An individual who works under the direct supervision of a medical technologist, pathologist, physician, or qualified scientist in performing routine laboratory procedures requiring basic technical skills and minimal independent judgment in chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. There were 9,700 certified laboratory assistants (CLA) registered in 1973. Certification is awarded by the Board of Registry following successful completion of an examination. The requirements for taking the certifying examination include a high school diploma or equivalent, either graduation from an AMA-approved school or completion of a basic military laboratory course, and a year of experience.