification even when the state does not. An MLT works in a hospital or medical laboratory. She collects patient samples and performs various diagnostic tests and procedures to analyze body fluids, tissues or other substances. MLTs may specialize in an area such as blood banking, clinical chemistry, immunology or microbiology.
To become licensed in California, an MLT must complete a minimum of 60 semester units from an accredited college or university. California specifically requires 36 units of physical and biological science, 6 units of biology and 6 units of chemistry. The chemistry and biology units must be acceptable for transfer at the baccalaureate level. California also requires a minimum of three years of experience and national certification. Montana requires 36 units in physical and biological science and but has no other educational or experience requirements. Montana does, however, require national certification.
Advertisement Article continues below this adLicensing and certification are two different types of credentials. A professional or trade license is issued by a government body and authorizes the license holder to practice his profession or trade in the state where the license has been issued. Certification, on the other hand, is a professional credential issued by an industry organization.
Twelve states and territories require that MLTs be licensed, according to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. These states are California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee and West Virginia. The territory of Puerto Rico also requires licensing. To become licensed in Rhode Island, for example, an MLT must have a bachelor's degree in medical technology, biological, chemical or physical science or a bachelor's degree that meets certain requirements in terms of the course work and laboratory experience. In addition, Rhode Island requires national certification.
According to its website, the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification is the oldest professional organization for medical technologists. The ASCP offers professional certifications for different types of medical technicians, which generally require proof of education and passing a professional exam administered by the ASCP Board of Certification.
Advertisement Article continues below this adIn Louisiana, an MLT must be nationally certified in order to obtain a license and must have a certification of competency from her lab supervisor to apply for a license. Some states require continuing education to maintain a license. In Montana, for example, an MLT must complete at least 14 hours of continuing education each year that is specific to her practice as an MLT. In New York, the applicant must have a bachelors' degree or equivalent education as determined by the New York Department of Education, be at least 18 years old, pass an examination and be of good moral character.