Continuing education courses for medical lab technicians

If you’re a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), the best continuing-education courses are those that (1) count toward your certification renewal, (2) strengthen practical bench skills, and (3) add skills that make you more competitive for advancement.

My top CE recommendations

1. Best all-around option: LabCE

LabCE MLS & MLT CE courses

For someone who simply wants to knock out CE efficiently, this is probably my first choice. LabCE currently offers hundreds of MLT/MLS courses covering hematology, chemistry, microbiology, blood banking, molecular diagnostics, safety, QC, POCT and more. Its courses carry ASCLS P.A.C.E.® credits, which are accepted by ASCP and AMT and widely used for laboratory CE requirements.labce.com

The comprehensive package currently provides 345+ courses and 264+ CE hours for a year of access, so you can select courses specifically relevant to your career rather than taking one large formal class.labce.com

2. If you're maintaining MLT(ASCP)

This is particularly important: an MLT(ASCP) currently needs 36 CMP points every three-year cycle. The ASCP breakdown includes:

• 2 points each: blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology
• 1 point: laboratory/patient safety
• 1 point: medical ethics
• 26 points: specialty areas, immunology, molecular diagnostics, management, education, or other related laboratory areaswww.ascp.org

ASCP BOC MLT Credential Maintenance requirements

That means I would not spend all your CE hours on one subject. A smart strategy is to deliberately cover the four major disciplines first, then use the remaining points to build a specialty.

3. Best courses for career advancement

If your goal is more than just renewing your certification, I'd prioritize:

Molecular diagnostics → Blood banking → Advanced microbiology → QC/QA → POCT

Those areas can give you skills beyond the basic MLT curriculum and potentially position you for specialized laboratory work.

For example, current LabCE offerings include topics such as malaria and Babesia, Staphylococcus identification, hematology interferences, and point-of-care blood gas testing, showing the kind of focused CE available rather than just generic compliance training.labce.com

4. Don't overlook employer-provided CE

Your hospital/laboratory's instrument training, vendor training, in-service education, and structured competency programs can potentially count toward ASCP CMP. ASCP specifically recognizes qualifying employer/vendor-sponsored education when the appropriate contact hours/points and documentation are provided.www.ascp.org

So before paying for courses, check your employer's education portal.

If you're in Texas

Texas DSHS Continuing Education Program

Texas DSHS provides CE credits/contact hours for qualifying DSHS- and HHSC-sponsored educational events.www.dshs.texas.gov

However, don't assume that a course automatically satisfies your particular certification/license requirement—verify the applicable credentialing body's rules before taking it. ASCP also advises keeping certificates/documentation because CE activities can be audited.labce.com+1

My recommended MLT CE plan

If I were putting together a 36-point ASCP MLT cycle, I'd aim for something like:

Core foundation

• Hematology — 2+ points
• Chemistry — 2+
• Microbiology — 2+
• Blood banking — 2+

Required/supporting

• Laboratory safety/QC — 1+
• Ethics — 1+

Career-building

• Molecular diagnostics — 5–8
• Advanced microbiology or blood banking — 5–8
• QC/QA or laboratory management — 3–5
• POCT/immunology/other specialty — remaining points

That gives you CE that renews the credential while actually making you a stronger MLT.

If you tell me your certification (ASCP, AMT, etc.), your state, and whether you're interested in hospital lab, blood bank, microbiology, molecular, or moving toward MLS, I can narrow this down to 5–10 specific courses you can take online right now, including cost and CE credits.

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.labce.com

Top-rated resources, platforms, and specific course categories widely used by laboratory professionals include:

Top Continuing Education Platforms

1. 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.labce.com+1
2. 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.lp.ascp.org
3. 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.reddit.com

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).lp.ascp.org

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), the best continuing education program depends on whether you want to maintain your certification, earn professional development credits, specialize in a laboratory discipline, or qualify for career advancement.

If you're working in the United States, I recommend prioritizing programs that offer recognized laboratory continuing education (CE) credits, online coursework, and content relevant to your certification—particularly if you're certified through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Here are the main options worth comparing, including online programs and professional organizations.

Top-rated MLT continuing education options

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1. LabCE by MediaLab

(Best overall for online CE)

Online · Self-paced · Paid

LabCE offers hundreds of courses covering hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, blood banking, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory safety. Its comprehensive MLS/MLT package is listed at $109 for one year and includes 345 courses with more than 264 CE hours.www.labce.com+1

Best for: Completing certification-maintenance credits on your own schedule.

Explore LabCE courses and pricing

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2. ASCLS Labucate

Online courses · Webinars · Conferences

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science offers self-study courses, webinars, certificate courses, certification-maintenance packages, and live educational events. Its courses offer P.A.C.E.® credit, and members can access discounts and some free content.ascls.org+1

Best for: Professional development, networking, and structured learning beyond basic renewal requirements.

