National
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician
Learn what medical laboratory technician professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current U.S. earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
1–2 years to build bench competency and financial stability
Total Investment
$2,500–$7,500/year, a Pell Grant alone may cover 100% of tuition — leavin
Employment #s
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026). Wage shown is for a related occupation and is indicative only — BLS publishes no exact match for this role.
Who It's For:
For people exploring medical laboratory technician and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: National Certification and Accreditation Bodies; ASCP MLT(ASCP) Certification Examination | Current U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
United States
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Is a license required?
No
Credential
The License/Certification — ASCP MLT(ASCP), AMT, and Advanced Credentials
Continuing Education
2 hours while the MLT processes other specimens could res
Examination
administers the certification examination (via Pearson VUE testing centers), and
Heading 3
No state license stands between you and this work — which changes how you compete.
Common Questions
Credential
