California Association for
Medical Laboratory Technology
Representing Laboratory Professionals
in the State of California
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California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology |
Representing Laboratory Professionals
in the State of California |
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Our Profession and TrainingUntil recently only Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) were recognized as testing personnel in California laboratories. Legislation has passed and regulations are pending for a new California category of Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) to do testing when supervised by CLS personnel. In addition, regulations Certifying Phlebotomists have been in effect since April 8, 2003. Official recognition of these categories provides a "career ladder" within our laboratories and will help assure quality training of laboratory staff and better service to our patient community. General information regarding qualifications for training and educational background for all categories of Laboratory Personnel can be obtained from Laboratory Field Services, State Dept. of Health Services. Additional qualifications and entrance requirements for specific training programs should be obtained directly from the school(s) offering training. Click on the Links here for more information | ||||||||||
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Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Licensure as a CLS in California requires a Bachelor's degree with required coursework to qualify for a CLS Trainee license and entry into a training internship program. The internship is generally one year and includes practical laboratory training in all specialty areas of a cooperating medical laboratory as well as didactic training. After training the candidate must pass a comprehensive written exam* to obtain a California CLS License. Many schools also qualify their students to sit for one or more of the national certifying exams which are used as a benchmark in states without licensing laws. Once licensed, renewal will require 24 Continuing Education units per two year licensing cycle. Required coursework includes: Laboratory Field Services recommends that applicants for the CLS or CLS Limited License apply on-line at the LFS website, https://secure.cps.ca.gov/cltreg/ Payment by credit card is required for on-line application. The complete application packet can be requested by fax to 510-873-6387. (This packet contains useful information regarding CA law, eligibility requirements and support documentation required for exam application) Update 2008 - Laboratory Field Services announced at the CLTAC meeting held March 7th that the state will not administer the 2008 CLS Licensing Exam this November. As previously planned, the California CLS Exam has been phased out because LFS has now certified several national examinations as acceptable for CA licensing. Applicants will still need apply to LFS and pay the license processing fee, are still required to meet California training standards and also to pass a short on-line quiz testing their knowledge of State Law. See the flow diagrams below to see an overview of the application process. *Special Note: CAMLT offers a series of weekend pre-exam seminars - held periodically to assist CLS and MLT examinees prepare to take their choice of the available qualifying exams. Information about the series is available by CLICKING HERE   CLS Training Programs in California (partial list):
Limited License Training in Clinical Lab Science:
Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) This is a new category of personnel for the clinical laboratories of California but has been in existence in other states for many years. California regulations will require specified course work and an Associate of Arts degree. Candidates will also need to pass one of the California recognized National MLT examinations to qualify for a California MLT license. There is a requirement for twelve Continuing Education units per year for license renewal. Licensing will be on a two year renewal cycle.  Please contact Laboratory Field Services for application and information on the licensing of MLT's. MLT Training Programs in California (partial list) - updated 11/11/2009:
Certified Phlebotomists Phlebotomists must be Certified at one of three levels as shown
below. Final Phlebotomy regulations have been in effect since April 9,
2003. Phlebotomists with experience prior to the enactment of the
regulations (April 9, 2003) must have additional training and take an
approved exam to become certified under the new regulations. Experience
may waive the practical portion of the training (depending on the number
of hours of prior employment).
More Phlebotomy information is available from Laboratory Field Services. Phlebotomy Training Programs in California: The state revises and updates the list of approved phlebotomy training programs and publishes that list on their website, - http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ls/lfsb/html/phlebotomy.htm
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