ASCP and NCA merging, should help the MT profession, an update from ASCP

This email was sent to me since I'm an ASCP member.

"Single Certification Agency Update

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (BOR) and the National Certification Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) made progress over the past month to define the terms of an agreement to form a single certification agency for clinical laboratory professionals.

Since the September announcement of the signing of the Letter of Intent to unite, discussions have continued in earnest. A Memorandum of Understanding is now being drafted to include the terms of the agreement. Decisions are being made regarding a newly reorganized board structure and composition and to resolve variances in policies between the two organizations.

“With less fragmentation within the clinical laboratory profession, we all stand to gain more recognition and respect for our credentials from the public and from other healthcare professions,” said BOR spokesperson Cynthia S. Johns, MSA, MT(ASCP)SH.

“We will increase our credibility when advocating for legislative and regulatory issues that impact our practice. A single credential required by all NAACLS-accredited education programs will simplify entry into the profession for new graduates. And employers will find it easier to set standards for entry level competency that will ensure patient safety.”

Once the final approval of the Memorandum of Understanding by the involved boards has been announced, a transition timeline will be created and communicated.

“Finding solutions to the major issues that face the clinical laboratory profession today depends on our ability to come together and speak with one voice,” added NCA President Susan Morris, MPH, CLS. “The consolidation of certification boards is a huge step in the right direction.”"

“We will increase our credibility when advocating for legislative and regulatory issues that impact our practice. A single credential required by all NAACLS-accredited education programs will simplify entry into the profession for new graduates. And employers will find it easier to set standards for entry level competency that will ensure patient safety.”

That means AMT and other cert agencies will go by the waste side b/c NAACLS accredited programs are the ones that trains MT/CLS students. I say its going to be a matter of months before they merge. People better start getting worried if they only have the AMT when looking for a job. If you have the ASCP or NCA you will be grandfathered into the ONE UNIFYING AGENCY. I think the name is going to change as well. My professor said its not going to be called MT any more its going to be CLS. I am not sure what is going to be in the parenthesis though.

www.ascp.org/HomePageContent/News/Single-Certification-Agency-Update.aspx

this is the offical link to the ascp website anyone wants to read the article

Why are you people degrading AMT? I think its not right at all.. AMT has been there for decades and it continues to be recognized by Employers and accredited by NCCA.. AMT IS NOT A WASTE of time.. and with the current shortage of medical technologists job.. We need AMT, ASCP, NCA CERTIFIED MTS. I'ts not fair to say that AMT is a waste certifying agency..at the end of the day.. it is the ability of the MT that matters..:)

Erik I dont know what reality your living in, but EVERY allied health field HAS ONE CERTIFICATION OR LICENCSE, why would you think MT would be any different. Everyone knew eventually this is coming. You will think you have a job now and employeers are going to look for AMT like in the past, but this will all change, read the article it tells you why they are merging. I think someone told me that AMT was thinking about approaching ASCP about merging as well, but I dont know if that is offical or not. In any case, what employeers look for in NEW GRADS FROM THE US, are people that graduated with a MT/CLS degree and are eligible for the ASCP or NCA. This is what the NAACLS accredited programs prepare you for those two agencies, now they will only perpare students for the ascp.

Saber, I know where I stand.. the only thing that bothers me, those who bluntly pinpoint AMT as a waste of time.. AMT deserves respect too.
I'm not against in one certifying agency in the future I just don't agree when someONE look down on AMT certified Professionals which is so unfair.. I hope you get my point..

Ben in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: My professor said its not going to be called MT any more its going to be CLS. I am not sure what is going to be in the parenthesis though.

In CA, we are only called CLSs and the program I graduated from was a CLS program. All the job opportunities are only listed as CLS. I am still MT(ASCP) though. It should be interesting if those initials change. I don't think they should as they have been around for awhile and carry weight.

As for AMT, I am not so sure what will happen with that. In CA, to get a license in the state now, you need to take either the ASCP or the AAB test. It doesnt even mention the NCA or AMT test as these are not officially recognized as a pathway to a license here. I don't even know why the AAB test is there in place of at least the NCA.

With the NCA/ASCP merging, it leaves AMT on the wayside. I have to agree with others that said AMT is a waste time after the merging occurs especially. Even all jobs I see in this area prefer MT(ASCP) certification and don't mention NCA or AMT. All the AMTs have to do is take the ASCP test and they should be good.

Does it apply if it was ASCPi (for international) or is it only for ASCP (BOR)...?

Call the ASCP and find out.