Explore ASCLS Labucate

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3. CDC OneLab REACH

(Best free option)

Online · On-demand · Free

The CDC's laboratory training platform offers courses and resources in laboratory fundamentals, microbiology, quality practices, biosafety, and CLIA requirements. Many courses provide P.A.C.E.® continuing education credit.reach.cdc.gov+1

Best for: Building practical skills and earning eligible CE credits without paying for a subscription.

Browse CDC OneLab REACH

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4. ASCP Continuing Education

Online resources · Professional education

ASCP provides continuing education resources and the official Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) framework for eligible ASCP-certified laboratory professionals. Its guidelines explain which CE activities count and how to document them.www.ascp.org+1

Best for: MLTs who hold the MLT(ASCP) credential and want to ensure their education aligns with renewal requirements.

View ASCP credential maintenance

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5. American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Professional education · Certification maintenance

AMT is another important route for certified Medical Laboratory Technicians. You can use qualifying continuing education activities to meet its certification-maintenance requirements; confirm that your selected courses and credits satisfy your AMT credential. LabCE is one provider whose P.A.C.E.® credits are accepted by AMT.www.labce.com+1

Best for: MLTs holding the MLT(AMT) credential.

Visit AMT

Which program should you choose?

These are my recommendations based on course breadth, credit recognition, flexibility, and cost—not a verified ranking of student satisfaction.

Important: Check your certification requirements

If you hold the MLT(ASCP) credential, the current CMP requires 36 points every three years, including specified points in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, laboratory or patient safety, and medical ethics. The remaining points may come from eligible specialty or related laboratory areas.www.ascp.org+1

Before paying for a program, check the precise requirements for your credential and any state license. P.A.C.E.® approval is a useful indicator, but the particular course must still meet your certifying organization's rules.

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Let me narrow this down for you

I can recommend the most suitable options based on your situation. Which certification do you currently hold?

1. Your certification

MLT(ASCP)

MLT(AMT)

Other certification or state license

Not yet certified / exploring options

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2. Your main goal

Renew my certification

Advance my career or qualify for promotions

Specialize in microbiology, hematology, blood bank, or another area

Earn college credits or pursue a higher degree

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3. Preferred budget

Free only

Under $100

$100–$300

Flexible if the program is worthwhile

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4. Preferred format

Online, self-paced

Live online classes or webinars

In-person classes or workshops

College courses or a formal certificate

[Find my best options]

For a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) looking to maintain certification (such as ASCP CMP or AMT ) or fulfill state licensure requirements, the top-rated continuing education (CE) programs and platforms are recognized for their accreditation under P.A.C.E.® (Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education) or direct association with major pathology and lab science organizations.ascls.org

The top-rated providers and platforms widely utilized by MLTs include:

1. ASCP Continuing Education (American Society for Clinical Pathology)
   • Overview: ASCP holds an elite ACCME Accreditation with Commendation and is a gold standard for lab professionals. They offer an expansive catalog of online courses, webinars, journal-based credits, and specialized certificate programs.
   • Highlights: Programs like LabQ (case-study learning) and Lab Management University (LMU) allow you to target specific diagnostic disciplines (microbiology, hematology, blood banking) or step into leadership.ascp.org+2
2. LabCE (by American Pathology Partners)
   • Overview: One of the most popular and budget-friendly subscription models for clinical lab staff. An annual subscription gives you unlimited access to a massive library of P.A.C.E.-approved online courses.
   • Highlights: Courses cover every core laboratory discipline. It features an automated tracking system that logs your completed P.A.C.E. credits and seamlessly syncs with your ASCP Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) declarations.clslicenserenewal.com
3. ASCLS (American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science) Education & Enterprise
   • Overview: As the premier professional society representing lab scientists and technicians, ASCLS manages the P.A.C.E. program itself. Their continuing education portal features targeted online modules, audio/video recordings from national/regional meetings, and collaborative webinars.
   • Highlights: Attending the ASCLS Annual Meeting or regional bi-state conferences provides exceptional live networking and hands-on CE credits.ascls.org
4. MedLab CE
   • Overview: Tailored specifically for medical laboratory scientists and technicians, MedLab CE provides straightforward, stress-free, and affordable online modules.
   • Highlights: Excellent for fast-paced credit acquisition with instantaneous certificate generation and clear categorization by specialty (e.g., clinical chemistry, immunology, urinalysis).clslicenserenewal.com
5. AMT (American Medical Technologists) eLearning
   • Overview: If you hold your MLT certification through AMT rather than or in addition to ASCP, the AMT Institute for Education offers targeted CE articles, interactive modules, and journal quizzes that automatically apply toward AMT certification renewal requirements.

If you'd like to narrow down your options, please let me know:

• Which certification agency you need to satisfy (e.g., ASCP, AMT)
• Your preferred learning format (subscription-based online packages, live webinars, or case-study deep dives)
• Your specific area of interest or need (e.g., microbiology, hematology, or lab management)

I can recommend a specific course package or subscription that fits your timeline and budget.