Currently taking prerequisites at a cc since my first undergrad was in art (ouch.) My goal is to have an interesting job that gives me a comfortable life. Sometimes I have my doubts because I see a lot of negativity online towards MLS especially in places like reddit in r/medlabprofessionals. There are lots of unhappy MLTS and MTs. I also look up salaries and it seems pretty so-so the way some areas pay their techs vs others. I am a bit worried. Considering nursing school as well. I'm not concerned with making six figures, but I do want to be comfortable. Comfortable to me is at least $30 per/hr starting. I just want to have a return on my investment in time and money. I really wish I could go back to my 18 year old self and say that I can do science/math if I just put in the work so I could have had a stable job by now. Two more years of balancing between work/school ugh.. :(
Don’t worry, I know everything will work out for you! Sometimes I definitely wish I had gotten a different degree other than biology but it’s all about exploring your options and keeping an open mind! Unfortunately most things are trial and error lol. But I definitely understand the stress of trying to get the right investment on your time in the long run. Also remember that people are more inclined to share their dislikes or complaints about something before they share the positive. Definitely keep exploring all your options, you may find something that interests you more than being on the bench in a lab or nursing. Good luck with everything! ☺️
I’m currently getting a bachelors in biology with a minor and chemistry I should be done in two semesters, and the thought of going back to school to become a medical lab scientist is so discouraging. i’m hoping because I’ve worked in a few medical laboratories and have experience working in a laboratory setting. It will help me to get a job with my degree alone.
Thank you so much. I have an international degree in microbiology. Worked in a pharmaceutical company as Quality control for three months and probably a month in lab. Now i am in the us. I dont know if i should start off as lab assistant for a whole year then take cls exam or what can i do with my degree(from Nigeria) but now in usa
I graduated with a BS in Biomedical Lab Science in 2017, instead of finding a program to gain experience then take the exam to get certified, I made a dumb choice of starting a business with my ex at the time. Now I'm struggling...
I was wondering is there a clinical lab assistant to clinical lab scientist bridge program? What is the best route for someone that is a certified clinical lab assistant to become a clinical lab scientist?
I graduated in 2002 with a degree in biology however I took a different path with my career after college . I am now interested in MLS or CLS. I know I can go back to school for a certificate but because it's been so many years I don't remember much of what I was taught. If I get involved in a certificate program, am I going to be super lost??
Hi I’m from North Carolina and I’m currently not able to make it to the campus that has the MLT Program so I was thinking of taking this associates degree in MLT at an online college but I’m wondering would an employer hire someone who went to college online only? Have you heard of anyone getting hired with getting their associates degree in MLT ONLINE ONLY???
Hi, I’m assuming that if there are MLT programs 100% online that the school offering these programs should have statistics on and be able to speak about how successful (or unsuccessful) their graduates are at finding employment after graduating. You should definitely ask the school about student employment after graduation as I’m unfamiliar with MLT programs.
Hi, I'm from Poland and I have a master's degree in biotechnology, currently working in a hospital diagnostic department as a laboratory diagnostician, I am considering specializing in microbiology or clinical analytics to be able to validate test results. Is specialization in Poland equivalent to ASCP/MLS/CLS/MT ( AAB) or do I need to do it in the U.S.? Thank You
I am completing my degree in biology and considering the certification route instead of the second degree, do you think I would have a much harder time finding a job as a CLS compared to someone who decided to get the second degree?
So are you certified? I have a Neuroscience degree and 7 years of lab experience, but it seems like when job hunting now employers specifically want the certification despite my experience.
Hi! No I don’t have a certification. I typically see the most job listings not requiring certification on Indeed or thought recruiters on LinkedIn. I’m not sure what type of lab(s) you’ve worked in but maybe you’ll have luck looking there!
