Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)
Explore resources and career information related to Medical Laboratory Assistants.
What does a Medical Laboratory Assistant do?
Medical Laboratory Assistants support laboratory operations by handling specimens, performing basic laboratory tasks, and assisting laboratory professionals.
Common job duties include:
- Receiving, labeling, and preparing specimens for testing
- Operating basic laboratory equipment
- Following laboratory safety and infection control protocols
- Maintaining accurate records
- Assisting with quality control procedures
Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) Certification
The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and hands‑on experience needed to support laboratory operations in healthcare settings.
CMLAs assist laboratory teams by handling specimens and performing essential laboratory tasks. They are responsible for specimen preparation, basic testing support, equipment operation, and maintaining safety and quality standards.
Primary Certification:
To obtain the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) Certification, candidates must:
- Complete all CMLA Competency requirements
- Pass the AMT CMLA Exam
Optional Certification:
The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant program also includes an optional certification that requires hands‑on clinical requirements:
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Requirements: 30 venipunctures & 10 capillary sticks
Candidates must pass the exam and complete the requirements to become certified in that field.
Hands-On Experience (Clinical Sites)
Candidates often complete their clinical requirements at:
- Hospitals
- Community Health Centers
- Outpatient Practices/Private Practices
Clinical sites determine whether they can accommodate a student and meet certification requirements
