For some time, there is still some confusion between the terms “Medical Technologist” (MT) and “Medical Laboratory Scientist” (MLS). Are they harmonious? Now we will tell about the history of this profession, explain the reason for this ambiguity and clarify the correct name of this profession.
Medical technicians have been a recognized profession for almost a century. This profession first arose when laboratory pathologists realized the need for highly qualified specialists. With this great need, several organizations have taken the initiative to create a form of accreditation of qualified medical personnel to assist pathologists in conducting advanced medical laboratory procedures.
One of the oldest accredited agencies, the National Agency for the Record of Laboratory Personnel (NCA), offered an exam for those who have successfully completed their bachelor's degrees in medical technology. Those who successfully completed educational requirements and passed the exam received the title of "Clinical Laboratory Scientists" (CLS) and had the right to work in hospital laboratories.
Another accrediting agency, the ASCP Board of Registry (BOR), was founded in 1928 by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). They also offered an exam for individuals who successfully completed their undergraduate degrees in an accredited medical lab / medical technology program. Those who successfully fulfilled their educational requirements and passed the exam on board received the title of “Medical Technologist” (MT) and are entitled to use the “MT (ASCP)” credentials after their names.
On July 21, 2009, the National Laboratory Personnel Accounting Agency (NCA) and the ASCP Registry Board (BOR) signed a merger agreement, forming a single certification agency for laboratory specialists. This newly established agency was named the ASCP Certification Board (BOC). This new agreement entered into force on October 23, 2009. ASCP BOC is a separate certification agency in the ASCP association. Individuals who have fulfilled their educational requirements (usually a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science) and successfully passed the entrance exams received the title “Medical Laboratory Scientist” (MLS) and can use “MLS” credentials after their names.
This merger was formed to create the only major certification organization for new people who came into the profession. Prior to this merger, the two accredited agencies often caused confusion as to which of them was “official”. This association simplifies the path to a career as a lab technician and is an important step forward for this profession. Although some hospitals may still refer to them as medical technicians, the correct name provided to professionals who have fulfilled their educational requirements and passed the boards is a medical laboratory scientist, MLS (ASCP).
