Medical Lab Assistant Schools & Accredited Programs
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“For those pursuing degrees in chemistry or biology, consider complementing your education with a technical certificate, such as in phlebotomy or medical lab assistance. Many find that despite having a degree, the lack of technical experience limits their job prospects. Pairing your degree with a practical certification makes you job-ready and opens up opportunities for advancement.”
Erika Ferreri, MAED, Faculty Member at Bellevue College
Medical laboratory assistants are critical members of the healthcare system. They strike a balance of medical care, technology, and science as they are responsible for interacting with patients, but also must be able to help a lab run smoothly. Typical duties can include taking blood, gathering specimens, preparing samples for testing, running routine tests, sterilizing equipment, and recording results.
In order to perform the duties required, medical lab assistants must complete entry-level training and education. While the necessary skills can be gained through on-the-job training, employers prefer that candidates complete a medical lab assistant certificate or diploma. Completing a medical lab assistant program demonstrates dedication to completing a course of study, as well as a minimum level of competency in the field.
There are several options for pursuing a medical lab assistant diploma or certification. Students can attend a traditional on-campus program, or they can complete an online or hybrid one. In-person schools that offer the necessary training include community colleges, vocational schools, and career centers. Online programs are offered through similar institutions and may also include online-only certification entities such as MedCerts.
Another optional step medical lab assistants can take is to obtain certification. This voluntary step demonstrates to employers and patients that the certificate holder has reached a high level of expertise in this field and has the necessary hands-on skills to succeed.
The primary certifications available for medical lab assistants are the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) designation through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Some states may require medical lab assistants to obtain a license in order to practice to perform specific procedures.
If this detail-oriented, patient-centric, lab-based career sounds interesting, continue reading to learn more about schools that offer this training, job outlook, and accreditation.
Meet the Expert: Erika Ferreri MAED, BSBM, MA-P
Erika Ferreri, MAED, BSBM, MA-P, has been a member of the allied health faculty at Bellevue College since 2004, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to her part-time teaching role.
With a master’s degree in adult education and certification as a phlebotomy instructor, Ferreri’s educational foundation is robust and specialized. Her remarkable career spans over 26 years in the healthcare sector, where she has served in various capacities, including phlebotomist, clinical lab assistant, laboratory information specialist, and clinical research liaison for the federal government.
Additionally, her expertise has been sought after as a subject matter expert in numerous phlebotomy-related lawsuits. Leveraging her extensive background, Ferreri has dedicated herself to educating others at the college and corporate levels. Known for her dynamic teaching style, she engages her students through interactive lessons incorporating real-world scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something most people don’t know about the medical lab assistant profession?
Ferreri: Pursuing phlebotomy or a medical lab assistant course opens doors beyond just lab sciences, leading to diverse career paths. For instance, I transitioned from a phlebotomist to a lab assistant, then moved into clinical research, developed laboratory software in IT, and ultimately entered education. This illustrates that starting in lab sciences doesn’t confine one to this field alone; it’s more like a launching pad into various sectors.
Many students use these courses as a stepping stone into healthcare careers, such as becoming physician’s assistants or doctors. The skills learned, like interpreting lab results, preparing specimens for testing, and drawing blood, are crucial for direct patient care roles and often need to be covered more extensively in higher-degree programs. Additionally, these classes can provide an edge in the application process for advanced healthcare programs, which usually require or favor applicants with direct patient care experience. Thus, these courses are invaluable for anyone advancing in the healthcare industry.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective medical lab assistant?
Ferreri: A crucial piece of advice is to prioritize soft skills alongside your academic efforts. Learning technical skills, such as how to draw blood or understanding lab tests, is more straightforward than cultivating the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Focus on enhancing your teamwork, communication, professionalism, and writing skills, including crafting professional emails. These essential soft skills often receive less attention in academic settings but are vital for success in any profession.
Additionally, for those pursuing degrees in chemistry or biology, consider complementing your education with a technical certificate, such as in phlebotomy or medical lab assistance. Many find that despite having a degree, the lack of technical experience limits their job prospects. Pairing your degree with a practical certification makes you job-ready and opens up opportunities for advancement into management or specialized areas within lab sciences.
On-Campus Medical Lab Assistant Programs
While a degree or certificate is not necessary for a career as a medical lab assistant, it can be advantageous when looking for work and may net a higher salary.
