HI 6600

Medical Laboratory Assistant

100% Online Certification Training

Learn to collect, prepare, and transport patient specimens, as well as perform basic testing on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.

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Certifications earned

What Does a Medical Lab Assistant Do?

Medical Laboratory Assistants play a vital role in supporting patient health and the diagnostic process. They are responsible for collecting blood, tissue, and other specimens from patients, then preparing those samples for testing and analysis. In addition to working with specimens, Medical Lab Assistants are hands-on healthcare professionals who interact directly with patients, often during sensitive moments, and may provide support throughout challenging procedures.

Medical Lab Assistants can be found in inpatient and outpatient medical facilities, as well as in private laboratories, public health labs, and research institutions. With experience, many choose to specialize in areas such as biochemistry, cytology, hematology, histopathology, immunology, or microbiology, further contributing to advancements in patient care and medical research.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the soft skill expectations of an allied healthcare professional – including professionalism, empathy, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication, all of which are essential for building trust with patients and collaborating successfully within the healthcare team.
  • Grasp the importance of customer service, communication skills, and professionalism – recognizing how these qualities contribute to positive patient experiences, efficient workplace collaboration, and the overall success of a healthcare team.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory testing in various laboratory departments – understanding the principles, procedures, and purposes of testing performed in areas such as hematology, microbiology, chemistry, immunology, and urinalysis.
  • Understand responsibilities of patient care and safety related to specimen preparation, collection, and potential complications – recognizing best practices for ensuring patient comfort, preventing errors, and addressing issues such as fainting, hematomas, or infections during and after specimen collection.
  • Maintain solution-oriented communication, effectively manage conflicts, and build professional self-confidence.
  • Recognize the importance of infection control and ensure safety compliance during diagnostic testing.

What You’ll Learn – HI 6600 Medical Laboratory Assistant

A Medical Laboratory Assistant (also known as Lab Aid/Assistant, Specimen Processor/Collector) is a vital member of the healthcare laboratory team. They are responsible for collecting, preparing, and transporting patient specimens, as well as performing various tests on blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. Laboratory Assistants carry out procedures ordered by physicians and healthcare providers, which are often critical for diagnosing disease. Depending on the department, they may also manage test kits, oversee inventory, ensure proper storage, and maintain quality control. Their responsibilities extend to accurate documentation, records management, and communication with ordering physicians. Using microscopes, cell counters, and other advanced laboratory equipment, Lab Assistants analyze specimens and deliver results to physicians for evaluation.

The Amara Medical Laboratory Assistant program offers students an immersive, virtual, and hands-on learning experience. Procedures are taught through interactive tools, recorded demonstrations, and simulated environments—providing safe, engaging, and repeatable training opportunities.

This program is designed for individuals interested in healthcare science who aspire to be part of a skilled and growing field. To succeed as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, individuals should be comfortable working with bodily fluids and possess strong manual dexterity and physical stamina. The program is an excellent option for those seeking an entry-level career in allied health, as well as professionals looking to upskill or transition into a new role. It also provides an advancement path for practicing Phlebotomists.

Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Lab Assistant (CMLA) exam offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Upon passing, they receive provisional certification. Once employed, graduates can complete the 120 hours of approved clinical laboratory experience required to earn full certification.

Although the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential is not required for CMLA certification, students may choose to pursue it after completing their CMLA exam. Students are responsible for securing clinical sites to meet CPT requirements.

Prospective students are encouraged to research job postings from local employers, as well as relevant state requirements, potential barriers, or restrictions, prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility after graduation.

Note: Some Amara programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review the State Restriction page to confirm eligibility in your area. 

