This guide will look into the similarities and differences between AMT and ASCP.

If we still have time, we’ll give you tips about choosing the proper certification. Let’s begin our discussion by introducing you to these organizations.

ASCP vs AMT

Do you want to work in the medical lab or other clinical department? You’re more likely to require specialized training and certification.

Two renowned organizations can provide the required education, training, and competency attestation. They are AMT and ASCP. As a member of these agencies, I enjoy many benefits.

ASCP works towards improving clinical pathologists and lab experts. Then, AMT is geared towards the promotion of allied health experts.

We refer to medical lab techs, M.A.s, dental assistants, and other allied health instructors.

AMT Certification

The symbol above refers to American Medical Technologists.

It’s a reputable group that backs medicine experts like oral care assistants, medical techs, and M.A.s in multiple ways. One of them is the offer of proof of aptitude.

This will enable you to display your industry knowledge and skills to potential recruiters and open avenues to a profitable medical job.

Other perks include career growth, professional networking, continuing studies, and more.

What is ASCP?

The abbreviation above refers to the American Society for Clinical Pathology. It’s also a trustworthy body that gives countless medical experts locally valued certification and support.

Lab techs, training directors, pathologists, and other wellness staff can get proof of abilities from this agency.

Besides attestation, ASCP also has options for learning and career growth. These include training seminars, get-togethers, social initiatives, and job search resources.

They also offer assistance to learners who are keen on pursuing the wellness field. Plus, those who are presently wrapping up their residencies

Similarities Between ASCP and AMT

You may want to know whether these evaluation agencies have some similarities. The response is yes. AMT and ASCP have a few features in common.

This paragraph will address these resemblances in registration criteria, certification courses, lengths, and renewals. Let’s get started.

  • Membership Qualifications

Both AMT and ASCP allow prospective medical professionals to join as members of their organizations.

For those keen on turning into AMT members, it’s inherent when you obtain their approval of competence. You’ll be open to all the benefits available through the agency.

Similarly, ASCP offers membership to candidates who become certified through their agency. However, they have a slightly different application process for becoming a member.

Candidates must pay a fee and choose a one-year or three-year membership. Once you satisfy these conditions, you’ll enjoy all the benefits provided by the agency.

  • Certification Programs

Another significant similarity between AMT and ASCP is that both agencies offer certificate programs for medical experts.

They understand that such a credential is critical when joining the healthcare industry. Clinical jobs that involve operating lab equipment and using specialized skills prioritize candidates with such qualifications.

So, both agencies offer many certifications to help many types of medical and lab experts quickly find employment.

  • Duration of Certifications

The valid timeframe for attestation of competence is another similarity between AMT and ASCP. Both agencies demand that experts renew their credentials after three years.

Before continuing your certificate, they’ll require you to meet certain conditions, including paying a fee and taking recertification exams.

Furthermore, AMT and ASCP have policies where holders will retake the exam that initially earned their certification.

Differences Between AMT and ASCP

In this section, we’ll be looking at the distinctions between these two agencies in terms of history, area of focus, and types of certifications. Let’s not waste time here.

  • History 

ASCP has been in existence since 1922. It was developed by Dr. Ward Burdick and 39 other physicians in St. Louis.

One of the organization’s main objectives is to promote efficiency in clinical pathology. Moreover, they aim to ensure the field is on par with other specialties.

AMT, on the other hand, was established in 1939. It’s a nationally and internationally recognized agency that offers certification to several allied health professionals.

  • Area of Focus

Another critical difference between AMT and ASCP is the work environment.

AMT focuses on promoting allied health experts and supporting them to grow in their careers. Such practitioners include medical techs, medical lab techs, and phlebotomy techs.

In contrast, ASCP primarily assists clinical pathologists and lab experts.

They organize their programs based on the category of employment. This enables candidates to choose their membership and certification programs based on their job title.

Examples of the categories for membership that the ASCP offers are pathologists, laboratory professionals, residents, students, and professional affiliates.

  • Types Of Certifications

Of course, the AMT and the ASCP offer attestation of competence for their members. But they have some significant differences that separate them.

AMT primarily serves allied medical professionals. Therefore, their certificates are designed specifically for allied health workers.

Some attestations of competence they provide include M.T., MDT, CMLA, and CLC. RMA, RPT, PCT, CMAS, AHI, and RDI are others.

However, ASCP typically certifies practitioners who mainly serve in a lab setting.

They include pathologists, laboratory workers, and other medical experts. This agency’s qualifications include MLS, MLT, PBT, H.T., DPT, MLA, and SBB.

Others have S.H., S.M., SCYM, SCT, and C.G.

Tips for Choosing the Right Certification

Before obtaining an attestation of competence to bolster your odds of getting employed, you’ll need to know how to choose the right one.

While true, determining the most suitable certification relies on a few factors. These include individual career goals, location, and specific conditions of employers on licensing boards.

Most medical techs residing outside of the country often opt for the ASCP. It will help them prepare to work within the U.S. due to its foreign recognition and relevance to their circumstances.

Therefore, you’ll require extensive study to grasp the particular realities of your country. These include education, specialized exams, and work experience.

Finally, you can speak with an adept clinical worker or agency focusing on foreign hiring to provide valuable advice and support.

Attestation of competence plays a vital role in the career journey of wellness experts seeking options in the country. Whether pursuing ASCP or AMT certification, each offers perks and possibilities for professional growth.

By grasping the variants and essentials linked to these certifications, you’ll be empowered to make sound rulings. Moreover, you can set up a profitable career in medical lab science in the USA.