MLT(AAB) – Medical Laboratory Technician Disciplines and Qualifications
Individuals may be certified as an MLT(AAB) in one (1) or more of six (6) technical disciplines:
- Chemistry (Clinical Chemistry, Endocrinology, Toxicology, Urinalysis, Radioimmunoassay)
- Hematology (Hemostasis, Coagulation, Hematologic Elements, Cell Identification and Parameters, Bone Marrow, Staining, Hematologic Abnormalities and Disease)
- Immunology (Serology, General Immunology, Antibody and Antigen Identification and Measurement)
- Immunohematology (ABO Grouping and Rh Typing, Unexpected Antibody Detection and Identification, Compatibility Testing)
- Microbiology (Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, and Virology)
- Molecular Diagnostics
Individuals may not be certified as an MLT(AAB) in the technical disciplines of andrology and embryology.
To be certified as MLT(AAB), an individual must be a high school graduate, or equivalent, pass the appropriate AAB Board of Registry examination, and meet one (1) of the following requirements:
- Complete a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In addition, individuals qualifying under this route must also obtain one year of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines.
- Earn an associate degree (or the equivalent) in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology, from an accredited institution.
The equivalent of an associate degree is defined as sixty (60) semester hours, of which twenty-four (24) semester hours are either:
| a. medical laboratory technology courses, or |
b. six (6) semester hours of chemistry; six (6) semester hours of biology; and twelve (12) semester hours of courses
in chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination. |
In addition, individuals qualifying under this route must also obtain one year of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines.
- Successfully complete an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures course of at least fifty (50) weeks duration and earn the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician).
In addition, individuals qualifying under this route must also obtain one year of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines.
- Document five (5) years of full-time clinical laboratory experience (in the applicable technical disciplines) acceptable to the AAB Board of Registry.
- Be certified as a POLT(AAB) and obtain four (4) years of acceptable clinical laboratory experience (in the applicable technical disciplines) and six (6) continuing education units (CEUs).
