4%
10 year Job Growth
$33,302
Avg. Starting Salary1
AMT dental
Issuing Authority

MedCerts Program for CMLA Certification

Issuing Authority American Medical Technologists

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a national credentialing organization for medical assistants, clinical laboratory practitioners, dental assistants, and other allied health professionals. Incorporated in 1939 in the State of New Jersey, AMT has over 87,000 active members holding multiple AMT certifications in good standing. The organization's purpose is to help protect the welfare of the public by maintaining competency standards in these occupations. The organization has its headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois.
Logo amt

CMLA Certification Detail

The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) credential is offered through the American Medical Technologists (AMT) organization. Three general content areas are covered on the CMLA exam: General Knowledge, Administrative Knowledge, and Clinical Knowledge.

Obtaining CMLA certification validates skills and competencies that are critical to the roles and responsibilities of a Medical Lab Assistant. Certification shows a commitment to professionalism and quality patient care.

AMTs CMLA certification exam has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and can be taken at Pearson Vue testing locations across the United States.

IMPORTANT: To be eligible to attempt the CMLA exam, students must provide proof of completion (Transcript) of an AMT-approved training program (MedCerts' training program is approved by the AMT). Graduates who attempt and pass the CMLA exam will remain in a state of Provisional Certification status until such time as they complete 120 hours of documented, approved clinical lab experience on the job.

Selecting the Right Training Option Program Comparisons

MedCerts training programs are some of the most competitively price ways to start a new career.

MedCerts Community College Online College
Program & Tuition Cost $4,000 average Up to $20,000 $3,000 average
Exam Fees, Books & Materials Included Up to $750 Up to $750
Job Ready In 3–6 months 24–48 months 3–6 months
Schedule Flexibility On-demand 24/7 Set class schedule On-demand 24/7
Travel Requirements None: 100% online On-campus classrooms None: 100% online
Student Support Personal Advisors: text, call, and email access Professors: scheduled office hours Support inbox
Career Coaching Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit hour requirements Exam-specific only
Content Delivery 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning Professor lectures Varies: typically videos and presentations

This table is provided for reference only. Actual pricing may vary or change without notice. Pricing is based on an estimated full-cost tuition with fees for a Medical Assistant program or similar program before financial aid or other assistance. Data sampled from MedCerts, Oakland Community College, and Kaplan University.

CMLA Certification Skills Gained

  • Discuss the role, responsibilities and certification of a Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Comply with laboratory safety standards, infection control procedures, and OSHA regulations
  • Define terms commonly used in a medical laboratory environment
  • Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory testing in various laboratory departments
  • Exhibit legal, ethical and professional behavior
  • Perform clerical, effective communication and interpersonal relation skills 

CMLA Career PathwaysAttainable Jobs

highest Paying

Medical Lab Assistant

A Medical Lab Assistant (also known as a Lab Aid/Assistant, Specimen Processor/Collector) is an important member of the laboratory healthcare team. They collect, prepare and transport patient specimens and may perform various testing on blood, urine and other bodily fluids.

$27,718 - $33,202
Estimated Salary1

highest Paying

Health Technician

A Health Technician typically works in a medical lab running tests and operating diagnostic equipment.

$30,491 - $40,560
Estimated Salary1
1All available job and salary information is from Burning Glass Labor Insights and is updated annually to reflect industry changes.

Clinical Medical Lab Assistant