AAB Proficiency Testing

MT(AAB) – Medical Technologist Disciplines and Qualifications

Individuals may be certified as an MT(AAB) in up to seven (7) disciplines.  The first five (5) disciplines listed below are included in the Generalist MT(AAB) certification, but an individual may also apply for MT(AAB) certification in just one or several of these disciplines:

1. Chemistry  (Clinical Chemistry, Endocrinology, Toxicology, Urinalysis, Radioimmunoassay)

2. Hematology (Hemostasis, Coagulation, Hematologic Elements, Cell Identification and Parameters, Bone Marrow, Staining, Hematologic Abnormalities and Disease)

3. Immunology (Serology, General Immunology, Antibody and Antigen Identification and Measurement)

4. Immunohematology (ABO Grouping and Rh Typing, Unexpected Antibody Detection and Identification, Compatibility Testing)

5. Microbiology (Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, and Virology)

6. Molecular Diagnostics

In addition, individuals working in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories may also be certified as MT(AAB)s in:

7. Andrology (Male Infertility, Semen Analysis, Sperm Function Tests, Sperm-Cervical Mucous Interaction, Anti-Sperm Antibodies), and

8. Embryology (Oocyte Identification and Fertilization, Micromanipulation, Embryo Culture, Cryopreservation) [Applicants for embryology must also document the performance of 30 assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory procedure(s) in humans.  Individuals who lack the documented performance of 30 ART laboratory procedures in humans may still challenge the MT(AAB) examination in embryology.  Upon passing the examination, these individuals will be designated medical technologist-provisional [MT-P(AAB)] until such time as they complete 30 ART laboratory procedures in humans, at which time the provisional status will be removed.]

An individual may apply for certification in just one discipline, several disciplines, or all eight (8) disciplines. The discipline(s) in which an individual is certified will be listed on the AAB Board of Registry certificate and certification card forwarded to successful applicants.

To be certified as MT(AAB), an individual must pass the appropriate AAB Board of Registry examination AND meet at least one (1) of the following requirements:

1. Earn a doctoral, masters, or baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent, from an accredited university or college with a major in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology.

In addition, individuals qualifying under this route must also obtain one year of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines.

2. Successfully complete ninety (90) semester hours in an accredited university or college with a major in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology.

In addition, individuals qualifying under this route must also obtain one year of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines.

3. Earn an associate degree or an associate of applied science degree, or the equivalent, from an accredited institution with a major in a laboratory science or medical technology.

The equivalent of an associate degree is defined as sixty (60) semester hours, of which twenty-four (24) semester hours are either:

1. medical laboratory technology courses, or
    

2. 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 route #3 must also obtain three years of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines.
 

Individuals who lack three (3) years of acceptable full-time experience may still challenge the MT(AAB) examination.  Upon passing the examination, these individuals will be designated medical technologist-provisional [MT-P(AAB)] until they complete three (3) years of acceptable full-time experience in the applicable technical disciplines, at which time the provisional status will be removed.

4. Have previously qualified, or could have qualified, as a technologist under the revised Medicare/CLlA ’67 regulations (42 CFR 493.1433) published on March 14, 1990 (55 FR  9538).

These revised Medicare/CLIA ’67 regulations include individuals who passed the HHS (formerly HEW) Proficiency Examination for medical technologists and those who had ten (10) years of full-time experience prior to January 1, 1968.

 

Individuals who lack the documented performance of 30 ART laboratory procedures in humans may still challenge the MT(AAB) examination.  Upon passing the examination, these individuals will be designated medical technologist-provisional [MT-P(AAB)] until such time as they complete 30 ART laboratory procedures in humans, at which time the provisional status will be removed.

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