This Program Has Additional On Site Clinical Requirements

Program Courses

Code Course Duration
PS 1011 Professionalism in Allied Health 2 Weeks
HI 1014 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology 6 Weeks
HI 6011 Phlebotomy 4 Weeks
HI 6017 Medical Lab Assisting 4 Weeks
Total Program Duration 16 Weeks

Enrollment Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Web browser with internet connection
  • Course registration & payment

Amara Covered Materials

  • Expert-led video based training
  • Competency assessments
  • National Certification exam fee
  • eBook: Phlebotomy Worktext and Procedures Manual
  • Textbook: Clinical Laboratory Science

*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by Amara. They are not included in the tuition costs and are provided at no additional cost to students. However, students have access to these materials for a limited time frame aligned with their program. Access to these materials outside of this period is not guaranteed, and students may be responsible for costs associated with any extended access.

Student Services

  • Dedicated Student Success Advisors
  • Tailored support based on performance & behavior
  • Exam preparation process
  • 1 year post-program access to Career Center & Career Coaches

Clinical Requirements

To become fully certified, students must complete 120 hours of documented and approved clinical laboratory experience within 1 year of passing the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) exam offered by the AMT. Students will have the option to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) offered by the NHA. Students who choose to sit for the CPT exam will be required to perform 10 capillary sticks and 30 venipunctures on live individuals within 90 days of passing the CPT exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites.

  • CMLA: 120 hours of documented, approved clinical laboratory experience
  • CPT: 30 venipuncture and 10 capillary sticks

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Active Duty Military Grants

Amara accepts education benefits from the Department of Defense for Active Duty Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.

Military Spouse Grants

Spouses of Active Duty Service Members in certain ranks may be eligible for assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

Workforce Grants

Amara partners with American Job Centers in 30+ states and accepts Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other workforce grant funding.

FAQs: Medical Laboratory Assistant Online Certification Training

What is a Medical Laboratory Assistant?

A medical laboratory assistant is a healthcare professional who collects and prepares patient samples like blood and tissue for analysis. They often interact directly with patients, especially during sensitive times and work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and research labs. Additionally, they may specialize in fields like hematology, immunology or microbiology, among others.

The employment of clinical laboratory technologists assistants is expected to grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all jobs. Annually, about 24,000 job openings are projected over this period, largely due to workforce turnover and retirements.

To start your career journey as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a formal training program such as Amara, pass the CMLA exam offered by the AMT and optional CPT exams offered by the NHA. Students who pass the CMLA exam are required to complete 120 hours of documented and approved clinical laboratory experience within 1 year of passing the exam. Students who choose to sit for the CPT exam will be required to perform 10 capillary sticks and 30 venipuncutres on live individuals within 90 days of passing the CPT exam.

In the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, you’ll learn: 

  • Knowledge of Laboratory Testing in Various Laboratory Departments
  • Responsibilities of Patient Care and Safety Related to Preparation and Collection Complications
  • The Importance of Infection Control and Safety Compliance with Diagnostic Testing

To enroll in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with internet connection and course registration & payment.

While Amara does not offer financial aid, some students may be eligible for sponsorship through the following channels: 

Amara also offers payment plan options.

This course is 16 weeks long if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.

Amara’s certification programs are fully online and designed for remote learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The instructional design incorporates interactive elements, simulations and expert instruction.

Required courses for the Medical Laboratory Assistant program include Professionalism in Allied Health, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology, Phlebotomy and Medical Lab Assisting.

Yes, the program includes a strategic exam preparation process and dedicated Student Success Advisors to provide tailored support based on performance. 

The program includes expert-led video training, eBooks and competency assessments. Amara-covered materials also include exam fee coverage. Students get access to additional services like dedicated advisors and tailored support as well.

Some Amara programs may have certain restrictions depending on your state or region. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us at (443) 900-3027 or email us at training@amaracareertraining.com and our team will be happy to assist you.

We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certifications you’ll earn in this program are accredited through the exam-issuing authorities, the American Medical Technologists and the National Healthcareer Association. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam. 

To become fully certified, students must complete 120 hours of documented and approved clinical laboratory experience within 1 year of passing the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) exam offered by the AMT. Students will have the option to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) offered by the NHA. Students who choose to sit for the CPT exam will be required to perform 10 capillary sticks and 30 venipunctures on live individuals within 90 days of passing the CPT exam. Students are responsible for securing their clinical sites.

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