What makes a great Medical Laboratory Technician resume?

A great Medical Laboratory Technician resume should highlight key clinical skills such as specimen collection, laboratory testing, and knowledge of medical equipment. It should also emphasize certifications, technical proficiency, and attention to detail. Tailoring the resume to reflect the specific job requirements, and showcasing relevant experience and accomplishments, will make it stand out in a competitive job market.

What sections should be included in a Medical Laboratory Technician resume?

A Medical Laboratory Technician resume should include sections like a professional summary, skills, work experience, education, certifications, and any relevant professional development or continuing education. Make sure to include your technical proficiencies, laboratory procedures you are familiar with, and any specialized certifications that can give you an edge in the job market.

How can Medical Laboratory Technicians showcase their skills on a resume?

Medical Laboratory Technicians can showcase their skills by providing specific examples of their technical expertise, such as proficiency in laboratory tests, use of diagnostic equipment, and experience in maintaining safety protocols. Including quantifiable achievements, such as improving lab efficiency or ensuring error-free results, can further highlight your capabilities and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

How should Medical Laboratory Technicians highlight their certifications on a resume?

Certifications should be prominently displayed on a Medical Laboratory Technician resume, ideally in a separate section dedicated to credentials. List all relevant certifications such as ASCP, AMT, and any specialized lab certifications you hold. Be sure to include the certification dates and indicate whether they are current or expired, as some employers require up-to-date credentials.

What mistakes should Medical Laboratory Technicians avoid on their resume?

Common mistakes to avoid on a Medical Laboratory Technician resume include listing irrelevant job experience, using generic language, or omitting essential certifications and skills. Additionally, failing to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors or making the resume too lengthy can detract from its effectiveness. A concise, clear, and focused resume will make a stronger impression on hiring managers.

Top certifications for aspiring Medical Assistants

Aspiring Medical Assistants can benefit from certifications such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). These certifications validate proficiency in clinical and administrative tasks, enhance job prospects, and may lead to higher salaries and specialized roles in fields like phlebotomy or EKG technology.

What role do Medical Assistants play in the patient care team?

Medical Assistants (MAs) serve as integral members of the patient care team by performing both clinical and administrative tasks. They prepare patients for exams, assist during procedures, and maintain accurate medical records. Their support allows physicians and nurses to focus on diagnosis and treatment, making MAs essential to the seamless functioning of healthcare teams.

What makes a great Medical Assistant resume?

A strong Medical Assistant (MA) resume is essential for landing interviews and advancing in the healthcare field. Whether you're applying for your first MA position or seeking to move into a more specialized role, your resume should clearly showcase your clinical skills, administrative experience, certifications, and ability to provide compassionate patient care. Hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, so a well-organized, keyword-rich document tailored to the job can make all the difference.

1. Choose a Clear and Professional Format

Start with a clean, organized format that makes your qualifications easy to read. Use headers, bullet points, and consistent formatting to highlight each section clearly.

Use a reverse-chronological structure to list experience
Stick to one page if entry-level, or two pages for experienced professionals
Choose a simple, legible font (e.g., Arial or Calibri)

A professional layout ensures your resume is both visually appealing and ATS-friendly.

2. Write a Strong Professional Summary

A brief summary at the top of your resume can capture the attention of employers quickly. Focus on your experience level, key strengths, and career goals.

Example: “Certified Medical Assistant with 4+ years of experience in outpatient settings, skilled in EHR documentation, patient preparation, and administrative support.”
Tailor this section for each job you apply to

Your summary should position you as a qualified, confident candidate ready to contribute immediately.

3. Highlight Certifications and Licensure

Certifications are essential for most MA roles and should be listed prominently near the top of your resume.

Include CMA, RMA, CCMA, NCMA, or other certifications
Mention CPR and BLS certifications with expiration dates
Indicate the issuing organization (e.g., AAMA, AMT, NHA)

Up-to-date credentials show employers you're compliant and prepared for clinical duties.

4. Emphasize Relevant Clinical and Administrative Experience

In the work experience section, focus on tasks and accomplishments that align with the responsibilities of the role you're applying for.

Take vital signs, assist with exams, prepare and sterilize instruments
Manage patient flow, update medical records, verify insurance
Include quantifiable achievements when possible (e.g., “Assisted with 20+ patient visits per shift”)

Use action verbs like “coordinated,” “documented,” and “supported” to add energy to your descriptions.

5. List Key Skills and Competencies

A dedicated skills section helps recruiters quickly assess your capabilities. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to MA roles.

Hard skills: EHR systems (e.g., Epic), phlebotomy, injections, medical terminology
Soft skills: communication, empathy, attention to detail, teamwork

Tailor this section to each job description by mirroring key terms from the posting.

6. Include Your Education

List your formal education, including your medical assistant training program and any additional coursework relevant to healthcare.

Program name and institution
Graduation date or expected completion
Honors or GPA if notable

Educational background reassures employers of your formal training and preparation.

7. Use Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many employers use software to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. Including relevant keywords improves your chances of passing the ATS filter.

Scan job listings for terms like “vital signs,” “patient intake,” “insurance verification,” or “rooming patients”
Incorporate these phrases naturally into your resume

Proper keyword use increases visibility and gets your resume into the hands of recruiters.

8. Proofread and Keep It Updated

Spelling and formatting errors can hurt your credibility, no matter how experienced you are.

Review carefully for typos and grammar issues
Update your resume regularly with new skills or job experience
Have a peer or mentor review it before submission

A polished resume reflects professionalism and attention to detail—traits every healthcare employer values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great Medical Laboratory Technician resume?: A great Medical Laboratory Technician resume should highlight key clinical skills such as specimen collection, laboratory testing, and knowledge of medical equipment. It should also emphasize certifications, technical proficiency, and attention to detail. Tailoring the resume to reflect the specific job requirements, and showcasing relevant experience and accomplishments, will make it stand out in a competitive job market.
What sections should be included in a Medical Laboratory Technician resume?: A Medical Laboratory Technician resume should include sections like a professional summary, skills, work experience, education, certifications, and any relevant professional development or continuing education. Make sure to include your technical proficiencies, laboratory procedures you are familiar with, and any specialized certifications that can give you an edge in the job market.
How can Medical Laboratory Technicians showcase their skills on a resume?: Medical Laboratory Technicians can showcase their skills by providing specific examples of their technical expertise, such as proficiency in laboratory tests, use of diagnostic equipment, and experience in maintaining safety protocols. Including quantifiable achievements, such as improving lab efficiency or ensuring error-free results, can further highlight your capabilities and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Top certifications for aspiring Medical Assistants: Aspiring Medical Assistants can benefit from certifications such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). These certifications validate proficiency in clinical and administrative tasks, enhance job prospects, and may lead to higher salaries and specialized roles in fields like phlebotomy or EKG technology. Learn more on our Top Certifications for Medical Assistants page.
What role do Medical Assistants play in the patient care team?: Medical Assistants (MAs) serve as integral members of the patient care team by performing both clinical and administrative tasks. They prepare patients for exams, assist during procedures, and maintain accurate medical records. Their support allows physicians and nurses to focus on diagnosis and treatment, making MAs essential to the seamless functioning of healthcare teams. Learn more on our How MAs Collaborate With Healthcare Teams page.