Categorical Programs

In Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology

Some NAACLS-accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) programs offer structured categorical programs in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, and/or microbiology, in addition to the traditional, complete MLS program. A categorical program must be conducted under the auspices of an NAACLS-accredited MLS program.  

To ensure that graduating students qualify for ASCP BOC categorical certification under Route 3, these programs must meet specific guidelines.

Curriculum

A structured categorical program must prepare an individual with the scope and breadth of knowledge and skills as a Medical Laboratory Scientist generalist graduate in the respective laboratory specialty area. The structured program curriculum must include the curriculum for the specific laboratory area (e.g. chemistry, microbiology, etc.) in the Medical Laboratory Science program and other courses or parts of courses including general laboratory introduction and laboratory operations (i.e. laboratory safety, quality control/quality assurance, laboratory management, education, research & development, and instrument maintenance & troubleshooting as appropriate to the specific laboratory area.)  A structured categorical program requires completion of the general MLS curriculum in addition to all coursework, both didactic and clinical, for the specific area.

Applying

Academic requirements

Individuals who complete a structured categorical program under the auspices of an NAACLS-accredited MLS program, and who verify that they meet the academic requirement, may apply for the ASCP BOC Technologist credential under Route 3. An official transcript verifying that all academic requirements have been met must be submitted and processed before an application will be made “Eligible.”

Applications should not be submitted until after successful completion of the structured program. Program completion will be verified by submitting a completed documentation form and a Letter of Authenticity.

• Technologist in Blood Banking – BB(ASCP) – Route 3
• Technologist in Chemistry – C(ASCP) – Route 3
• Technologist in Hematology – H(ASCP) – Route 3
• Technologist in Microbiology – M(ASCP) – Route 3

Program Directors

The Program Director of the NAACLS-accredited MLS program must submit a completed documentation form and Letter of Authenticity for graduates applying for a categorical examination under Route 3 (structured program) or Route 5 (completion of an MLS program).  

Categorical scores do not appear on the PPR for your MLS program, but can be provided to you. Please email PDInfo@ascp.org with your request. It will take 2-3 weeks for the data to be provided. Please provide:

• Name of student(s)
• ASCP Customer IDs (if known)
• Examination taken
• Date of examination