Continuing Education Courses for a… AI recommendations | Parse
What are the best continuing education courses for a Medical Lab Technician?
Data as of Sep 26, 2026 · Based on 345 AI responses from ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode · See how Parse measures this
Medical lab technicians looking for reliable continuing education will find LabCE to be the most comprehensive choice, offering hundreds of online, self-paced, and accredited courses. For specialized or free alternatives, ASCP and CDC Laboratory Training provide high-quality professional development, while Mayo Clinic Laboratories and Bio-Rad offer niche webinars and workbooks for advanced technical areas.
LabCE is the top choice for overall certification maintenance, providing over 270 P.A.C.E.-approved courses. It is ideal for those needing flexible, online, and self-paced modules to meet industry requirements effectively.
If you're a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in the U.S., I'd focus on continuing education that does two things: keeps your certification/license current and builds skills that are useful in your lab.
Strong options for an MLT
ASCP BOC continuing education
Especially useful if you hold MLT(ASCP) certification.
ASCP requires 36 CMP points every three-year cycle, including specific minimums in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, laboratory/patient safety, and medical ethics.
Their accepted CE options include webinars, online courses, employer/vendor training, and relevant college coursework.
If your goal is career development rather than simply accumulating CE hours, I'd look for courses in:
Molecular diagnostics / PCR
Blood bank and transfusion medicine
Advanced microbiology and antimicrobial resistance
Hematology and coagulation
Clinical chemistry / LC-MS
Laboratory quality management and QC
CLIA and regulatory compliance
Laboratory information systems (LIS) and informatics
Automation
Phlebotomy/specimen collection and preanalytical errors
Laboratory safety and infection prevention
For an MLT who wants to move toward MLS/MT, lead tech, or supervisor, I'd put particular emphasis on molecular diagnostics, blood bank, quality management, and laboratory informatics.
One important point: check your particular certification and state license requirements before paying for a course. For example, ASCP says the course must meet its CMP criteria and the CE needs to fall within your current three-year cycle.
If you tell me (1) whether you're ASCP, AMT, or another certification, (2) your state, and (3) whether you're looking for free courses or are willing to pay, I can find 10–15 specific courses available right now, including CE credits and prices.
For Medical Lab Technicians (MLTs) looking to maintain ASCP, AMT, or state-required credentials, finding P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education (CE) with flexible online access is essential.
Top-rated resources, platforms, and specific course categories widely used by laboratory professionals include:
Top Continuing Education Platforms
LabCE (by އ欄Arup/Clicquist) — The premier and most comprehensive resource for MLT and MLS continuing education. They offer a flat-rate comprehensive package with over 340 interactive online courses covering hematology, microbiology, transfusion medicine/blood banking, chemistry, and safety. All credits are P.A.C.E.-approved and instantly update your certificate portfolio.
ASCP Online Continuing Education & LabQ — Provided directly through the ASCP Education Dashboard ... ASCP offers tailored modules, including LabQ (a self-paced study tool utilizing real-life diagnostic case studies) and Lab Management University (LMU) for leadership tracks.
ARUP Consult / ARUP Laboratories Education — Known in the lab community for offering high-quality, practical, and often free P.A.C.E.-approved CE courses focusing on test utilization, clinical utility, and specialized pathology.
Popular Course Categories to Target
Molecular Diagnostics & Pathology: As molecular testing continues to expand rapidly, updating skills in PCR, sequencing, and infectious disease molecular assays is high-value.
Transfusion Medicine / Blood Banking: Crucial for brushing up on complex antibody identifications, transfusion reactions, and regulatory updates.
Advanced Hematology / Flow Cytometry: Ideal for exploring leukemia/lymphoma classifications and peripheral blood smear reviews.
Laboratory Operations & Safety: Courses focusing on quality control (QC), compliance, troubleshooting, and supervisory skill development (like ASCP's LMU).
Free Continuing Education Insights
ARUP has free CE classes that are PACE certified, very easy to complete.
