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I am often asked how to find a sponsor and begin working in the United States. My answer is always the same:Are you prepared to take on the challenge in every dimension—emotionally, professionally, financially, andpersonally?

Moving to the United States for work can create valuable career opportunities, but it may also involve separationfrom loved ones, adjustment to a new workplace culture, unfamiliar systems, and a demanding credentialing andimmigration process. Preparation is essential—not only for securing a job, but also for building a sustainable lifeand career.

 

Working in the U.S. as an Internationally Educated Laboratory Professional

Internationally educated medical laboratory scientists can work in the United States. However, the process maybe challenging because employers and individual states may require certification, education equivalency,documented clinical experience, and, in some cases, state licensure.

1.   Get Your Foreign Education Evaluated

Your degree may need to be evaluated to determine whether it is equivalent to a U.S. degree. For ASCPcertification, foreign transcripts may need to be reviewed by an approved evaluation agency, sometimes through adetailed course-by-course report.

Differences in coursework may affect your eligibility. For example, your academic record may need todemonstrate sufficient credits in subjects such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, and other required areas.

International medical laboratory scientists may also need a VisaScreen certificate. It is a federal credential-screening service required under Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Actof 1996. It verifies that foreign-educated health care professionals meet U.S. standards for education, licensure,and English proficiency before obtaining a permanent or temporary occupational visa.

2.   Prepare for a U.S. Certification Exam

The ASCP Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) is one of the major certification organizations for laboratoryprofessionals. Internationally educated applicants may qualify for the MLS(ASCPi) credential through severaleducation and experience pathways.

Requirements depend on your degree, laboratory training, and professional experience.

ASCP and ASCPi use the same examination question pool, but their eligibility requirements differ. Review thecurrent requirements carefully before choosing your pathway.

3.   Check State Licensing Requirements

Certification and the legal ability to work are not always the same. Some states have their own licensingrequirements for laboratory personnel, while others may establish different requirements for specific roles or employers.

Before applying for jobs, check the requirements of both the state where you plan to work and the prospectiveemployer. State-specific requirements can make moving between states more complicated.

4.   Document Your Clinical Experience

Your international laboratory experience may count toward certification eligibility, but it must meet the applicablerequirements and be properly documented. Depending on the certification pathway, qualifying experience mayneed to include areas such as chemistry, hematology and coagulation, urinalysis and body fluids, microbiology,and immunology.

Documentation can be difficult if a former employer or school is unable to provide the required verification.Contact previous institutions early and make sure your records are complete, authentic, and submitted according to the applicable guidelines.

5.   Understand Immigration and Work Authorization

Having an MLS qualification does not, by itself, give you permission to work in the United States. You needappropriate U.S. work authorization or an immigration pathway that permits employment.

Certification, immigration status, and employment authorization are separate parts of the process. Receiving aprofessional credential does not replace federal immigration requirements or state employment regulations.

6.   Build U.S. Workplace Readiness

Some employers prefer candidates who already have U.S. laboratory experience or familiarity with U.S.laboratory information systems, quality-control procedures, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards.

This can create a frustrating situation: “You need U.S. experience to get a job, but you need a job to get U.S.experience.” To prepare, learn as much as possible about U.S. laboratory terminology, documentation practices,safety expectations, quality systems, and professional communication.

7.   Expect Differences in Laboratory Practice

Even experienced technologists may need time to become familiar with U.S. procedures, instrumentation,terminology, documentation standards, quality systems, and regulatory expectations. Being open to training,asking questions, and carefully following established procedures can make the transition smoother.

 

The Good News

Being internationally educated does not automatically mean that you must return to school for a four-year U.S.degree. ASCP offers specific international eligibility routes. For example, one MLS(ASCPi) pathway may accept aforeign bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or medical technology along with an appropriate clinicaltraining program, while other pathways may rely on documented clinical experience.

A Typical Pathway

1. Review the current certification and VisaScreen requirements.

2. Have your foreign education evaluated by an approved agency, if required.

3. Gather documentation of your education, clinical training, and professional experience.

4. Determine whether you qualify for the MLS(ASCPi) examination or another applicable pathway.

5. Check the licensing requirements of the state where you plan to work.

6. Secure the appropriate immigration status and employment authorization.

7. Prepare for U.S. laboratory procedures, workplace expectations, and professional communication.

8. Apply for positions that match your qualifications and authorization to work.

 

Before You Pursue a Sponsor

Finding an employer sponsor is only one part of the journey. Before accepting an opportunity, ask yourselfwhether you are prepared for the credentialing process, possible delays, relocation costs, cultural and workplaceadjustments, new professional expectations, and the emotional impact of being away from family and familiarsupport systems.

A successful transition requires more than professional qualifications. It requires planning, resilience, flexibility,financial preparation, and a willingness to continue learning.

 

Start With Your Personal Road Map

Your most practical pathway will depend on four key details:

1. Your country of education

2. Your degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

3. Your number of years of laboratory experience

4. The U.S. state where you plan to work

 

Use these details to identify the certification, licensing, documentation, and work-authorization requirementsthat apply to your situation. Requirements can change, so always verify current information directly with therelevant certification organization, state agency, employer, and qualified immigration professional whenappropriate.

 

Final thought: The U.S. workplace can offer meaningful opportunities, but preparation is your strongest tool fornavigating the transition. Take time to understand the requirements, organize your documents, and plan for the personalchallenges that may arise. Approach the process with patience and purpose, and carefully consider whether this decision is right for you.

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References:

1. ASCP: www.ascp.org/boc/earn-a-credential/application-process/documentation-guidelines/acceptable-education

2. ASCP: www.ascp.org/boc/earn-a-credential/application-process/documentation-guidelines/foreign-transcript-evaluations

 

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology: www.ascp.org/boc/explore-credentials/view-all-credentials/MLS

2. American Society for Clinical Pathology: www.ascp.org/boc/explore-credentials/eligibility-pathways/similarities-differences

3. American Society for Clinical Pathology: www.ascp.org/boc/earn-a-credential/application-process/documentation-guidelines/letter-of-authenticity-requirements

4. CGFNS International (now TruMerit): https://www.trumerit.org/services/certification/visascreen-visa-credentials-assessment/digital-certificate/