Learn more about the profession, how to become certified, and employment information.
What Does a Medical Laboratory Assistant Do?
Medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) help with sampling, testing, measuring, recording, and analyzing specimens while working with the lab team. Their main tasks include:
- Processing lab samples
- Performing routine and specialized tests
- Preparing and staining slides
- Drawing blood (phlebotomy)
- Recording test information
- Cleaning and restocking the lab
- Managing inventory and ordering supplies
MLAs need to pay attention to detail and be careful when processing tests to ensure quality control. Even small differences in test substances or numbers can affect a diagnosis. They should work well with others and have strong communication skills.
Employers look for MLAs who have good judgment and can handle pressure. Good hand-eye coordination and normal color vision are important. Since labs use many machines, knowing how to use computers is essential too.
Where Do MLAs Work?
Medical laboratory assistants work in a variety of settings. These include hospitals, independent reference laboratories and in offices of physicians. MLAs are in high demand with many excellent job opportunities. Most jobs will continue to be in hospitals, but employment will grow faster in other settings.
MLA vs MLT: What’s the Difference?
Medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians are both important members of the team. MLTs typically have more advanced education than MLAs. Their duties in the lab require more skill and responsibility.
While MLAs do more clerical work and collect samples, MLTs prepare samples for medical technologists and conduct routine testing. Learn more about the MLT role in our professional profile.
MLAs learn many skills on the job, but some employers prefer candidates who have earned a certificate or degree from an MLA training program. You can find these clinical laboratory science programs at accredited career/vocational schools, technical colleges, or community colleges.
MLA Certification
Employers expect MLA employees to have a high school diploma. Some employers prefer MLAs who hold certification from a recognized professional association, such as the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Choosing a tough and valuable certification program shows employers and patients that they can trust your skills. It demonstrates your knowledge and expertise.
Certification with 番茄影视requires that all applicants comply with certain requirements, or routes. Those who meet the requirements have an excellent chance of passing the certification exam. 番茄影视offers national certification that applies to all states.
These certification exams test the important skills needed to perform the tasks required of healthcare workers.
AMT’s CMLA certification is for both current students and people who already have jobs in the field. We focus on new healthcare workers across the United States and identify those eligible for 番茄影视certification. See if you are eligible on our Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant page.
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Career Advancement for MLAs
Medical laboratory assistants can advance and become technicians or scientists through additional education and experience. Technologists may advance to leadership positions in laboratory work. They may also become chief technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals.
Medical and laboratory equipment companies seek experienced technologists to work in product development, marketing, and sales. Professional certification and/or a graduate degree in medical technology, biological sciences, chemistry, management or education usually speeds advancement.
Medical Laboratory Assistant Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of lab workers to from 2023 to 2033. In 2023, the number of jobs for lab technicians was 344,200. The volume of laboratory tests increases with both population growth and the development of new types of tests.
Job opportunities for MLAs are excellent because of the number of job openings growing. Although significant, job growth will not be the only source of opportunities. Many more job openings will happen because workers are switching to other jobs, retiring, or leaving the workforce.
MLA Salary
The average annual wage of medical laboratory assistants in May 2023 was ($29.22/hr).
Want To Learn More?
Read more about AMTs laboratory certifications on our blog.