Clinical lab technologist or technician: degree, certification, state license
Technologists typically need a bachelor's in medical technology or a life science; technicians sometimes qualify with an associate's. Some states license lab staff, and employers may prefer certification.
For: Students who like chemistry and biology, careful lab work and helping with diagnosis behind the scenes.
Route 1: Medical laboratory scientist (technologist) Bachelor's
A bachelor's in medical technology (medical laboratory science) or a life science such as biology or chemistry.
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Start here
High school (chemistry, biology, math)
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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4 years
Bachelor's in medical laboratory science
Chemistry, biology, hematology and hands-on training in a clinical setting.
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Certification exam
Completing an accredited program is typically required to sit for it; in some states licensure requires certification.
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State license, where required
Some states require lab personnel to be licensed or registered; rules vary by state and specialty.
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Clinical laboratory technologist
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Medical laboratory technician Associate's
An associate's in clinical laboratory science; the Armed Forces and vocational schools also offer certificates.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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2 years
Associate's in clinical laboratory science
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Certification exam
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State license, where required
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Clinical laboratory technician
Some technicians advance to technologist with experience and more education.
BLS
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
National certifications and federal rules
Federal rules apply in every state; voluntary certifications are ones employers may ask for. State rules are in the matrix below.
- ASCP BOC MLS and MLT
American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification - Credentials for medical laboratory scientists (MLS) and medical laboratory technicians (MLT).
ASCP BOC
ASCP Board of Certification (MLS and MLT credentials)American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
For licensing rules, contact your state department of health or state board of occupational licensing; requirements vary by state and specialty. BLS
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.