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Can I get a job in USA with the ASCPi certificate? |
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ASCPi was established to provide a certification that would allow foreign graduates to be more competitive in their native country. However, ASCP realizes that many International Candidates have an interest in working abroad, particularly in the USA.
If you are planning to work in the field of medical technology in the USA you must first pass through a process called VisaScreen.
Effective June 1, 2007, the MT(ASCPi) examination is recognized as an approved exam for California Licensure. There are several other U.S. states that require licensure. View State Licensure Agencies |
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In my country, we have to get a certificate from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to work as a Medical Laboratory Technician or a Medical Technologist. I heard that passing the ASCPi test does not guarantee a job in the USA because it is just a certificate, not a license. Is that true? |
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The USA only has a few states that require licensure or certification to work as a MLT or MT. One of these, California recognizes the MT(ASCPi) exam for purposes of licensure. However, most laboratory Directors choose to hire only certified individuals to ensure their employees are competent. Laboratory accreditation requirements may also necessitate laboratory practitioners are certified.
One of the primary differences between the ASCP and ASCPi certifications is laboratory operations questions regarding U.S. policies and procedures are specific to the USA ASCP exam (i.e. CLIA and OSHA regulations are replaced with International Standards questions). |
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After passing ASCPi, do I have the right of permanent residence in order to get a job in the USA? |
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No, there are additional requirements. For more information, click here. |
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Do you have information on the salary and job outlook for MLTs/MTs in the USA? |
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For more information on Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science in the US from the Department of Labor, click here. |
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Where can I find information on how to become MLS/MLT ASCP certified (not ASCPi)? |
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You must first be eligible under one of the routes. |
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Could you recommend some reference books for the ASCPi test? |
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ASCP is recommending the Board of Certification Study Guide: Clinical Laboratory Certification Examinations (5th edition). |
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Can I take the ASCPi exam in the USA or in any of the Pearson Professional Centers that offers ASCP exams? |
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Yes, you can take the ASCPi exam in any Pearson Professional Center that offers ASCP certification exams. Visit the Pearson site. |
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I am interested in taking one of the ASCP exams (not ASCPi). Can I take the exam at one of the international Pearson Professional Centers that offers ASCP exams. |
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Yes. Currently, if you are eligible, you can take any exam (ASCP or ASCPi) at any of the Pearson Professional Centers that offers ASCP examinations. |
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If I already have ASCP certification, do I need to pursue ASCPi certification to work as a MT/MLT in another country? |
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No, this is not necessary. |
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Do I need to take any English exam such as TOEFL or GRE before taking the ASCPi exam? |
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No, there is no requirement that you take the TOEFL or GRE exam before taking ASCPi. Most international examinations (with the exception of MT(ASCPi), now available in Spanish) are in English, and you should be comfortable reading questions and selecting the appropriate response. |
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ASCPi versus ASCP—What’s the Difference? |
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The difference between the two certifications is that the international (ASCPi) exam does not include U.S. governmental policy and procedure questions with which you should be familiar if you are working in the U.S. (i.e. OSHA, CLIA, HIPPA) However, having the ASCPi certification proves you are just as competent as the ASCP certified individual in all other aspects of the medical laboratory. |
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How do I obtain the application fee discount if I am from one of the countries listed? |
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In order to be eligible for discounted application fees, you must meet both requirements outlined in the policy. First, you must have received your medical laboratory education in one of the countries listed, and second, you must currently reside in one of these countries. If both of these conditions are met, you will automatically receive the $95 discounted application fee when you apply for any international certification examination category. This applies to all international certification categories. |