ASCP has some on their website that are free. Go to your education dashboard and search courses, then sort by cost.
If you're looking for specific recommendations, tell me:
Are you trying to fulfill ASCP/AMT renewal requirements or branch into a new specialty (like molecular or blood bank)?
Do you prefer free resources or a comprehensive subscription package?
For a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) maintaining certification (such as ASCP Credential Maintenance Program or AMT) or state licensure, the best continuing education (CE) courses are those accredited through P.A.C.E.® (Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education), managed by ASCLS . P.A.C.E.-approved credits are universally accepted by certification agencies, employers, and state regulators (including California and Florida).
Top providers, packages, and platforms offering high-value continuing education for MLTs include:
LabCE (Comprehensive CE Package) : Widely considered the gold standard for lab professionals. LabCE offers an expansive library of over 345 online courses covering microbiology, chemistry, hematology, blood banking, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory safety. A single flat fee grants access to their entire library, allowing you to earn all the CE hours you need at your own pace without per-course charges . Explore options directly on LabCE.
ASCLS Education / Labucate : The ASCLS Education Platform via Labucate features live virtual events, self-study modules, and journal-based CE activities. Because it is run by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, you are guaranteed fully accredited P.A.C.E. credits that easily sync with tracking systems like CE Broker.
ASCP Continuing Education : The ASCP Education Hub provides targeted online modules, remote conferences, and continuous learning packages tailored specifically for credential maintenance. It features built-in dashboards to track your credit progress against specific certification requirements.
Medscape Pathology & Lab Medicine : For free CE/CME options, Medscape Pathology Education offers clinically focused modules (such as emerging infectious disease assays and clinical metagenomic sequencing) that apply to specialized laboratory medicine.
High-Value Course Topics to Consider
Depending on your career goals or gaps in your credential cycle, prioritize courses in these high-demand areas:
Molecular Diagnostics & Next-Gen Sequencing : Crucial as molecular testing expands into routine microbiology and oncology.
If you're a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), the best continuing education depends on whether your priority is maintaining certification, improving your bench skills, specializing, or advancing your career.
If you're MLT(ASCP), there's a particularly clear path: ASCP currently requires 36 CMP points every 3 years, including 2 points each in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, and microbiology; 1 point in laboratory/patient safety; 1 in medical ethics; and 26 points in specialty or related laboratory areas.
This would be my #1 recommendation for an MLT, particularly if you're maintaining an ASCP credential. ASCP has 400+ on-demand courses, searchable by discipline and specialty, and its system can track your CMP progress.
Good subjects to prioritize:
Hematology
Clinical chemistry
Microbiology
Blood banking/transfusion medicine
Molecular diagnostics
Immunology
Quality control/quality assurance
Laboratory safety
Medical ethics/HIPAA
Best for: Conveniently completing a large portion of your required CE in one place.
2. ASCP LabQ — best for practical case-based learning
LabQ uses real laboratory cases rather than simply having you watch lectures. The clinical laboratory version covers areas such as chemistry, immunology, hematology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and transfusion medicine, with up to 36 CMLE credits available.
Best for: Keeping your clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills sharp.
The CDC offers free online laboratory training, and many courses provide CE credit. Topics include microbiology, microscopy, molecular biology, laboratory informatics, CLIA, quality, and testing practices.
Some particularly useful options for an MLT include:
Basic Microscopy
Routine Microscopy Procedures
Basic Culture Media
Gram-positive and Gram-negative organism identification
Basic Molecular Biology
Introduction to Laboratory Informatics
Introduction to CLIA
Laboratory quality and safety
Best for: Building skills without spending much money.
4. Molecular diagnostics — best for future-proofing your career
Molecular testing is an area I'd strongly consider adding to an MLT's CE plan. ASCP has a dedicated molecular diagnostics CE library, including courses applicable toward CMP requirements.