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erik in Lubbock, Texas said: Why are you people degrading AMT? I think its not right at all.. AMT has been there for decades and it continues to be recognized by Employers and accredited by NCCA.. AMT IS NOT A WASTE of time.. and with the current shortage of medical technologists job.. We need AMT, ASCP, NCA CERTIFIED MTS. I'ts not fair to say that AMT is a waste certifying agency..at the end of the day.. it is the ability of the MT that matters..:)

good statement and to the point mt(amt)

I'm just glad they are moving forward with the merger. I hope when they both decide on a "name" that its CLS.

The Lab is finally moving in the right direction. Two of the major certifications agencies merging. Then employers will only look for that one certification and all the new grads can take that ONE gold standard certification.

I have heard that they will be probably called CLS, but what is in the parenthesis I have no idea.

Also, CAP finally agreed to having all of the laboratory personal licensed so it will be easier for states to approve licensing laboratory professionals.

13 states require a license and Minn. is on the verge of becoming the 14th..there will be more to come.

Buck in Nashville, Tennessee said: The Lab is finally moving in the right direction. Two of the major certifications agencies merging. Then employers will only look for that one certification and all the new grads can take that ONE gold standard certification.

I have heard that they will be probably called CLS, but what is in the parenthesis I have no idea.

Also, CAP finally agreed to having all of the laboratory personal licensed so it will be easier for states to approve licensing laboratory professionals.

13 states require a license and Minn. is on the verge of becoming the 14th..there will be more to come.

do u have any idea when this two (ascp and nca ) merging? i am planning to take nca soon.

Probably in a couple of months, so it's coming soon.

Labron in Columbus, Ohio said: Probably in a couple of months, so it's coming soon.[/QUO

thanks for the reply. Is the criteria for taking the exam will change after ascp and nca merges? because i m eligible for nca only.

I know route one for the Nca and ASCP are exactly the same, if you graduated in the last 5 years in a naacls acred program you are eligible for both exams. Other routes you have to check their website.

Once they merge in a couple of months there will be board members from both agencies, so the requirements will probably be similiar but there will only be one gold standard certification.

They will still have technician level certifications. Technicians will still be able to do moderate level testing and verification. Nearly all the lab testing is at the moderate level. Can you just get over it and find another career so the rest of us can move on.

a member of the "gold" standard.

Larry is very happy to have a job as a MLT bc he only has his associate degree, Larry maybe you can apply for lab director next with that associate degree.

Here in Chicago is the heart of the ASCP, they are advocating standards and having every lab personell licensed with only one certifying agency.

Every ancillary profession is increasing standards, BSpharm to pharmD, pt to PTD, OT to MOT, even a PA now requires a masters. So the lab will be doing the same.

So larry it's called increasing standards.

I don't want to be a lab director. I don't want to be a Chief Tech (again). Who wants the headache? But I just know if the entire lab had Masters Degrees the pay would just go through the roof. Yeah right. In traditional women’s jobs there are the problems that go with women’s insecurity and the fear of being taken advantage of. This all sounds like insecurity to me. There’s a reason that women do not like to work with other women. Google it, know your fears and get over your insecurity.

That is what pharmacist said when it was a bs degree to a pharmd, guess what now it's mandatory. There were always a majority of women in pharmacy and still is now and they get paid 50/hour. So if you think a women profession pays poorly ur dead wrong.
Based on ur responses u seem older, so u have to keep up with the changing times and increasing standards.

I don't text so your shorthand is a little ...
I quit the supervisor stuff because people wouldn't buy the correct size panties...like Eddie.
It didn't have anything to do with pay. It's about the attitudes in the lab. The pay in the lab will never be the same as other departments in a hospital and the pay should be lower. The job just doesn't have the stress of nursing or being a doctor.

What are you talking about clinical pharmacy there is no stress, use to be a bs degree now it's a PHD, and no contact with patients (50/hour).
Physical therapy, no stress, rehabing coherent patients.
Larry be happy you have a job with your AS degree, bc other professions you would be SOL.

I am happy to have a job, especially in these times.
Maybe those low stress jobs should take a pay cut so that everyone can afford healthcare.
For nursing, if you list the reasons you don't want to be a nurse you will see why they are paid more.
Pharmacy in the past involved more than counting pills, but they have more patient contact. Why don't you apply to pharmacy school?
You can't just sit in a room with little or no contact with the hospital and expect anything but what you get. Or, you can sit in your little room and throw tantrums about how nobody loves you.

Larry you will always be bottom of the barrel since your a MLT.

Thanks Labron...nice of you to judge me. You must be awesome.

Yea your higher than a phelb congrates. I hope you take orders well.

Get help Labron. You're not inferior no matter what people tell you. We are all created equal and it should be that way until we die.
PS Phlebs are your friends and help you just sit on your butt and judge people. Without them you would have to work.

