MarylandClinical Laboratory Scientist License Requirements

Clinical laboratory science education programs must be accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Programs are available at the bachelor's degree level and include coursework in clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, molecular diagnostics, urinalysis, and body fluids. Most programs require extensive clinical rotations in hospital and reference laboratories covering all major testing disciplines.

ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Board of Certification is the gold standard national credential for clinical laboratory scientists. The MLS(ASCP) credential demonstrates competency across all major laboratory disciplines. AMT (American Medical Technologists) also provides the MT(AMT) certification, which is accepted by many states and employers. California issues its own CLS license through CDPH, and New York issues the Clinical Laboratory Technologist license through NYSED.

Approximately 12 states and the District of Columbia require licensure for clinical laboratory scientists. States that do not require licensure still expect ASCP Board of Certification, which serves as the de facto standard for practice. All clinical laboratories in the United States must comply with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) federal regulations regardless of state licensure requirements.

Clinical laboratory scientists perform high-complexity testing across all major laboratory disciplines including clinical chemistry, hematology and hemostasis, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, molecular diagnostics, urinalysis, and body fluids. They analyze patient specimens, operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation, perform quality control and quality assurance activities, and may supervise laboratory technicians and assistants. All testing is performed under the general supervision of a laboratory director as defined by CLIA regulations.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •No state license required; ASCP or equivalent national certification is portable across states
• •CLIA regulations apply uniformly to all clinical laboratories
• •Employer certification requirements may vary

For states that require licensure, most offer reciprocity or endorsement for clinical laboratory scientists licensed in other states. ASCP Board of Certification is nationally recognized and significantly simplifies the reciprocity process. For states without licensure requirements, the ASCP BOC credential is portable across all states. California and New York have additional state-specific requirements that may require supplemental coursework or examination for out-of-state applicants.