Travel Medical Technologist Salary Guide

To become a medical technologist, you must complete a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, medical technology or a closely related discipline. Although the exact sequence of courses varies based on the school you attend, medical technology students usually take courses in biology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology, biostatistics and immunology. You also learn how to operate cell counters, microscopes and other equipment used in a medical laboratory setting. 

According to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, the following states have laboratory practice acts that require all medical technologists to be licensed as of April 2023:

• California

• Hawaii

• Florida

• Louisiana

• Montana

• Nevada

• New York

• North Dakota

• Tennessee

• West Virginia

Depending on where you live, you may need to demonstrate your professional competency, pay a licensing fee and/or take continuing education courses to obtain or retain a license.

What credentials/licensing does a medical technologist require?

You don't need to pass a national certification exam to work as a medical technologist, but many employers prefer to hire certified employees. Therefore, obtaining a certification may help you advance your career. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification offers the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential, which helps medical technologists demonstrate their competency in blood banking, hematology, immunology, chemistry, laboratory operations and microbiology.

You must meet the minimum education and training requirements to obtain the MLS certification. ASCP offers six routes to MLS certification, so the requirements depend on your chosen route. You must also pass a 100-question exam.