Most medical lab assistant programs are offered at technical schools, community colleges, or vocational training centers. The most common programs offer certificates or diplomas. However, students can pursue an associate of science as a medical lab technician, which is a more advanced degree.
Admission to most of these programs is relatively straightforward, with the only requirements being a completed application and paying an application fee. Some programs may require candidates to provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, but there are many programs that do not.
In rare cases, students may have to prove proficiency in subjects such as English or math, already have a certification in phlebotomy or basic life support, or have previous work experience. Here are some on-campus medical lab assistant program options:
Bellevue College, just east of Seattle, offers a clinical laboratory assistant certificate that can be completed in as little as one year with 26 to 32 credits. This program prepares students with the necessary skills to work in a clinical lab.
Graduates of this program will have the skills necessary to collect specimens, work with patients, deliver results, and maintain confidentiality. This program places a special emphasis on training students to be aware of cultural sensitivities when working with patients.
Courses include introduction to healthcare; medical terminology; safety for healthcare; introduction to clinical laboratory; clinical laboratory applications; human biology; and human anatomy and physiology.
- Location: Bellevue, WA
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
The clinical laboratory assistant program at Edmonds College in Lynnwood, Washington, consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on lab classes. The 40 required credits for this program are typically completed in three quarters. The first two quarters are classroom courses. All students have the option of completing a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate as part of this program, which would allow them to sit for the Medical Assistant – Phlebotomy (MA-P) through the Department of Health in Washington State.
Courses include human body; basic life support/CPR; HIV/AIDS; introduction to healthcare; medical terminology; phlebotomy technician; clinical lab assistant fundamentals; electrocardiograph technician externship; phlebotomy externship; and EKG/cardiac monitoring/telemetry.
- Location: Lynnwood, WA
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
Combining online, classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities, Salt Lake Community College offers a certificate of achievement in the clinical lab assistant program on its Jordan campus in West Jordan, Utah. Providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to competently perform the duties of entry-level medical laboratory assistants, this program trains graduates to work in hospital laboratories, doctors’ offices, and other outpatient labs as integral members of the allied healthcare delivery team.
The program’s curriculum allows students to gain competency in psychomotor, affective, and cognitive competencies in entry-level laboratory skills.
When students complete this program, they will also earn the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR and American Heart Association First Aid certificates. Students must be at least 16 years old to enroll in this program but must be 18 to complete the externship portion.
This 12-credit program includes courses such as medical terminology; admin healthcare procedures; basic healthcare procedures; clinical lab procedures; and an introduction to healthcare.
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
Northern Virginia Community College
Students can complete their medical laboratory assistant certificate at Northern Virginia Community College. Preparing MLAs to perform a variety of supportive procedures in the analytical and preanalytical stages of clinical sample processing, this program helps students develop their ability to follow verbal and written instructions, transfer information from one situation to another, organize work, communicate effectively with members of the healthcare delivery team and patients, and demonstrate problem-solving skills. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for national certification exams at the assistant level.
Made up of 27 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to medical terminology; clinical phlebotomy; clinical urinalysis; healthcare information systems; ethics for healthcare personnel; basic clinical microbiology; and laboratory instrumentation.
- Location: Springfield, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Three semesters
In just 20 weeks (1.5 semesters), students can complete the medical laboratory assistant program at Calhoun Community College. This program is located on the Huntsville campus in Huntsville, Alabama. The first 15 weeks of this program are completed in the classroom and lab, learning how to gather specimens, prepare samples for testing, perform basic tests, record information, and even deliver results. The final five weeks of the program are a clinical laboratory practicum. Students may be eligible for funding to complete this program through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA).
This 13-credit program includes courses such as laboratory techniques; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and clinical laboratory practicum for MLA.