Larry the whole point to this arguement is that we need standards in the clinical lab.
Like many have pointed out before there are many "easy" jobs that pay well BC THEY HAVE STANDARDS.
If they start hiring cheaper workers to do those "EASY JOBS" employeers will STOP PAYING WELL.
Its a very easy concept, higher the standards, the more pay.
That is why many people have used pharmacy as a example. They have a pretty easy job, my cousin is a pharmacist at a hospital, has very little patient contact, sits on her butt all day and gets paid 56/hour. Can other people do her job for less, YES, but there is laws in place that say in order for her to make that kind of money she needs a standard degree and license. And my cousin only has her BS in pharmacy.

People like Larry would never understand because its pathetic that he even says our pay should be lower lol...dude what are you downgrading your own job for? The amount of education we put in for our bachelors in CLS is just the same as any other health profession. Reality is, ours is one of the most toughest programs because why do you think alot of MT's move onto medical school or PA school becomes a joke to them?

Rohan your correct. Employers will always try to find a way to get cheap labor, so Larry is happy to have a job with only his AS degree.

A BS degree in CLS is a tough degree to obtain, on top of trying to pass the MT ASCP after you graduate. The test is very difficult, that is why there is a HUGE difference in the amount of knowledge you need to pass the MT ASCP, its very difficult test. The MLT ASCP is very basic and straight forward, hence the cirrcumlum is very basic.

I've never seen another profession with such an inferiority complex. The third shift is filled with the bottom of the barrel people, they always make mistakes and the first shift has the better techs. The ASCP is better than AMT. MLT's shouldn't have jobs. I'm doing all the work and I don't get paid more than her. I help everyone and no one helps me. He gets paid more than me because he's a man. Why does the supervisor get to go to the school for the instrument when she never works on it. The supervisor makes me wear a lab coat and I can't show off my new flannel shirt. WHAAA WHAAA FREEKIN WHAAA. I wonder why people don't tear down the doors to get to work with all of the lab cry babies.

This is a shot in the dark, would people complain if they knew the coworkers around them had the same degree an certification?

At least some of the argument would end bc there would be only one way to work in the clinical lab, with a standard degree and cert, not very hard concept, all allied fields adhere to that concept.

I think this is a field with stress, low pay, work place competition and shift variations. Evenafter doing all this labor one is not sure for good payment in future. The growth rate is low.

I think this is a field with low stress, good pay, and little workplace competition. I feel assured of a yearly increase in compensation, while the growth rate is high. Two very different views of the same career in different parts of the country.

Buck in Nashville, Tennessee said:
I have heard that they will be probably called CLS, but what is in the parenthesis I have no idea.

A few of us are thinking that as well, but we will find out in a few short months.

Heh, if that is the new name, this forum here will have to change its name. :p

Hi xandra, masyado mayabang mga tao sa forum na to,reklamo ng reklamo kulang nman sa action. Inggit lng cla kc magagaling tlga mga Pilipino.

Lee in Bolingbrook, Illinois said: I know route one for the Nca and ASCP are exactly the same, if you graduated in the last 5 years in a naacls acred program you are eligible for both exams. Other routes you have to check their website.

Once they merge in a couple of months there will be board members from both agencies, so the requirements will probably be similiar but there will only be one gold standard certification.

Does that mean you can only take the NCA 5 times? It is unlimited right now unlike the ASCP, you only get 5 chances with each route.

I graduated with a BS degree in Psychology. I couldn't find a good job so I went to technical school and got an MLT certificate . The pay was so low as an MLT , so I went back to school after a few years and got by BS in Medical Technology. I worked in the Blood Bank, Micro, Coag and Blood Gas as an MLT and now as an MT and I have to say, the only difference is that I am getting paid more.

I feel that MLT's don't get the respect that they deserve because I did the same job as the technologist. But on the other hand , MT's also have the right to feel very proud of their title because the extra classes and education I had to take to become an MT deserves the higher pay.

I also think the merging of ASCP and NCA is a good thing and will finally put the certifiction wars aside as to which is the best or hardest or the most recognized. I took both the NCA and ASCP exams and they were both hard ..........

I think the merger is a good thing, but those of us who chose to take the AMT exam instead of the ASCP (especially those of us in parts of the country where AMT isn't recognized much at all) should probably start studying because unless a miracle occurs and AMT is absorbed by ASCP as well, we will probably be passed over for future jobs. I for one have my application prepared and my study guide on order...now I just hope I pass!

does anybody know anything about NCA exam questions? are they hard like ASCP? I am taking my test in microbiology in 2 weeks. Any other useful information about NCA exam will be greatly appreciated....Please reply who knows....