Contents
If you’re looking to get certified in medical technology, you may be wondering what a Med Tech Certification is. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of what a Med Tech Certification is and how it can benefit your career.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
A medical technologist, sometimes called a clinical laboratory scientist or a medical laboratory technician, is a healthcare professional who performs tests on blood and other bodily fluids to help detect, diagnose, and treat diseases. Many of these professionals are certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), which offers a range of different credentialing options.
The most common type of certification for medical technologists is the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential. To earn this credential, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field, and they must pass an ASCP-administered examination. Candidates who have not completed a degree program may be eligible to take the MLS examination if they have completed certain coursework and have at least two years of full-time work experience in a certified laboratory.
ASCP also offers a certification for medical laboratory technicians, which is called the Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) credential. To earn this credential, individuals must have an associate’s degree in medical technology or a related field, and they must pass an ASCP-administered examination. Candidates who have not completed a degree program may be eligible to take the CLT examination if they have completed certain coursework and have at least one year of full-time work experience in a certified laboratory.
In addition to the MLS and CLT credentials, ASCP also offers two specialty certifications for medical technologists: the Blood Bank Specialist (BBS) credential and the Cytogenetics Technologist (CG) credential. To earn either of these credentials, individuals must have an MLS or CLT credential and must pass an ASCP-administered specialty examination. Candidates who have not completed a degree program may be eligible to take either specialty examination if they have completed certain coursework and have at least two years of full-time work experience in the relevant field.
What is a Med Tech Certification?
Med Tech Certification is a voluntary process whereby medical laboratories can demonstrate to government inspectors, as well as the public, that they operate at standards that are at least equal to nationally recognized levels. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes four major certifying organizations for medical laboratories in the united states – The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC), and National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
State licensing of clinical laboratories is also voluntary in most states, although there are a few states that have mandatory licensure laws. In general, however, state laboratory licensure simply means that the laboratory has met certain basic requirements related to personnel, facilities, and quality control practices – it does not necessarily mean that the laboratory meets specific quality standards.
The federal government does not have any regulations specific to clinical laboratory quality, but in 1988 Congress enacted the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) which established quality standards for all laboratories that perform tests on human specimens for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment, or for the assessment of health. These same quality standards apply regardless of whether the test is performed manually or by instrument.
In order to be CLIA-certified and therefore legally allowed to bill Medicare and Medicaid for their services, all laboratories must undergo a periodic on-site survey by either CMS itself or by one of CMS’s designated accrediting organizations. TJC, CAP, ASCP-BOC, and NAACLS are all approved accrediting organizations for medical laboratories.
The Benefits of a Med Tech Certification
The medical technology field is one of the most rapidlygrowing and in-demand industries today. A med tech certification can give you the skills and knowledge you need to start or advance your career in this exciting field.
There are many benefits to pursuing a med tech certification, including:
-Improved Job Prospects: A med tech certification can make you more attractive to potential employers and open up new job opportunities.
-Higher Earning Potential: Med tech professionals with a certification can earn higher salaries than those without one.
-Increased Job Satisfaction: A med tech certification can help you feel more confident in your job and improve your overall job satisfaction.
-Opportunities for Career Advancement: With a med tech certification, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue leadership positions and other advancement opportunities.
How to Get a Med Tech Certification
There are many ways that you can get a Med Tech certification. You can take courses online, through a certified program, or even on the job. The most important thing is to make sure that you are getting the training from a reputable source. Here are some of the ways that you can get started:
-Online Courses: There are many reputable online courses that you can take to get your Med Tech certification. These courses will provide you with the knowledge and skills that you need to be a successful medical technician.
-Certified Programs: There are many certified programs available that will provide you with the training that you need to become a Med Tech. These programs are typically offered by community colleges or technical schools.
-On-the-job Training: Many employers will offer on-the-job training to help you get your Med Tech certification. This type of training is often the most beneficial because it gives you the opportunity to learn from experienced medical technicians.
Conclusion
Medical technologists (med techs) are an important part of the healthcare team. They work in laboratories, using their knowledge of science and technology to perform tests that help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
Med techs usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field, and many have a master’s degree. In addition, they must be certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT), or National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).
certification is not required in all states, but it may be required by employers. Certification can show that a med tech has the skills and knowledge needed to do their job well.
There are different types of med tech certification programs, but most require successful completion of an exam. Some programs also require continuing education to keep certification up to date.