- Location: Huntsville, AL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 20 weeks (1.5 semesters)
Medical Lab Assistant
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamson Institute | San Antonio | Texas | https://lamson.edu | 77 |
| Osceola Technical College | Kissimmee | Florida | https://www.osceolaschools.net/otech | 32 |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus | Ohio | https://www.cscc.edu | 31 |
| California Institute of Medical Science | Clovis | California | https://cims.edu | 26 |
| Chemeketa Community College | Salem | Oregon | https://www.chemeketa.edu | 24 |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood | Washington | https://www.cptc.edu | 14 |
| Central Arizona College | Coolidge | Arizona | https://centralaz.edu | 12 |
| Manatee Technical College | Bradenton | Florida | https://www.manateetech.edu | 11 |
| Edmonds College | Lynnwood | Washington | https://www.edmonds.edu | 10 |
| Kankakee Community College | Kankakee | Illinois | https://www.kcc.edu | 10 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | Wenatchee | Washington | https://www.wvc.edu | 9 |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta | Maine | https://www.uma.edu | 9 |
| Southeast Texas Career Institute | Silsbee | Texas | https://setxci.com | 9 |
| Dalton State College | Dalton | Georgia | https://www.daltonstate.edu | 8 |
| Laurel Technical Institute | Hermitage | Pennsylvania | https://www.laurel.edu | 8 |
| North Idaho College | Coeur d'Alene | Idaho | https://www.nic.edu | 8 |
| Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland | Maryland | https://www.allegany.edu | 8 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland | Ohio | https://www.tri-c.edu | 7 |
| University of Maine at Presque Isle | Presque Isle | Maine | https://www.umpi.edu | 7 |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg | South Carolina | https://www.octech.edu | 7 |
| Delaware Technical Community College-Terry | Dover | Delaware | https://www.dtcc.edu | 6 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls | Minnesota | https://www.minnesota.edu | 5 |
| Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City | Utah | https://www.slcc.edu | 4 |
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | Iowa | https://www.indianhills.edu | 4 |
| North Arkansas College | Harrison | Arkansas | https://www.northark.edu | 2 |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Michigan | https://nmu.edu | 1 |
| Eastern Arizona College | Thatcher | Arizona | https://www.eac.edu | 1 |
Online Medical Lab Assistant Programs
Due to the hands-on nature of a medical lab assistant degree program, there are very few entirely online programs. At a minimum, students need hands-on skills and training to perform venipunctures and draw blood. Some online programs will assist students in completing their in-person components, while others put the burden on the students to find a location to learn the skill.
Students should consult with their program prior to enrolling to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities. Here are three programs that offer a large portion of medical lab assistant training online:
MedCerts is an online-only medical education school. Aspiring medical lab assistants can complete their clinical medical specialist program, which encompasses both the medical assistant program and phlebotomy technician training. By combining medical assistant and phlebotomy certifications, this 32-week program allows students to expand their clinical expertise and marketability in a high-demand industry.
In order to complete this program, students will need to perform 30 venipunctures and ten capillary sticks. MedCerts does not guarantee placement for students to complete this experience. Therefore this program is only recommended for students already working in the healthcare field who can readily access a place to learn these skills.
Courses include professionalism in allied health; phlebotomy; clinical medical assisting; introduction to human anatomy and medical terminology; and medical office procedures and administration.
- Location: Online
- Accreditation: Not institutionally accredited, but the certifications earned in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authority, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Expected Time to Completion: 32 Weeks
Located in Ogden, Utah, Weber State University offers students the opportunity to complete their medical laboratory assistant certificate online. All lecture classes can be completed online while laboratory skills are learned and practiced at a supporting laboratory under the supervision of a qualified mentor. In total, students must complete 64 hours of training at their supporting laboratory.
As part of the admissions process, students must secure a statement of support from a clinical site where they intend to complete their hands-on learning. Students who complete this program can continue their studies with the online medical laboratory technician program also offered at Weber.
- Location: Ogden, UT
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
South Piedmont Community College
The medical lab assistant certificate program at South Piedmont Community College is a certificate within the medical assistant diploma and is offered only in the fall semester. This certificate offers the same curriculum courses offered as a first-semester medical assisting student and requires the students to complete a four-week (160 hours) work-based learning experience in a laboratory setting.
Upon completion, graduates are able to sit for the certification exam administered through the AMT. Students who complete the certificate have the option to further their education and go directly into the medical assisting diploma. The program is offered in a hybrid format.
This 16-credit program includes courses such as orientation to medical assisting; medical law & ethics; medical terminology; administrative office procedures; infection/hazard control; and laboratory procedures.
- Location: Polkton, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Expected Time to Completion: One semester
The online associate of applied science program in medical laboratory technologists at Rasmussen University, in Eagan, Minnesota, is a 21-month long program that prepares students for national certification and a rewarding career. This degree is more advanced than is necessary for a career as a medical lab assistant and provides students with the skills and education necessary to perform more complex tests and procedures.