Look for courses covering:
PCR
RT-PCR
Nucleic-acid extraction
Molecular infectious-disease testing
Sequencing/NGS
Molecular oncology
Quality control in molecular testing
Best for: Expanding beyond traditional MLT duties and preparing for increasingly molecular-focused laboratories.
5. Laboratory informatics — best for career advancement
The CDC's Introduction to Laboratory Informatics series is a good starting point, particularly if you're interested in LIS, automation, data management, or eventually moving into a supervisory/technical role.
Consider progressing into:
LIS/LIMS
Instrument interfaces
Automation
Data quality
Laboratory information security
Workflow optimization
Best for: MLTs who want to move toward technical, informatics, or supervisory positions.
6. Employer/vendor training — underrated option
Don't overlook CE provided by your hospital or laboratory. ASCP specifically recognizes structured employer/vendor training—including instrument training and in-service programs—when CE/contact hours are assigned and properly documented.
This can be particularly valuable because you're learning the actual instruments and procedures used in your laboratory.
What I'd choose personally
For an MLT trying to become a stronger, more marketable laboratory professional, I'd build a CE portfolio roughly like this:
Area
Priority
Hematology
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chemistry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Microbiology
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blood banking
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Molecular diagnostics
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quality/QC/QA
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laboratory informatics
The key is not to simply accumulate random CE hours. If you're ASCP-certified, make sure your courses satisfy the required CMP categories and keep your certificates/documentation. ASCP notes that CE must be appropriately allocated to the required areas, and documentation may be requested during an audit.
If you tell me whether you're MLT(ASCP), AMT, or another certification—and whether you're looking for free courses, online courses, or courses that will help you qualify for a higher-paying job—I can give you a specific 2026 CE plan with course names, costs, and credits.
For a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), the best continuing education (CE) courses are those approved by agencies like ASCLS P.A.C.E.® or the ASCP Board of Certification , ensuring they count toward your Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) or state license renewal.
Top platforms and specific course categories tailored to meet MLT recertification requirements include:
Top CE Platforms & Providers
LabCE (by އMedialab): Widely considered the premier resource for lab professionals. It offers hundreds of online courses covering microbiology, chemistry, hematology, and safety, with credits automatically reporting to the ASCP CMP. They also provide interactive case simulators (blood bank, urinalysis, WBC differentials).
ASCP Continuing Education: Offers targeted online courses, podcasts, and journal-based CE that align precisely with specific CMP category requirements (like safety and medical ethics).
ASCLS Education/P.A.C.E. Programs: The Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education (P.A.C.E.®) system hosts and approves multi-format learning options, including webcasts, annual conferences, and professional journal modules.
Essential Course Categories to Target
To fulfill standard certification maintenance (such as ASCP's 36-point requirement over a 3-year cycle), look for courses distributed across these core topics:
Blood Banking / Immunohematology: Crucial for safety compliance; covers complex antibody identification and transfusion reactions (2 CE points minimum).
Clinical Chemistry: Updates on automated assay advancements, mass spectrometry, and cardiac or endocrine markers (2 CE points minimum).
Hematology & Coagulation: Focuses on advanced peripheral smear interpretation, leukemia/lymphoma markers, and coagulation disorders (2 CE points minimum).
Microbiology: Reviews in antibiotic resistance trends, emerging infectious diseases, and automated identification systems (2 CE points minimum).
If you'd like, let me know:
Your specific certification agency (ASCP, AMT, etc.)
Your upcoming renewal deadline or how many credits you still need
If you have a preferred learning format (short online modules vs. case studies)
I can help narrow down specific course packages or tracking tips!
If you’re a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), I’d prioritize continuing education that does two things: keeps your certification/license current and builds skills that make you more valuable in the lab.
If you hold MLT(ASCP), you need 36 CMP points every 3-year cycle: 2 points each in blood banking, chemistry, hematology and microbiology; 1 in laboratory/patient safety; 1 in medical ethics; and 26 in specialty/related areas.
