What is MLS (ASCP) Certification?

For medical laboratory professionals, earning a credential that demonstrates expertise and competence is more than just a formality, it’s a career-defining step. ASCP certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the field of medical laboratory science, serving as a benchmark for knowledge, skills, and professional credibility. If you’re a medical laboratory technician (MLT) ready to advance to a medical laboratory scientist (MLS) role, or a student planning your career path, understanding ASCP certification and how to qualify is essential. 

At The Ohio State University, the MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science program is specifically designed to help experienced technicians meet the eligibility requirements and successfully achieve ASCP certification, particularly through Route 2. This pathway allows students to leverage existing clinical experience, complete a bachelor’s degree, and prepare thoroughly for the ASCP exam without requiring additional clinical placements through the program. 

Explore what ASCP certification is, eligibility pathways, Route 2 in detail, and why certification matters for your career. 

ASCP stands for the American Society for Clinical Pathology, a professional organization representing pathologists, laboratory professionals, and scientists. The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam is a rigorous credentialing test that validates a laboratory professional’s expertise across core areas of clinical laboratory science, including hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and molecular diagnostics. 

The ASCP BOC exam serves as a professional standard, ensuring that candidates possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate and reliable laboratory testing. Candidates who pass the ASCP exam earn the nationally recognized certification that demonstrates both competence and dedication to the profession. 

For medical laboratory scientists, this credential is not only a mark of achievement but also a critical factor in career advancement. Employers in hospitals, research labs, and diagnostic companies often prioritize candidates with ASCP certification when hiring or promoting staff. 

ASCP eligibility pathways for MLS certification 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification offers multiple eligibility pathways (Routes 1 through 6, with Route 3 discontinued in 2023) for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification. These routes are designed to accommodate different educational and professional backgrounds: 

• NAACLS-Accredited MLS Program (Route 1):
  Bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited MLS program. 
• MLT-to-MLS (Route 2):
  Valid MLT(ASCP) certification, bachelor’s degree, and 2 years of qualifying clinical laboratory experience. 
• Bachelor’s + Clinical Experience (Route 4):
  Bachelor’s degree in a related science field and several years of qualifying clinical experience. 
• MLS(ASCPi) Certification (Route 5):
  International MLS(ASCPi) certification with verified degree equivalency and clinical experience. 
• Military Training (Route 6):
  Completion of an approved U.S. military laboratory training program, plus a bachelor’s degree and clinical experience.

Each pathway requires a combination of education and documented experience across core laboratory areas, ensuring candidates are prepared for professional practice and certification. 

Special focus: Route 2, MLT to MLS 

For medical laboratory technicians seeking to transition to MLS roles, Route 2 is often the most practical and efficient pathway. Route 2 is designed for individuals who are already certified MLTs and are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

How Route 2 works 

Route 2 allows candidates to use MLT clinical experience to meet eligibility requirements, provided it meets ASCP criteria. This is especially beneficial for working professionals, as it reduces the need for additional clinical rotations or on-site training. Instead, students focus on completing advanced coursework in MLS, which covers areas such as molecular diagnostics, clinical microbiology, hematology, immunology, and laboratory management. 

Ohio State’s MLT-to-MLS, Bachelor of Science program 

At Ohio State, the MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science program is designed to support students who are seeking certification through Route 2. Applicants must already be certified as MLTs (ASCP or AMT) and hold an associate degree. 

Key features include: 

• Use of existing clinical experience: This online program does not require students to complete new clinical placements. Students may use existing professional clinical experience to meet Route 2 eligibility requirements. To qualify, students must have at least two years of relevant clinical experience, as defined by ASCP guidelines. 
• Online curriculum: The same rigorous MLS coursework is offered online as in-person, providing flexibility for working professionals. 
• Comprehensive MLS preparation: Courses align with the ASCP exam blueprint to ensure students are fully prepared for certification. 

 This approach allows MLTs to transition efficiently into MLS roles, gain a bachelor’s degree, and meet the educational requirements for the ASCP MLS certification exam. 

Why MLS (ASCP) certification matters 

The decision to pursue ASCP certification is ultimately an investment in your professional future. Is ASCP certification worth it? For medical laboratory professionals, the answer is yes. 

Career advancement 

ASCP-certified professionals may go on to seek advanced positions or degrees in more specialized fields. 

Professional credibility 

Earning certification may demonstrate a dedication to maintaining high professional standards. It signals that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide reliable laboratory results, which is essential for patient care. 

Employer preference 

Hospitals, clinics, and research facilities frequently list ASCP certification as a preferred or required qualification in job postings. 

Industry recognition 

ASCP certification is widely respected in the medical laboratory community. It is often preferred for leadership roles and specialized areas. 

Importance of pass rates when choosing an MLS program 

When selecting an MLS program, ASCP pass rates are one important measure of program quality. Programs with high pass rates demonstrate: 

• Alignment of curriculum with the ASCP exam. 
• Strong preparation of students for the knowledge and skills tested. 
• Effective support structures such as tutoring, exam prep, and faculty mentorship. 

At Ohio State, online students benefit from a curriculum identical in rigor and content to on-campus students. Over the past three years, nearly 100% of Ohio State medical laboratory students passed the ASCP Board of Registry Certification Exam within a year of graduation, scoring above the national average in every subject area.

High pass rates also provide reassurance that the program’s graduates are ready to enter the workforce as competent and confident MLS professionals. 

Advance your career with an MLS at Ohio State 

Earning ASCP certification is a critical step for MLTs advancing to MLS roles. It provides professional credibility, career flexibility, and validation of expertise. For students leveraging their MLT experience, Route 2 provides a clear and efficient path to certification, supported by Ohio State’s MLT-to-MLS Bachelor of Science program. By combining existing clinical experience with advanced MLS coursework, students can prepare thoroughly for the ASCP exam and achieve national recognition as a medical laboratory scientist. 

If you’re ready to advance your career and achieve ASCP certification, explore Ohio State’s program designed to meet Route 2 eligibility requirements and prepare you for success.