This blended (online and on-campus) NAACLS-accredited MLT program provides a strong understanding of the healthcare industry, medical laboratory technology, and clinical requirements. Made up of 91 credits, the program includes courses such as medical terminology; clinical chemistry; phlebotomy; hematology; clinical microbiology; urinalysis; immunology; and immunohematology.
- Location: Eagan, MN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
- Expected Time to Completion: 21 months
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso | Texas | https://southwestuniversity.edu | 314 |
| Clackamas Community College | Oregon City | Oregon | https://www.clackamas.edu | 7 |
| Bossier Parish Community College | Bossier City | Louisiana | https://www.bpcc.edu | 3 |
Core & Elective Courses for Medical Lab Assistants
Currently, there is no programmatic accrediting body for medical lab assistant programs, which means core and elective coursework can vary. In order to be eligible for AMT certification, however, students must complete a course that includes at least 200 hours of didactic education. There is no specification as to what these courses must entail. Typical classes offered can include:
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Phlebotomy
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Clinical laboratory skills
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Anatomy and physiology
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Medical terminology
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Bloodborne pathogens
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Medical laws and ethics
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Administrative office procedures
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Clinical practicum, externship, or internship
Medical Lab Assistant Program & School Accreditation
When students are considering an educational program, it is imperative that they ensure that the school and degree have some level of accreditation. Accreditation assures students and employers that an institution has attained a high level of quality in facilities, faculty, and curriculum. Also, attending an accredited institution makes it easier to transfer credit to another school should a student switch schools.
The two primary types of accreditation are programmatic, meaning for a specific degree, or regional, meaning the school holds a nationally recognized accreditation. Presently, there is no programmatic accrediting body for medical lab assistant programs.
However, more general medical assistant programs are programmatically accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). More advanced medical laboratory technician or scientist programs are accredited by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Regional accreditation is provided through one of four accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. They include:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Career Outlook
The career outlook for medical lab assistants is robust, with anticipated increases in jobs in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this career typically falls under the medical assistant designation.
Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS (2025) estimates that there will be a 15 percent increase in jobs for medical assistants. This translates into over 118,000 new positions at hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient centers. The 763,040 medical assistants in the US earn $43,350 per year on average. The percentiles for wages are:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 763,040 |
| Average Annual Salary | $43,350 |
| 10th percentile | $33,500 |
| 25th percentile | $36,780 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $42,000 |
| 75th percentile | $47,220 |
| 90th percentile | $56,480 |
Licensing & Certification for Medical Lab Assistants
Licensing requirements for medical lab assistants vary from state to state. Some states require clinical laboratory personnel to be licensed, and medical lab assistants can sometimes be classified as such.
In addition, four states require licensing to perform venipunctures: California, Nevada, Louisiana, and Washington. Aspiring medical lab assistants should contact their local licensing boards to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and obtain the appropriate credentials to practice in their state.
For the most part, certification as a medical lab assistant is optional. However, this additional voluntary step demonstrates to employers and patients a high level of competency in this field. There are two primary certifications medical lab assistants can earn.
Become a Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA-AMT)
- Offered by: American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Prerequisites: Complete an academic course that includes a minimum of 320 combined didactic and clinical laboratory experience clock hours; or have 1,040 hours of work experience in the past three years in laboratory technology. Eligible candidates must then pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam.
- Renewal: To maintain this credential, certificate holders must pay an annual fee and report 30 Certification Continuation Program points every three years.
Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA-ASCP)
- Offered by: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Prerequisites: There are six ways a candidate can be eligible to earn an MLA certification. They are: a high school diploma and completion of a NAACLS-approved Clinical Assistant (CA) program; a high school diploma and a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course; a high school diploma and two years of full-time clinical experience as a laboratory assistant; an associate’s degree and one year of full-time clinical experience as a laboratory assistant; a valid ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification and one year of full-time clinical experience as a laboratory assistant; and a high school diploma, successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured medical laboratory assistant (MLA) program, and six months of full-time clinical experience as a laboratory assistant. Candidates must also pass a 100-question multiple-choice exam.
- Renewal: The MLA certificate must be renewed every three years and must be accompanied by nine points of learning activities for the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
