To work as a medical technologist, an individual is required to have a Bachelor's degree. It is not required by law that you must be certified to work as a medical technologist, however, employers typically require that applicants be certified, and those who are certified typically receive higher pay. In most cases, the certification exam required is that of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP); sometimes the certification of another body is acceptable, i.e., that of the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc. (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Most states do not require a state license to practice. California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York (new September 1, 2006), North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia, as well as Puerto Rico, have state laboratory personnel licensing bodies. The contact details for these states are found below.
Medical Technologists from Canada or Mexico
It is not required by law that you must be certified to work as a medical technologist, however, most employers require that applicants be certified, and those who are certified typically receive higher pay. In most cases, the certification exam required is that of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP); sometimes the certification of another body is acceptable, i.e., that of the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc. (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
According to the ASCP, NCA, and AMT websites, candidates with degrees from universities outside the United States or Canada must have their education evaluated by a formal evaluation agency. For more information about acceptable evaluation bodies, and about acceptable forms of experience, see the ASCP, NCA, or AMT website.
VisaScreen Information: Under the VisaScreen requirement instituted in July 2004 for some healthcare professions does pertain to medical technologists seeking occupational visas.
VisaScreen includes an educational review, licensure review, and English language skills assessment (*most Canadians are exempt). The US government has authorized the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), through its International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) division, to issue VisaScreen certificates for all professions requiring VisaScreen, not just nurses.
What exactly is required for the VisaScreen?
The applicant must complete the VisaScreen application. These can be downloaded from the CGFNS website.- The applicant must include a passport-sized photo (as of January 1, 2006).
- The applicant must complete the forms (that come with the VisaScreen application) and send these to her/his medical technologist training school. The school must fill in information on the form and send a transcript directly to ICHP.
The applicant must complete the forms (that come with the VisaScreen application) and send them to his/her licensing authority/authorities. Validations of all past and present licenses must be sent directly to ICHP by the licensing authority/authorities.- If not exempt (most Canadian are), the applicant must successfully complete an English language proficiency test and have the scores directly sent to ICHP by the testing agency. (Scores are valid for two years.)
- The applicant must attach a copy of her/his high school diploma. A clear photocopy is permissible.
- The applicant must enclose the application fee (by international money order/certified bank check in US funds, or Visa, MasterCard, or Discover/Novus card).
Canadians and Mexicans who graduated from a US school must also complete the VisaScreen process.
Visa Information: Under NAFTA, MTs who are citizens of Canada or Mexico are eligible for TN visas to work in the United States. The training/experience requirement for a NAFTA visa states: "Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience." Under NAFTA, Canadians receive TN-1 visas and Mexicans receive TN-2 visas. Canadians can apply for a TN-1 visa at Class A US Ports of Entry; Mexicans must apply for their TN-2 visa at a US Consulate.
Documents required for TN visa:
- A document (e.g. signed contract, employment offer, etc.) showing your job title, summary of your job duties, starting date and expected length of temporary stay, arrangement for remuneration.
- VisaScreen certificate.
- Recent résumé.
- Evidence of the appropriate degree awarded (e.g., copy of a diploma, or official transcripts indicating the degree which has been awarded).
- Evidence of Canadian (or Mexican) citizenship.
The duration of the TN visa is set for an initial period of one year. An unlimited number of one-year extensions may be subsequently obtained so long as you can show that the employment remains temporary, and that you continue to be qualified to work in your profession.
No sponsorship is required for Canadians or Mexicans. However, you will still need to provide proof of an offer of employment from your employer in the US, and meet the minimum education, experience and licensing requirements (as above).
Medical Technologists from Outside North America
Medical technologists who graduated from a program outside of the United States or Canada will have to have their education evaluated by a formal evaluation agency. They will also need to complete the certification, testing, and VisaScreen procedures described above for Canadians and Mexicans.
Visa Information: You are required to have a US work visa before being allowed entry to the US and employment in the US, and usually sponsorship is required. Those who are not citizens of Canada or Mexico are not covered by NAFTA visa policies. Please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate to inquire about obtaining a US work visa.
You can also find more information about various types of immigrant and non-immigrant employment visas on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website and on the State Department.
Updated on August 26, 2008.