The history of American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) — previously the American Society for Medical Technology (ASMT) — reflects our professoinal association's many contributions to the profession and practitioners in clinical laboratory science.
rganized in 1933 and incorporated in 1936, the Society faced many of the same growth challenges encountered by other health professionals. Its first efforts were in credibility; that is, being known as a society holding the highest standards. Thus, in early years, members were required to be certified by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). For ASMT, the 1930s saw the inception of a journal, the establishment of a Constitution and Bylaws, the emergence of state charters, and educating the public about the profession.

In the 1940s, new issues evolved regarding professional independence, obtaining commissions (officer's status) with the Armed Services, representation in credentialing involving the Board of Registry of ASCP (certification) and the accreditation of education programs by the Board of Schools. Membership grew, largely because of the Society's advocacy of properly educated and credentialed personnel. Though earlier national meetings were held in conjunction with physician groups, by 1947 ASMT held its first independent convention. Laboratory personnel were in short supply, and educational programs grew.

The 1950s were marked again by attempts to achieve professional status with the Civil Service and the Armed Forces, together with attempts to upgrade educational/certification qualifications. The advancement of scholarship in the field, e.g., via the first paper on quality control, and the formation of the ASMT Education and Research Fund to advance research efforts were major contributions.

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