What You Need to Work in the USA as a Canadian or Mexican MLT
If you are a Canadian or Mexican Medical Laboratory Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist dreaming about working in the USA, there is one major step you need to handle early; getting certified. Almost every U.S. hospital and laboratory will ask for ASCP, ASCPi, or AMT certification before they will hire you under a TN visa or any direct hire role.
These certifications prove that your education, skills, and clinical training meet American standards. They also make your hiring and border crossing much smoother. Below is an updated, research based guide on how to get certified, how it works in Canada and Mexico, what it costs, and what ASCP recently updated on their website.
Understanding the Three Major Credentials
ASCP
- American Society for Clinical Pathology.
- Used mainly by U.S. educated applicants.
ASCPi
- The international version of ASCP.
- Designed for internationally educated MLTs and MLSs, including those from Canada and Mexico.
- You write the exact same exam as ASCP; the eligibility pathways differ.
AMT
- American Medical Technologists.
- Another well accepted U.S. certification. Some employers accept both ASCP and AMT; others strongly prefer ASCP.
What ASCP Recently Updated
ASCP’s latest “Similarities and Differences” information clarified key points;
- ASCP and ASCPi use the same exam.
- ASCPi does not require your clinical experience to be recent.
- ASCPi applicants can come from Ministry approved or nationally recognized foreign programs.
- ASCPi holders can convert to ASCP after five years of qualifying lab experience.
- ASCP certification does not replace state licensing; some U.S. states require both.
These updates make the process clearer for Canadian and Mexican professionals planning the move.
ASCPi; The Most Common Route for Canadians and Mexicans
Verify your education
You need;
- A bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science; or
- A diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology; or
- Equivalent training with required clinical hours.
Transcript evaluation
ASCP requires a course by course evaluation for anyone educated outside the USA or Canada.
- Canada; usually not required unless you hold a non degree credential.
- Mexico; translation and evaluation are typically required.
Typical cost; CAD or USD $150 to $300+.
Apply online
You will submit;
- Transcripts
- Evaluation
- Proof of clinical experience, if required
- The ASCPi application form
Pay your ASCPi exam fee
ASCP lists two main prices;
- Standard international rate; US $210
- LMIC rate; US $95
Mexico qualifies for LMIC pricing if you studied and currently live in Mexico.
Canada does not qualify.Write the exam
- About 100 multiple choice questions.
- Computer adaptive format.
- Around 2.5 hours.
- Taken at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.
Renew your credential
Renew every three years via ASCP’s Credential Maintenance Program.
Fee; US $95.
ASCP; Who Qualifies for the Domestic Route?
A small number of Canadians may qualify for ASCP instead of ASCPi if they;
- Completed a U.S. clinical internship; or
- Attended a U.S. accredited MLS program; or
- Have U.S. based experience that meets ASCP requirements.
The exam remains the same; the eligibility is different.
AMT Certification; A Valid Alternative
Some U.S. labs and states accept AMT; others prefer ASCP. Always confirm with the employer or state.
How to qualify
- A bachelor’s degree in MLS; or
- An MLT diploma with defined clinical experience.
Fees
- U.S. and Canadian applicants; US $245.
- International applicants; US $225.
Exam content
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Blood banking
- Immunology
- Lab operations
Annual renewal and continuing education are required to keep AMT certification active.
Country Specific Guidance
Canadians
- ASCPi is the route for most applicants.
- Fee is typically US $210 plus any evaluation costs.
- Canadian accreditation generally aligns well with ASCPi requirements.
Mexicans
- ASCPi is the main path, and Mexico qualifies for the US $95 LMIC rate.
- Transcript translation and evaluation are usually required.
- AMT is an option, but ASCPi is more widely preferred by U.S. employers.
Pricing Overview
| Item | Canada | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| ASCPi Exam Fee | US $210 | US $95 LMIC |
| AMT Exam Fee | US $245 | US $225 |
| Transcript Evaluation | CAD or USD $150 to $300 | MXN $2500 to $6000+ |
| ASCP Renewal | US $95 every 3 years | US $95 every 3 years |
| AMT Renewal | Annual renewal | Annual renewal |
Converting ASCPi to ASCP
After five years of acceptable laboratory experience, ASCPi holders can apply to convert their credential to the domestic ASCP through “Eligibility Route 5”.
This helps long term career mobility in the USA; it does not replace TN visa or immigration rules.
Verifying Your ASCP or ASCPi Credential
Before you start a U.S. job or head to the border for your TN visa, your certification must be verifiable. ASCP provides an official verification tool; U.S. hospitals often verify your certification before issuing your start date. Some include the verification in your TN document package. Border officers may not always request it; however, when they do, having your employer complete the verification helps prevent delays during entry.
Final Takeaway
If your goal is to work in the USA, certification is not optional. Start early; gather transcripts; complete your evaluation; choose ASCPi or AMT; write the exam; and make sure your certification is verifiable so your TN visa process is smooth.
