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  • 1.  CLIA requires U.S equivalence to work in the U.S.

    Posted 08-13-2024 10:58

    Good day all,

    I am a Medical Technologist from Jamaica and worked for over 6 years there. I moved to the U.S. and did the ASCP route 1. Now I am working in a clinic that performs only waived tests and CLIA, their governing body, says they do not accept my MLS(ASCPi)Cm and is asking for a U.S equivalence. I was told to reach out to ASCP and ask but the agent says they do not provide that document and mentioned I had to verify through route 5 with transcript and 5 years of experience. I really did not understand the instructions given and the agent seemed aggravated with me asking her to clarify so I may have to call again. Can anyone explain why I need to go through all this being internationally certified?

    Greatly appreciate some insight. 

    C.V



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    Chantelle Wynter Technologist/Scientist, non-supervisor (CT,MLS,MT)
    Sherwood AR
    (443)735-2406
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  • 2.  RE: CLIA requires U.S equivalence to work in the U.S.

    Posted 08-13-2024 12:12

    Hi Chantelle,

    The clinic is correct.  CLIA requires any foreign degree/education to be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an accredited body regardless of any certification the individual may hold.  Some accredited evaluating organizations can be found at https://www.naces.org/members.



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    Darryl Elzie Administrative Laboratory Manager
    Bealeton VA
    (757)696-5423
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: CLIA requires U.S equivalence to work in the U.S.

    Posted 08-13-2024 15:38
    Edited by Chantelle Valcin 08-13-2024 17:29


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    Chantelle Wynter Technologist/Scientist, non-supervisor (CT,MLS,MT)
    AR
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: CLIA requires U.S equivalence to work in the U.S.

    Posted 08-13-2024 17:23

    Thank you so much for sharing. It feels frustrating because ASCP has to screen your transcript and training document to even allow you to do the exam in the first place and now I have to pay $250 for the same exam body to determine/ evaluate that my programme is good enough compared to the U.S where the exam was set in the first place? It's so hard to wrap my head around it but I just have to go with it anyhow.



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    Chantelle Wynter Technologist/Scientist, non-supervisor (CT,MLS,MT)
    AR
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    Original Message