ASCP has 400+ on-demand courses in its Unlimited Online CE package and also offers LabQ case-based learning, with up to 36 credits.
Best for: efficiently completing your ASCP requirements while learning relevant material.
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science offers webinars, online certificate courses, CE bundles and conferences through its Labucate platform. Many carry P.A.C.E.® credit, which is widely used for laboratory continuing education.
Best for: affordable online learning and exploring different specialties.
Molecular diagnostics — best career-growth option
Look for CE covering PCR, molecular testing, infectious-disease molecular assays, sequencing/NGS, and molecular quality control.
This is particularly useful if you want to move toward a molecular laboratory or eventually pursue an MLS/specialty credential.
Advanced hematology and coagulation
Excellent if you work in a hospital laboratory.
Focus on blood-cell morphology, differential interpretation, coagulation testing, platelet disorders and troubleshooting abnormal results.
These courses directly reinforce skills you're likely to use regularly.
Clinical chemistry
Good topics include QC/troubleshooting, immunoassay, endocrine testing, toxicology, instrumentation and analytical interference.
Particularly worthwhile if you work in a high-volume chemistry department.
Blood bank/transfusion medicine
Consider courses in antibody identification, transfusion reactions, blood compatibility, blood-bank quality management and new testing technologies.
This is one of the best areas for developing a specialized skill set.
Laboratory quality, safety and compliance
Don't overlook these. ASCP specifically requires an MLT to have laboratory/patient safety and medical ethics points.
Useful topics include CLIA, CAP, quality assurance, quality control, HIPAA, laboratory safety, competency assessment and error reduction.
What I'd choose personally
If your goal is career advancement, I'd build your CE portfolio roughly like this:
Area
Priority
Hematology/coagulation
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Microbiology/infectious disease
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Molecular diagnostics/PCR
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blood bank
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chemistry/immunoassay
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quality/safety
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Management/leadership
The important part is that ASCP doesn't require every CE course to come directly from ASCP. Courses from professional societies, universities, employers, and qualifying CE providers can count, provided they meet the CMP requirements and have appropriate CE/contact-hour documentation.
Also, ASCP specifically lists ASCLS among providers whose CE can automatically appear in your ASCP transcript.
If you tell me (1) whether you're MLT(ASCP), AMT, or another certification, (2) your state, and (3) whether you want free/cheap courses or don't mind paying, I can narrow this down to 10 specific courses you can take online right now, including cost and CE credits.
If you're a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in the U.S., the best continuing-education courses depend on whether your goal is maintaining certification, improving job skills, moving into a specialty, or preparing for MLS advancement.
Best CE areas for an MLT
Hematology
Peripheral blood smear interpretation
Coagulation testing
Anemia and hematologic disorders
Advanced CBC/differential interpretation
Clinical Chemistry
Electrolytes and acid-base
Liver and renal testing
Cardiac biomarkers
Quality control and troubleshooting analyzers
Microbiology
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Blood cultures
Molecular microbiology
Emerging infectious diseases
Blood Banking / Transfusion Medicine
Antibody identification
Transfusion reactions
Blood component selection
Immunohematology
Molecular Diagnostics
PCR and real-time PCR
Molecular infectious-disease testing
Genetic testing
Next-generation sequencing
Quality, Safety & Compliance
QC/QA
CLIA requirements
Laboratory safety
Risk management
HIPAA and medical ethics
My top recommendation: ASCP CE
If you're MLT(ASCP), American Society for Clinical Pathology is probably the most convenient place to start. ASCP's current MLT Credential Maintenance Program requires 36 points every three years, including 2 points each in blood banking, chemistry, hematology and microbiology, plus 1 point in laboratory/patient safety, 1 in medical ethics, and 26 points in specialty/related areas.
ASCP has an online library with 400+ on-demand courses, and its LabQ case-based program offers up to 36 credits.
CDC Laboratory Training is excellent if you want useful CE without spending much money. The CDC's Division of Laboratory Systems offers free training covering clinical and public-health laboratory practices, and many courses provide CE credit. CDC Laboratory Training is also an ASCLS P.A.C.E. provider.
