Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Be recognized for your medical laboratory expertise with the well-respected Medical Laboratory Technician certification from AMT.

Thinking about becoming a medical laboratory technician? Explore the Profession

Want help choosing the application route that’s right for you?

Choose Your Eligibility Route

Education

Accredited medical laboratory technician program

Military

50-week U.S. miliary medical laboratory training program

Alternate Education

Accredited program and work experience

Apply & Prepare

Apply

If you are eligible, you can apply.

 
Apply Today


Application Fee*

MLT  $220
MLT International $225

  • *Fees are non-refundable and include application, exam and first annual fee.

Take the Exam

Once you receive approval notice from AMT, you can schedule your exam.

Schedule Exam


  • If you are taking the exam at school, your instructor will provide the exam date and time.
  • If you are taking the exam at a Pearson Professional Assessments testing center location, you will schedule your own exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as full-time laboratory experience?

Full-time experience is calculated at 40 hours per week. Six months of full-time experience equals 1,040 hours. Qualifying part-time experience may be combined if it totals the required number of hours. 

The experience must involve testing human body fluids and tissues and must be documented using the MLT Employment Verification Form. Review your eligibility route to determine whether work experience is required. 

Education and Military applicants need six months of qualifying experience if they completed their program more than five years ago. Alternate Education applicants must document six months of qualifying experience within the last five years. 

What if I completed my qualifying program more than five years ago?

If you completed your qualifying MLT or military laboratory training more than five years ago, you must document at least six months (1,040 hours) of approved clinical laboratory experience completed within the last five years. Submit the required transcripts and an MLT Employment Verification Form completed by your employer. 

Can I apply before graduation?

Yes, students in their final semester or those finishing their externship can begin the application process. However, final transcripts are needed after graduation.

Which documents or forms do I submit?

Required documents vary by eligibility route. Review the eligibility routes above to determine which route applies to you and confirm the documents you need before applying.

What does a medical laboratory technician do?

A medical laboratory technician collects and performs routine laboratory tests in the areas of blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, and urinalysis to provide results for the diagnosis of diseases, allowing physicians/healthcare providers to create appropriate patient treatment plans. MLTs often advance their career paths to become a medical laboratory scientist.

What does a career journey look like for medical laboratory technicians?

The career of a medical laboratory technician typically starts with an accredited training program or education, followed by certification with AMT. MLTs can advance careers through specialization, leadership roles, or progressing to higher level laboratory roles.

What is the salary of medical laboratory technicians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for clinical laboratory professionals is about $61,890. However, salaries may vary depending on the state, employer, and work experience.

What is the job outlook of medical laboratory technicians?

About 22,600 openings projected each year through 2034.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Does the application fee include the certification exam?

Yes. The non-refundable application fee includes the application, certification examination, and first annual renewal fee.