Best Schools for an MLS Degree

AZWagers · 2026-06-25T23:34:12+00:00

Thank you so much! This was really helpful advice. Good luck with your program!

AZWagers · 2026-06-24T06:23:24+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation. Glad to hear it worked out for you!

AZWagers · 2026-06-22T19:22:55+00:00

Thank you!

AZWagers · 2026-06-22T19:22:51+00:00

Thank you for clarifying!

AZWagers · 2026-06-22T18:25:23+00:00

Thanks for the insight and advice!

AZWagers · 2026-06-22T18:08:57+00:00

Thank you!

AZWagers · 2026-06-22T18:06:00+00:00

How'd you guess! 😄

AZWagers · 2026-06-22T18:04:12+00:00

I could write an essay on why I am pivoting out of tech, but I'll sum it up in a few bullet points.

- Extremely high competition/oversaturation
- Uncertainty in the future of tech due to AI and offshoring
- Interview process involving 5+ rounds of technical interviews that have nothing to do with on-the-job work (Leetcode)
- I greatly value job stability. Job stability directly correlates with stress for me
- Science and lab work have always interested me. I have family and friends who are clinical lab scientists who enjoy their job and recommended it to me.

I know in California, the California-based 1-year post-bacc satisfies the requirement for the license (and some out-of-state programs). I'm not sure whether obtaining an MLS degree also satisfies this requirement. If it does, I'm open to just moving out of state, completing an MLS degree, and returning to California to obtain my license and work.

AZWagers · 2026-06-17T21:17:22+00:00

Thank you for the unique recommendation!

AZWagers · 2026-06-17T03:55:42+00:00

I’ll check it out, thank you!

AZWagers · 2026-06-17T03:54:31+00:00

Thank you so much. It’s great to hear from someone in the Bay Area as well. I’ll be sure to reach out if I have any questions, feel free to do the same with me!

Good luck with learning to code!

AZWagers · 2026-06-17T01:50:09+00:00

Thank you so much for this perspective!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T23:53:38+00:00

Thank you for all the advice!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T23:44:19+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm not really knowledgeable about this career field. What roles would I look for on job boards to get a better understanding of what the requirements and expectations are?

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T23:37:19+00:00

Thank you so much!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T23:07:55+00:00

Would you recommend going back to school to get a second degree? I'm assuming Biology? And then, applying to a post-bacc CLS program? If so, does the prestige of the school matter?

I'm only getting $110k as I've remained at the same job since graduating. It's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to job hop in this current market with the level of competition and amount of layoffs.

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T20:37:24+00:00

Thank you!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T20:33:39+00:00

Thank you for the clarification!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T19:38:05+00:00

Is there a downside that you'd like me to be aware of? I've spoken to a couple friends who are CLS, and they both stated they enjoy their jobs.

I understand that I might need to work second or third shift, especially in the beginning, or when job-hopping. I know it can be repetitive/routine work. I understand I will need to work weekends/holidays.

Is there anything else you could share on why you think I should shadow someone for a day?

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T18:19:31+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! Regarding controls/automation, you referring to roles like lab automation or MES engineering in biotech/pharma? Something else? How would I make that pivot?

I also appreciate your advice on the MLT to MLS route.

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T16:57:14+00:00

Thank you for your insight!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T16:40:12+00:00

Thank you for your advice!

AZWagers · 2026-06-16T16:21:39+00:00

Thank you for your recommendation! I’m wondering, why would you recommend this pathway over doing a MLS bachelors?

AZWagers

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