Molecular diagnostics — excellent for expanding into higher-complexity testing.
Microbiology/antimicrobial susceptibility — particularly useful in hospital laboratories.
Blood banking — valuable specialty that can make you more versatile.
Quality management/CLIA — useful if you're interested in lead or supervisory positions.
Laboratory informatics/LIS — increasingly useful for career advancement.
MLS preparation courses — worthwhile if you're considering moving from MLT to MLS.
One important point: don't just collect random CE hours. If you're maintaining an ASCP MLT credential, make sure the courses satisfy the specific CMP categories you still need. ASCP accepts qualifying courses from professional societies, employers, universities, and approved CE providers, including online courses and webinars.
If you tell me (1) your certification (ASCP, AMT, etc.), (2) how many CE credits you need, and (3) whether you want free, low-cost, or premium courses, I can give you a specific list of 10–15 courses you can take online right now, including costs and CE credits.
The best continuing education (CE) options for a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) focus on P.A.C.E.® requirements, core lab disciplines, and state-mandated topics like medical ethics.
Top courses and providers include:
Comprehensive Subscription Packages
LabCE MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package : An industry standard providing 24/7 access to over 340 online courses across multiple lab disciplines.
ASCP Education : Offers targeted courses and podcasts for official credits to maintain Board of Certification credentials.
CAP Learning Hub : Features advanced training integrated with compliance and inspection programs.
High-Quality Free CE Providers
ARUP Laboratories : Provides free P.A.C.E.® video courses on molecular diagnostics and medical ethics.
CDC OneLab Network & CDC TRAIN : Delivers free webinars and modules focused on laboratory safety and biosafety.
Labroots : Offers free P.A.C.E.® credits via interactive webinars on emerging clinical topics.
Essential Specialization & Compliance Topics
Prioritize courses in emerging tech like AI in quality systems, core specialty refreshers for troubleshooting, and mandatory safety or ethics compliance.
What the Community Says
Lab professionals recommend utilizing free vendor archives and resources like Blood Bank Guy, ARUP, and CDC TRAIN to easily fulfill P.A.C.E. credits without waiting until the renewal deadline.
If you want to map out your upcoming renewal, let me know your certifying body, required credit hours, and preferred learning format to get tailored recommendations.
If you're a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) in the U.S., the best continuing education depends on whether your priority is maintaining certification, improving bench skills, specializing, or preparing for advancement to MLS.
Currently offers 344 courses and 264+ CE hours, covering hematology, chemistry, microbiology, blood banking, molecular diagnostics, safety, and laboratory management. Its courses carry ASCLS P.A.C.E.® credit, which is widely used for ASCP/AMT and state requirements.
Best for: Getting a lot of CE hours efficiently and studying entirely online.
Laboratory safety: OSHA, chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogens
Laboratory informatics: LIS, data quality, automation and emerging technologies
For example, LabCE currently lists courses on cold agglutinin and lipemia interference, antimicrobial resistance, laboratory spill management, Gram-stained smears, and non-conforming event management among its newer/revised offerings.
If you're ASCP-certified
Don't choose courses solely because they advertise "CEU." Check that the course meets your specific ASCP CMP requirements and keep your certificates/documentation. ASCP specifically accepts qualifying webinars, online courses, employer/vendor training, and relevant college coursework under its CE rules.
My short recommendation:
Need lots of CE quickly → LabCE
Want free, high-quality education → CDC
Want to specialize in blood bank → AABB
Want to move from MLT toward MLS → focus on advanced hematology, chemistry, microbiology, blood bank, molecular diagnostics, and university-level coursework
If you tell me your certification (ASCP, AMT, etc.), state, and whether you're interested in blood bank, microbiology, hematology, molecular, or moving up to MLS, I can narrow this down to the 10 best specific courses for you, including cost and CE hours.
